Teresa of Calcutta: Serving the Poorest of the Poor

The Sowers

by D. Jeanene Watson, Robert Lawson (Illustrator), Louis H. Rock (Editor)

Celebrating Christian Mother Teresa These biographies offer parents a chance to teach their children about the Christ-inspired paths many heroic people have traveled, like Mother Teresa. This provides an overview of her life, and how her actions have impacted history and our present day lives. All presented in an engaging way to both educate and entertain. Teach your kids about one of the greatest Christian leaders of the world, Mother Teresa! It’s more important than ever for young people to learn about the many Christian heroes in world history. In this book and the other books in our Sower Series biographies, you can read for yourself from the actual pen of historical figures on their relationship to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You’ll be surprised to learn all about what has been left out of the history books. Perfect for inclusion in homeschool curriculum, or as a read-aloud for the whole family. This religious biography for children was designed for reading ages 10-15 and reading grades 5-9. Learn all about Mother Teresa’s relationship to God and Christianity, how that relationship affected her decisions, and led her to dedicate her life to helping others! Christian character is a precious gift that often isn’t talked about in our schools. Now there are books that can teach your children about the Christian heroes of history! “We are desperately in need of inspiring Christian models with which our young people can identify.” - James Dobson “Our young people need heroes to follow of the caliber exemplified in the Mott Media Sowers Series of World Heroes” - Tim LaHaye

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Christian, Childrens, School, Religion

172 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1984

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see this book on our list to read aloud because I didn't know much about Mother Teresa's life story. The kids and I enjoyed it so much. They did not want me to stop reading each time we sat down to dive into this story. It starts out talking about her youth and how she ended up in India. Then, you see how her heart for the poor is formed and how God uses her life to reach so many people around the world. She truly lived out loving your neighbor as yourself and her humble life, love for others, and faith in God is incredibly inspiring. I would recommend it!

[LaRae☕️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's biography of Mother Teresa is excellent. It's a fantastic introduction to her life and work, and a great book for teaching kids about mission.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother Teresa ministered to the poor and downtrodden because she believed and then acted on what Jesus said, “Whatever you do to the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” She knew that when she cared for a dying person, she was showing love to Jesus.

This was a great book to read with the kids as an example of faith in action. First Teresa was a teacher in India behind the convent walls, but some of her students were ministering to the poor in the slums and asked her to accompany them. To walk beyond those walls was difficult at first, but her heart was soon aflame for the needs she saw around her. What a reminder of the impact that youth can have on their elders in spurring them on to charity.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. To be sure, it's simple and very comprehendible for a young reader, but on account of the subject, the book was very inspiring and emotionally moving.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with many of the books I read with my children while homeschooling them, I was amazed at the depth of this biography and how interesting it was to read. It was a long time since I read this book (I have no idea why this wasn't reviewed a millenia ago) but I do remember being so impressed with this story. I really didn't know much about Mother Theresa before picking this up, other than in the most general of terms. Wow, what an impressive lady. What an impressive life. I'm glad I read this.

[Amy de Raaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We will never be able to care for all orphans, cure all diseases, feed all the hungry, or treat all the lepers," she admitted. "Our purpose is not to cure the world's problems, but to demonstrate Christian love."

An amazing biography of an amazing woman!

Mother Teresa's life was full of hardship, and yet she lived with such a giving heart, with so much grace and grit. She gave freely as she knew her Lord Jesus would, she lived her faith. She was a true emoident of peace, she loved with her whole being, providing care for the poorest of the poor in Calcutta's slums.

This book brought me to tears a few times, what an incredible person she was who brought so much change to a hurting, sick, and dying world. She was a true inspiration, and it's not a wonder that she received the Nobel Peace prize for her great humanitarian work in 1979.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some annoying typos, but this is a nice bio of her life.

[Brandi Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. She truly showed the love of Christ through her work and was selfless.

[Kayla Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly inspiring look into her life and missionary work.

[Scott Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part was when she was delivering her acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. One of her coworkers began smiling as she recognized the speech. It was the same speech that Teresa had given so many other times to so many other kinds of people. Teresa did not feel the need to change the way she spoke just because she was in front of a crowd of nobles. It just didn't matter who Teresa was talking to, they were all the same to her: image-bearers of God.

But we mustn't think she gave that same speech out of spite. The authors are careful to point out that Teresa shattered another set of expectations. Some thought, that because she loved the poor so much, she would despise the rich (the "1%"). Not so. They are all image-bearers of God.

Yet again, she just won't fit in a political category. "At a time when most people believed poverty could only be overcome by spending huge amounts of money and starting vast social programs, Teresa took a different approach. She aimed her energies at specific goals, working with people on a one-to-one basis." Quoting Teresa, the authors record, "I believe in person-to-person; every person is Christ for me, and since there is only one Jesus, that person is the only person in the world for me at that time."

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Serving the Poorest of the Poor*, This is a well written bio of Mother Theresa, formerly known as Agnes Gorxha Bojaxhiu. When she was just 18, she joined the Loreto sisters. Just a few months later, she was working in India. And there she was until her death in 1997 at the age of 87. God called her to care for the people who had no-one to love them. She patterned her life after poverty and became poor by choice.
She became known world-wide and received many awards and medals for her work and yet she remained extremely humble. This story really goes in depth so you can truly discover who she was. Recommended for everyone- young and old :)

[Vinna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for adults and youth! This book tells us about the joy and struggle of Mother Theresa. This a quote from the book:
" Let kindness be in your face, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Never think in terms of a crowd, only of one person. Finally, treat the poor alike whether they be Hindu, Christian, or Moslem. Yes, treat them all the same. We are not neutral concerning our religion; let your lives preach Christ."

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad my son and I could read this together. Mother Teresa is a great example to us all of the amazing things you can do for others when your heart is full of love for others. I️ hadn’t realized what she had done for the dying, the lepers, children, etc. I️ am grateful to have read this book.

[mairiachi]

Boring, tedious, and Catholic. Mother Teresa was so sugar sweet she gave me cavities (and from the looks of her teeth on the cover, she might have some, too). Recommended by someone who was trying to help me write a paper about her. It didn't help, but probably because I couldn't get past the first few pages.

[Callie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple introduction to the life of Mother Teresa. I really didn't know much about her at all before I read this so it was interesting just to get some insight on her life and work. This is a book for young adults so I'd be interested to read something about her life that was written for adults.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspirational woman! This book, though written simply for children & early teens, conveyed the truth of Mother Teresa's life. She worked for God alone and trusted in Him with all her heart. Her humor and tenacity came through so clearly. This book was a delight to read.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother Teresa is a fascinating woman! I thought I knew about her, but there is so much I didn't know! She was such an example of faith, peace, kindness and love to the poor and unwanted of Calcutta, that the whole world can learn a lot from her. One person at a time, spread the love of Christ.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully thorough biography of Mother Teresa. It was easy to read and kept me engaged. I learned quite a bit about her life and those that influenced her and who she influenced. I would highly recommend it for all ages.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting!

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so cool learning about this woman who gave up everything for God! :)

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring!

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really makes you thankful for all you have. Some scenes were slightly disturbing, but they are worth it.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find the woman absolutely fascinating.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book about a remarkable example of being Jesus' hands and feet.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. I learned much about an amazing woman!

[Jo Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard and I enjoyed reading this one together. It was amazing to see how God worked through this very humble woman who, in my eyes at least, exemplified God's love.

[Lobug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an amazing woman. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Christine Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this book as a read aloud with the kids. Makes me want to know more about her - esp. her thoughts on ministry to the poor.

[Dawn Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, short biography. For a world-famous figure, I knew very little of the details of her life and ministry. What an incredible story!

[Shannon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. So did Hayden. So very impressed with this woman. She was truly amazing.