The Sew and Tell Project

Hello, friends! I know it’s been a bit since I’ve shown my face here at Sew and Tell Project. Our family was blessed with our sixth baby last year and our family life has been bustling.

I couldn’t resist, however, when one of my favorite Catholic publishers, Holy Heroes, reached out to see if I would like an advanced copy of Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Amazing Discovery of a Teenager in Heaven by Sabrina Arena Ferrisi. I wanted to share my review of the book today as well as a coupon code to get your own copy!

As soon as my advance copy of the book arrived, it disappeared into the hands of my 13-year-old daughter. She was raised on Glory Stories so I was curious what she would think of the book. She enjoyed it so much, she finished it in one afternoon. Even though Bl. Carlo Acutis died 16 years ago his life story is still relatable to today’s teens.

Next, my 8-year-old daughter read the book and also enjoyed it. The suggested reading age is for 11 and up, however, I did not find any content inappropriate for her age unless a child is sensitive to discussions of sickness and death.

Finally, it was my turn to read the book. As a millenial Catholic myself, I was curious to read more about Blessed Carlo’s life after hearing tidbits about him since his beatification in 2020. I had pieced together through social media posts that he was young, Catholic, Italian, wealthy, a gamer, and a computer whiz.

Until I read Ferrisi’s book, I had no idea of the depth and beauty of Bl. Carlo’s interior life. It is clear from this biography that he knew Jesus from the earliest age and increased the faith of his entire Italian family both during his life and in the suffering leading up to his death. There are several details about his life that I did not know before reading this biography. I appreciated the several photographs and quotes from those who knew him.

Recently, my oldest son (9) received his confirmation and First Holy Communion. I really wish I had this book when preparing him for the sacraments, and I plan to reference it as I prepare his little sister next year. I think this book would make an excellent First Communion or Confirmation gift for the young Catholics in your life.

Within Blessed Carlo’s biographical anecdotes are several catechetical additions by the author including lessons on purgatory, heaven, hell, and of course, the Eucharist. I also found the book to include information about the beatification process. It will be interesting to follow the cause of Blessed Carlo now that my children and I have a new intercessor in Heaven!

If you would like to learn more about Blessed Carlo Acutis and his remarkable, modern life, make sure you visit Holy Heroes! They have some free coloring sheets available here. The coupon code CARLO15 is also good for 15% off the new book as well as any other Blessed Carlo resources.