The Boy Who Knew Carlo Acutis

Meg Herriot reviews a novel about Blessed Carlo Acutis, part of the Friends in High Places series by Corinna Turner.

The Boy Who Knew Carlo Acutis

By Corinna Turner

The Boy Who Knew-2

Summary:

The Boy Who Knew Carlo Acutis is the powerful and inspiring journey of a fictional teenage boy, Daniel, who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. At first reluctant to turn toward Blessed Carlo Acutis for help, Daniel finds in him a role model and a spiritual companion, who helps him to trust in God and to discover the meaning of life. Masterfully intertwining fiction and nonfiction, Corinna Turner gives us a unique introduction to the extraordinary life of Blessed Carlo Acutis while showing us how simple it can be to be friends with a saint.

Review:

This book is best for older kids due to the topic of death and life-threatening medical diagnosis. My son can normally read more mature books, but I think this one is tough subject matter (although, in these days post-Covid, it is a topic that some kids are more familiar with before their time). My son, who is 11, was interested in the book and overall gave a neutral rating. I think the topic is one he is still processing, so I think it was good we read the book together. I would recommend reading this novel before your tween/teen does to see if it is subject material they are mature enough to handle.

The book really tackles some tough questions for adults, let alone kids, such as how to respond with a scary diagnosis. There is frank discussion of the process of grieving a diagnosis and how it sometimes leads people toward the Lord, and sometimes they turn away. Throughout the book, Blessed Carlo’s story is shared, and pieces and quotes from his life are intermingled. The story is written around a novena to Blessed Carlo. My son and I did notice this book is written by a British author and there are some terms and language that are more specific to the UK, but doesn’t make it inaccessible to an American; it’s just something to be aware of.

I appreciate that the author didn’t really give a firm conclusion to the story of a young man dealing with the diagnosis of cancer. This would be a great book for those dealing with the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” as Blessed Carlo Acutis is really a great role model for living with grace — for all ages.

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The Boy Who Knew Carlo Acutis