"Saint Training" by Elizabeth Fixmer

Clare's thoughts: Saint Training is about a devoted 11-year-old Catholic Mary Clare O'Brian. Determined to be a saint Mary Clare is especially careful about keeping her sins to a minimum (because saints almost never sin) and making sure all of her prayers count. But during this financially difficult time for her family of 13, she starts to wonder why God hasn't been answering her prayers.

This realistic fiction book, by Fort Atkinson author Elizabeth Fixmer, is about how a religion can be really important and mean a lot in a young girl's life. I really enjoyed this book because until reading Saint Training, I didn't realize what crazy things a very pious girl would do. I'd recommend this book for any girl 5th grade and up.

Kerry's thoughts: Even though I'm going to be at school in St. Paul, Minnesota, I'm seriously considering driving home for the weekend to be at the author signing for this marvelous book. Mary Clare is an adorable, realistic character with crazy curls and her own opinions. As a non-Catholic, I enjoyed learning about Catholicism through the eyes of a girl who is figuring out what she believes in a time of turmoil. Fixmer also provides a rare perspective on the war in Vietnam, exposing Mary Clare to the differing beliefs within her family and the Catholic Church. Along with being extraordinarily cute (especially in Mary Clare's letters to the Reverend Mother), this book is, simply put, delightful.

PS. The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop is hosting an author signing and Q&A session for Saint Training on Saturday, September 18, from 10am to noon. We'll hope to see you there!

Clare and Kerry give it 5 out of 5 carrots!

Click here to order your copy at The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop!