Mother Teresa: Sister to the Poor (Women of Our Time) by Giff, Patricia Reilly (1986) Hardcover

by Patricia Reilly Giff

Giff, Patricia Reilly

Genres: Biography, Childrens, Nonfiction

57 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1986

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Natalie Fluckiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Short very informational. Probably written at a children's reading level minus all the words for different languages that have phonetic spellings.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a woman! What a life!

[Lance Towers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct overview of Agnes Bojaxhiu's life. I read it to find language for a song to sing with my daughter about ministry. Part of the lyrics I landed on say, "The first that Agnes helped was sick and poor and weak, sleeping alone outside with mice nibbling at her feet." I love that Mother Teresa, as she is now known, started her ministry so simply.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good biography of Nobel Laureate and champion of the poor, Mother Theresa. Read alone 8-12, read aloud 7-12 (helpful to be older to understand some of the content)

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women of our Time

[WSL Library]

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