Poor Me

Suffering is part of life-but what if we could teach our children to see it not as something to fear, but as something that can make them saints?

In a world that often encourages self-pity, victimhood, and avoiding discomfort at all costs, Poor Me: Learning to Love My Cross offers a radically different message for children: your suffering has meaning when you give it to Jesus.

Written for Catholic children ages 8 and up (and their parents!), this beautifully structured book speaks directly to young hearts who are trying to make sense of the little and big pains of life: from scraped knees and food allergies to being left out, feeling sad, or watching someone they love go through something hard. With conversational, gentle language and the wisdom of the saints, this book walks children through the mystery of suffering and how to respond with courage, trust, and love.

Your child will learn:

• Why God allows suffering and how Jesus shared in it too

• How to "offer it up" using the Fatima sacrifice prayer

• How small, daily crosses can help souls in purgatory and bring sinners back to God

• How to turn emotional hurts-like loneliness, anger, or being made fun of-into opportunities for grace

• How the saints, especially young saints like St. Thérèse of Lisieux and Blessed Carlo Acutis, embraced suffering with heroic love

• How prayer, the sacraments, and charity give strength in every trial

Each chapter includes reflection questions to spark deeper thought and prayer, making it ideal for family read-alouds, catechism groups, or personal meditation.

BONUS MATERIALS INCLUDE:

• A "Favorite Prayers" appendix featuring the Fatima sacrifice prayer and other classic devotions

• A "Books to Grow On" section with recommended Catholic titles for young readers

• A special "Note to Parents" on how to model redemptive suffering in the home

Whether your child is going through a difficult season or just needs guidance on how to handle everyday frustrations with grace, Poor Me is a spiritual companion they'll return to again and again.

Give your child the tools to carry their cross-not with fear or resentment, but with faith, love, and joy.

From the author of God, I Trust Your Plan, I Won't Forget You, and Jesus, This is For You.

This title has been reviewed and approved for publication by the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ and bears the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur.