Recommended Reading
Ages 8-13
For those who review this list often, recently added books will be at the top to reduce scrolling.
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The Chronicles of Narnia have enchanted millions of readers for over seventy-five years, for here is a world where a witch decrees eternal winter; where there are more talking animals than people; and where battles are fought by Centaurs, Giants, and Fauns. Learn More…
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When Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dwarves embark upon a dangerous quest to reclaim the hoard of gold stolen from them by the evil dragon Smaug, Gandalf the wizard suggests an unlikely accomplice: Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming Hobbit dwelling in peaceful Hobbiton. Along the way, the company faces trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and worse. But as they journey from the wonders of Rivendell to the terrors of Mirkwood and beyond, Bilbo will find that there is more to him than anyone—himself included—ever dreamed. Learn More…
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THE ADVENTURE BEGINS as young Sir Rolland enrolls in the secret Woodshire Academy of Dragon Slaying in his quest to become a Knight of Light. In this first chronicle, Sir Rolland comes to discover what a real dragon is, and he is badly wounded by the first and deadliest of all dragons. With the help of his guild master and a legendary Lady of Grace, he must find healing and learn the weapon and armor needed to obtain the greatest and only real power to slay a dragon. Learn More…
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THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES as Rolland returns to the Woodshire Academy of Dragon Slaying for another year of training to become a dragon slayer. Rolland’s best friend Topher is excelling at all of his endeavors, and it’s making Rolland a prime target for a vicious orange dragon of envy. After being wounded badly, Rolland takes a lesson from a legendary terror of dragons from ages past. Using this ancient wisdom and a new weapon and armor from his guild master, Rolland strives to overcome this deadly dragon…but he is going to have to face his greatest fear to be victorious.. Learn More…
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IN THIS THIRD CHRONICLE of the Seven Deadly Dragon book series, young Rolland is having trouble getting motivated to try his best. He is even considering that it may be time for him to drop out of the Woodshire Academy of Dragon Slaying. He comes to discover that it is the yellow dragon of sloth stealing his passion and covering him with the stench of dragon. With the help of his guildmaster, a famous slayer of ages past, and a new weapon that has more power than meets the eye, Rolland must find a way to persevere in slaying this silent but deadly dragon.. Learn More…
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IN THIS FOURTH CHRONICLE of the Seven Deadly Dragons book series, Rolland has his heart set on a giant treasure. He is tempted to use his new business, Rocks and Rolland, to build worldly wealth at the expense of others. Through the inspiration of a legendary slayer from Assisi, he discovers the treasures of heaven and must learn to rebuild God’s Holy Church with the trebuchet of generosity. But standing in his way is the giant green dragon of greed. Learn More…
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IN THIS FIFTH CHRONICLE of the Seven Deadly Dragons book series, The Woodshire Academy of Dragon Slaying is beset by a string of strong thunderstorms…and Rolland is about to get too close. He finds himself eye to eye with the blue dragon of wrath after being injured by the school bully, Billy Gruff. With the help of a living saint, Rolland must learn to put on the Boots of Peace and forgive his enemy. But who is the real enemy? The dragon, Billy…or Rolland himself? Learn More…
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Equip Your Child to Conquer Life’s Challenges with Courage and Faith! Young people face challenges every day―-anxiety, fear, self-doubt, anger, apathy, gossip, shame. These “dragons” threaten to bring kids down or hold them back. This creative yet intentional, power-packed book trains kids to become Dragon Slayers who recognize and ward off threats with faith and courage. Readers will be empowered to put on the Spiritual Armor, follow teachings of the Ancient Manual (the Bible), and rely on Jesus, the Chief Dragon Slayer. Learn More…
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THE ADVENTURE CULMINATES in this seventh and final chronicle of the Seven Deadly Dragons book series as Rolland prepares to graduate from the Woodshire Academy of Dragon Slaying. In waking life, he learns the Code of Chivalry and trains for the upcoming Tournament of the Ages, which is fast becoming a competition over the prettiest girl in class. In his dreams, he faces an undying violet dragon. But the real battle is of the heart, and it is there that Rolland must learn the true meaning of love and become a true man and Knight of Light. With inspiration from a virgin martyr and the full set of weapons and armor, Rolland must rediscover the only real power to face, fight, and defeat any and every deadly dragon. Learn More…
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IN THIS SIXTH CHRONICLE of the Seven Deadly Dragons book series, young Rolland is wounded by one of the deadliest poisons there is: too much comfort. At first, the indigo dragon he encounters seems like a harmless pet. Then it leads him to embarrassment at the academy’s Fat Tuesday dance. In the end, Rolland will need support from his family and friends, a whole lot of prayers, and help from a saint who looks powerless to wield the Ax of Temperance in what may turn out to be a life or death battle…one that might take a miracle to win. Learn More…
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Charming Catholic friends Fulton and Cynthia return in this vivid comic-book format to take children on a simple yet profound journey through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Children will learn about God’s plan of salvation and how the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is at the very heart of our Faith. This engaging book explores how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New and unveils the beautiful typology found in Scripture. Learn More…
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Join your friendly guides Fulton and Cynthia on a biblical adventure as they journey from creation to salvation and discover the importance of God’s sanctifying grace. Set in a vivid comic-book format with stunning photographs, this book makes profound theological concepts accessible to both the Catholic and the curious, the child and the adult. Learn More…
Vision Books: Saints from Now and Then. Here are eight sample books, but we recommend all 72 books that have been written to date 05/09/2026.
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The story of St. Thomas Aquinas is one full of moving and dramatic scenes: the flaming destruction of Monte Cassino Abbey, the reception into the Dominican order of the quiet, determined young Thomas, the breath-taking escape from the donjon tower, and the striking instances of the saint’s eloquence and brilliance. Learn More…
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This historical novel for young people is about the heroic life of Father Willie Doyle, S.J., an Irish Jesuit priest who sacrificed his life serving wounded soldiers in World War I. Father Doyle enjoyed a happy, privileged Victorian childhood in Ireland. Growing up in a loving, faithful Catholic family, he heard the call to serve God as a priest from a very young age. Shortly after his ordination, the First World War broke out, and Father Willie volunteered to serve as a chaplain to the thousands of Irish soldiers fighting in France. . Learn More…
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This Vision book for young people 9-15 years old tells the story of one of God’s most lovable and loving saints, St. Philip Neri. Despite his wisdom and learning, he was a simple, radiant, childlike soul who never ceased, even in his honored old age, to make jokes, to play with his many pets, to tease, to amuse, to teach the great lesson that it is the joyous heart that wins friends to Christ. A saint who young people are particularly attracted to, St. Philip in turn had a great love for youth. Learn More…
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This new title in the acclaimed Vision Books lives of the saints series for youth 9-15 yrs. brings to life the inspirational story of St. José Sánchez del Río, a 14 yr. old boy in Mexico who died a martyr for the Catholic faith during the Cristero War in the 1920s. Learn More…
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In this 29th book in the acclaimed Vision Books series for youth, Louis de Wohl, known for his masterful storytelling, describes the amazing events that led to the conversion of Helena and the rise to power of her son. He also recounts the vision Constantine experienced on the eve of a pivotal battle and his subsequent legalization of Christianity in the fourth century. The story dramatically concludes with St. Helena’s final accomplishment-her dangerous and miraculous expedition to the Holy Land. Learn More…
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At the age of 24, Florence Nightingale decided to dedicate herself to the care of the sick, especially those wounded in battle. She worked for nearly a year with the nursing Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul in Alexandria, Egypt. After that, when she established a hospital to tend the wounded during the Crimean War (1854 – 1856), she welcomed the assistance of thirty-eight women, including a group of Catholic nuns. This Vision Book for youth presents the moving story of those ten heroic nuns. Learn More…
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This new story in the Vision Books series of saints for 9 – 15 year olds is aobut Saint Elizabeth of Hungary who spent her life differently than most saints. Instead of living in poverty like St. Francis of Assisi, she lived most of her life in a castle surrounded by incredible wealth. She was born Princess Elizabeth of Hungary, the daughter of King Andrew. By the age of four she was already engaged to be married and was sent far away from her home to live with Louis, her husband-to-be, who was only 10 years old. From the beginning of her life in her new castle, Elizabeth was ridiculed by all of those people who were jealous of her. They noticed that she was always trying to be holy. As she would play games with other children, she would contrive little ways to sneak into the chapel and have a visit with Jesus. Learn More…
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In 1946, Francesca Cabrini was canonized as the first saint of the United States. This Vision book for 9 – 15 year olds tells the exciting story of this missionary from Italy who came to America to spread the Faith. She founded a new order nuns, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, to teach the Faith and work with the poor in our country. She was a tireless missionary who crossed the ocean 37 times to expand her order across the world to France, England, Spain; in Central and South America; in the United States from coast to coast including New York, New Orleans, Denver, Seattle (where she took the oath of U.S. citizenship) and Chicago, where she died in 1917, a saint of our time. Learn More…
Saturday Mass Schedule:
4:00 PM-ST. CATHERINE SIENA MISSION PARISH (HUMANSVILLE)
6:30 PM-SACRED HEART (BOLIVAR)
Sunday Mass Schedule
8:00 AM-SACRED HEART (BOLIVAR)
10:30 AM-SACRED HEART (BOLIVAR)
Sacred Heart Catholic Church: 1405 W Fair Play St, Bolivar, MO, 65613
Office Hours:
8:00 AM-4:00PM (Closed for Lunch from 12:00PM-1:00PM and on Holy Days)
Phone Number: 417-326-5596