Mother Teresa: Angel of the Slums (Heroes) - Softcover

Mother Teresa shines brightly both figuratively and literally in this graphic portrait of her life and mission. Mother Teresa glows in a spotless white sari against jumbles of dim, run-down streets and impressionistically rendered inhabitants. Her slight, erect image anchors both the stately art and Helfand s solemn account of her devotion to helping others, from childhood on. Mixing commentary with (invented but characteristic) dialogue, the author chronicles her compassionate works and, occasionally, captures just a hint of her strong personality too: How much medicine do you need to purchase today, Mother Teresa? a pharmacist asks. Purchase? I thought you might want to do something beautiful for God. Closing with her continuing progress toward formal sainthood and a spread of additional anecdotes, this account will leave readers deeply affected and perhaps even inspired by her profound devotion to the poor, ill and needy in India and the world. Why did she want to help? Why could she not turn a blind eye to those in need? A searching and reverent treatment. --Kirkus Review

The life story of the famed charity worker is summarized in this lavishly illustrated biography. Helfand presents the facts about Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Macedonia in 1910. The book describes her decision to become a nun, her early work in Europe, and her path to teaching at a convent in India. From there it covers, in greater detail, her life among the poor and sick in Calcutta, and the foundation of Mother Teresa's worldwide charitable order. Helfand also describes her world travels, during which she met international leaders and won awards for her service to the impoverished. Nagar's art is striking, painting scenes in watercolors that evoke the powerful emotions of Mother Teresa's story. The biography itself is a basic recitation of facts that doesn't stop to dwell on any particular moment and doesn't provide any in-depth examination of Mother Teresa's life. --Publisher's Weekly

The story of a woman who gave up everything for the service of mankind.