About This Book

2013 Pura Belpre Illustrator Award WinnerAs the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and a former slave, Martin de Porres was born into extreme poverty. Even so, his mother begged the church fathers to allow him into the priesthood. Instead, Martin was accepted as a servant boy. But soon, the young man was performing miracles. Rumors began to fly around the city of a strange mulatto boy with healing hands, who gave first to the people of the "barrios." Martin continued to serve in the church, until he was finally received by the Dominican Order, no longer called the worthless son of a slave, but rather a saint and the rose in the desert.

About the Authors or Illustrators

Gary D. Schmidt

GARY D. SCHMIDT is Associate Professor of English at Calvin College.

Read more >

David Diaz

Acclaimed artist David Diaz has been an illustrator and graphicdesigner for more than 20 years, and is recognized for his dynamicwork in national publications, popular products, and literaryworks for children and adults alike.

Read more >