We presented this book to our third grade grandson, Matthew, who loves to read. We are a Fire Department and Catholic family but the message in the book is universal. We read it ourselves before gifting it to him and pray it is read and reread several times as he matures. Out opinion is that it can relate in different ways and send different messages as the child develops.
i saw the author on the "God's Squad" TV program and thank her for writing it.

Having read most of the books written about Fr. Mychal Judge, I was anxious to add this children's book to my collection. Especially since I would like my own young child to grow up learning from his lessons of love, faith, forgiveness & acceptance. I was not at all dissapointed by this book. It contains beautiful illustrations and a lovely story that tells of the life of Fr. Judge in a way children can understand. I bought a copy for my child's (Catholic) school as well as for our Church library in addition to our copy. I hope many will be touched by this lovely book.

The book, He Said Yes: The Story of Father Mychal Judge, is well written and interestingly illustrated. The language and reading level are judged to be best accepted by students of third or fourth grade. The book concludes with some activity pages.
Although it was made public after 911 that Father Mychal Judge was gay, this is not mentioned or even alluded to in the book. This book would be appropriate in any library or private collection. If Catholic schools and libraries are not placing this biography within their walls, then they are missing a real treasure.

Here is the story of a small boy who, in his youth, found a path to a life of service. The wonder of it all gave him great happiness. Life as a Franciscan was what he was born to be. It had hardships as well as joy. But Fr. Mychal Judge rejoiced in the love of the people he met daily along his path and loved each one in the depth of his soul. At the end of his life, Fr. Mike had the great good luck to be both friar and firefighter; he delighted in them both. All were his brothers, along with those who came into his life every day.
Dympna [Judge] Jessich, Father Mychal's twin sister


Father Mychal Judge was certainly a remarkable man. This book for children is a fine introduction to a person who gave of himself in so many ways, and all without prejudice."
Tomie dePaola, Children's author and illustrator