New Release · English & Spanish
The Way of the Boy Jesus
The Complete Four Book Collection
A journey of friendship with Jesus at twelve years old, in 40 short chapters of Scripture, stories, and prayer. Written so even 12-year-olds can read it.
By Fr. Lucio Boccacci, LC
Discover Christ’s Youthful Years
Two series, one Boy
Luke’s account of the Finding of the Boy Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:40-52) is the only glimpse the Gospels give us of Jesus between his infancy and his public ministry. Fr. Lucio has written two series to help you explore it. Choose the one that fits you best.
New · 4 books in one volume
The Way of the Boy Jesus
A prayerful journey of friendship with Jesus as a boy. Each of its 40 chapters brings an opening prayer, Scripture, a story imagining his life, a short teaching on the Catholic faith, a lesson on prayer, and practical resolutions.
- Best for: young readers (12+), families, and anyone beginning or renewing their faith
- Available in: English and Spanish
The original · 7 short books
The Boy Jesus Series
An in-depth, Scripture-based study of Luke 2:40-52, its context, history, and meaning, with each short book focused on a single theme. A non-fiction account based on scholarly research.
- Best for: adult readers, Bible studies, and personal study
- Available in: print, Kindle, and Audiobook
Why read them
A side of Jesus you’ve never heard about
01
Grow closer to Christ
Know Christ more deeply, see how his youth connects to his whole life and mission, and be drawn to prayer as you read.
02
Scripture based
Rooted in Luke 2:40-52 and in the history and customs of first-century Israel.
03
A truly unique theme
We jump from Jesus’ infancy to his adult ministry. These books explore what happened in between.
04
Easy to read
Short chapters in clear, everyday language that young people can enjoy too.
Luke 2:40-52
Milestones in the Life of the Boy Jesus
Thirteen short verses hold a remarkable number of firsts.
- The only episode in up to 30 years of Jesus’ life.
- The first words we know Jesus spoke.
- The first public revelation initiated by Jesus.
- The only words we know of Jesus’ adolescence.
- The first time we know he asked a question (two, actually!).
- The first time Jesus is the main protagonist.
- The first time we know he mentioned his Father.
- The first time we know he made an independent decision.
- The first time we know he engaged in public debate.
- The first time he (likely) celebrated Passover.
- The first time he (likely) went on a pilgrimage.
- The last time we hear about his foster father, Joseph.
- In a way, the first time Jesus breaks Mary’s heart.
- And the only time Mary expresses her suffering.
See and hear
Christ’s youth comes alive
Reader reviews
What readers are saying
Loved the Books!
There was much broader knowledge shared than my expectation of the verses Luke 2:40-52. The relationship to other Scriptures, customs, and geography increased my knowledge, understanding, and spiritual growth. Thank you!
I highly recommend it!
“This trustworthy and readable guide to Jesus’ adolescent years will open your mind and your heart to the richness of God’s Word.”
Great book full of insights into the life of Jesus as a boy!
Each book is eye-opening for me and very easy to read. The author gives so much insight into the 1st century background of history, word meanings, traditions, and common sense ideas to think about and reflect on for deeper understanding. I will never read these 13 verses of Luke’s Gospel the same again!
About the author
Fr. Lucio Boccacci, LC
Father Lucio Boccacci was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and immigrated to the US when he was just six years old. He studied theology in Rome for three years and obtained a degree in Theology in 2016 from the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University. He is currently studying a license in spiritual theology and continuing to develop the Boy Jesus theme.
The original series
The Boy Jesus Series
Seven short books for adults, each focused on one theme from Luke 2:40-52. Available in print, Kindle, and Audiobook.
Book 1
Magnifying Glass
An analysis of the text in Lk 2:40-52: authorship, source, context, structure, literary genre, historicity, and realism of the passage.
Book 2
Boy Jesus
The boy Jesus’ life in Nazareth in the years before the episode in the Temple, setting the stage for his first Passover pilgrimage at age 12.
Book 3
Passover
The boy Jesus’ first pilgrimage to Jerusalem and his experience of the week-long Passover celebration.
Book 4
Searching for Jesus
From the holy family’s completion of their Passover duties to the instant just before finding Jesus in the Temple.
Book 5
Teacher of Israel
What the boy Jesus did during the three days in the Temple, and his interaction with the teachers of the law.
Book 6
Mary
How this episode in Luke turns Mary’s relationship with Jesus in a whole new direction.
Book 7
Father
The young Jesus’ relationship with his foster father, Joseph, and with his Heavenly Father, based on his response in Lk 2:49.
A gift
Download The Boy Jesus Series for free
“Freely have I received guidance and light from the Holy Spirit, so freely I give” (cf. Mt 10:8). As a gift to the Sacred Heart of the Boy Jesus, anyone can download all seven books as free PDFs.
Buying the books on Amazon helps support Fr. Lucio and his community.