📖 Overview
Todd Burpo is an American pastor and author best known for his 2010 book "Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back," which became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a major motion picture in 2014.
A resident of Imperial, Nebraska, Burpo serves as pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church and operates a garage door company alongside his ministry work. His rise to prominence came after publishing the account of his then-four-year-old son Colton's alleged near-death experience and visit to heaven during emergency appendix surgery in 2003.
The success of "Heaven Is for Real" led Burpo to write several follow-up works, including children's adaptations and devotional books exploring similar themes. The original book has been translated into over 35 languages and has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.
Beyond his writing career, Burpo continues his work as a pastor and public speaker, often addressing topics of faith, near-death experiences, and family. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and has served on the board of the Imperial school district.
👀 Reviews
Readers express strong reactions to Burpo's work, particularly "Heaven Is for Real," with opinions often split along religious beliefs.
What readers liked:
- The simple, straightforward writing style
- Personal, intimate family narrative
- Details about heaven that align with biblical descriptions
- Burpo's candid discussion of financial struggles and family challenges
What readers disliked:
- Questions about the story's authenticity
- Commercial exploitation of a child's experience
- Lack of theological depth
- Writing quality described as "basic" or "amateur"
One reader noted: "The story feels genuine even if you're skeptical." Another wrote: "Too much focus on merchandising and movie deals undermines the message."
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (191,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (13,000+ reviews)
Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (850+ reviews)
Most negative reviews focus on credibility concerns, while positive reviews emphasize the book's emotional impact and faith-affirming message. The children's version receives higher average ratings than the adult edition.
📚 Books by Todd Burpo
Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back (2010)
A father recounts his son's near-death experience and claims of visiting heaven during emergency surgery.
Heaven is for Real for Kids (2011) A children's adaptation of the original book, featuring illustrations and simplified language.
Heaven Changes Everything: Living Every Day with Eternity in Mind (2012) A follow-up book discussing how the Burpo family's life changed after their son's experience.
God Is for Real: And He Longs to Answer Your Most Difficult Questions (2017) An exploration of common spiritual questions through personal stories and biblical references.
Heaven Is for Real Movie Edition (2014) A tie-in edition of the original book, featuring photos and stories from the film production.
Heaven Is for Real Conversation Guide (2011) A discussion guide with questions and topics related to the original book.
Heaven is for Real for Kids (2011) A children's adaptation of the original book, featuring illustrations and simplified language.
Heaven Changes Everything: Living Every Day with Eternity in Mind (2012) A follow-up book discussing how the Burpo family's life changed after their son's experience.
God Is for Real: And He Longs to Answer Your Most Difficult Questions (2017) An exploration of common spiritual questions through personal stories and biblical references.
Heaven Is for Real Movie Edition (2014) A tie-in edition of the original book, featuring photos and stories from the film production.
Heaven Is for Real Conversation Guide (2011) A discussion guide with questions and topics related to the original book.
👥 Similar authors
Don Piper writes about his own near-death experience and time in heaven following a car accident. His book "90 Minutes in Heaven" shares similar themes to Burpo's work about faith and the afterlife.
Mary C. Neal recounts her drowning experience and journey to heaven in "To Heaven and Back." She combines her medical background as an orthopedic surgeon with her spiritual experiences.
Betty Malz details her death experience and return to life in "My Glimpse of Eternity." Her narrative focuses on her religious awakening and transformation after her experience.
Eben Alexander documents his near-death experience while in a coma from bacterial meningitis. As a neurosurgeon, he examines his heavenly experience through both medical and spiritual perspectives.
Kevin Malarkey co-wrote "The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven" about his son's experiences after a car accident. His work explores themes of family, faith, and supernatural encounters similar to Burpo's "Heaven is for Real."
Mary C. Neal recounts her drowning experience and journey to heaven in "To Heaven and Back." She combines her medical background as an orthopedic surgeon with her spiritual experiences.
Betty Malz details her death experience and return to life in "My Glimpse of Eternity." Her narrative focuses on her religious awakening and transformation after her experience.
Eben Alexander documents his near-death experience while in a coma from bacterial meningitis. As a neurosurgeon, he examines his heavenly experience through both medical and spiritual perspectives.
Kevin Malarkey co-wrote "The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven" about his son's experiences after a car accident. His work explores themes of family, faith, and supernatural encounters similar to Burpo's "Heaven is for Real."