Studying men and women of the Christian faith and the movements of the Church gives depth and weight to history, allows kids to develop real-life heroes, and gives children a better understanding of the sovereignty of God.
Christian history is one of my very favorite things to study personally, as well. I’ve made you a great, big, ENORMOUS list of Christian history books. They’re sectioned by age range, and then by historical time period. We’ve used these resources ourselves, and I highly recommend them!
Christian History Resources from Danika Cooley
When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther
The 5 Solas: Signs to Follow on the Narrow Path, A 7 Day Family Bible Study
Who was Martin Luther? (Who What Why)What was the Gutenberg Bible? (Who What Why)Why did the Reformation Happen? (Who What Why)abolitionistsUGRRSlavery
The Absolutely Enormous List of Christian History Books
These are great books, so have fun exploring! Without further ado, here’s my ginormous list of Christian history goodness.
Christian History Books for Preschool to Second Grade
Overviews / Topical for Preschool to Second Grade
The Church History ABCs: Augustine and 25 Other Heroes of the Faith
A Colorful Past: A Coloring Book of Church History Through the Centuries
c.30-1350 AD ~ The Early Church for Preschool to Second Grade
Polycarp of Smyrna (Heroes of the Faith)Irenaeus of Lyons (Heroes of the Faith)Ignatius of Antioch (Heroes of the Faith)Bible History ABCs: God’s Story from A to ZBoys Just Like Me: Bible Men who Trusted God (Daily Readings)Girls Just Like You: Bible Women who Trusted God (Daily Readings)Follow Jesus With Peter: His Letter in 25 Readings
1350-1648 AD ~ The Reformation for Preschool to Second Grade
Who was Martin Luther? (Who What Why)What was the Gutenberg Bible? (Who What Why)Why did the Reformation Happen? (Who What Why)Joan of ArcMartin Luther: A Man Who Changed The WorldMartin Luther: What should I do? (Little Lights)The Life of Martin Luther: A Pop-Up BookThe Barber Who Wanted to PrayJohn Calvin: What is the truth? (Little Lights)John Knox: Who will save you? (Little Lights)Reformation ABCs: The People, Places, and Things of the Reformation―from A to ZThe Woman Who Helped A Reformer (Banner Board Books)Katharine von Bora: The Morning Star of Wittenberg
1648-1790 AD ~ Rationalism for Preschool to Second Grade
abolitionistsUGRRSlaveryThe Man Who Preached Outside (Banner Board Books)
1790-1914 ~ Revival & Missions for Preschool to Second Grade
abolitionistsUGRRSlaveryLottie Moon: What do you need? (Little Lights)Mary Slessor: What is it like? (Little Lights)David Livingstone: Who is the bravest? (Little Lights)George Müller: Does money grow on trees? (Little Lights)Amy Carmichael: Can brown eyes be made blue? (Little Lights)Hudson Taylor: Could somebody pass the salt? (Little Lights)Charles Spurgeon: Who Is the Greatest? (Little Lights)The Woman Who Loved To Give Books (Banner Board Books)
1914-Present ~ Postmodernism for Preschool to Second Grade
Eric Liddell: Are you ready? (Little Lights)Gladys Aylward: Are you going to stop? (Little Lights)Corrie Ten Boom: Are all of the watches safe? (Little Lights)C.S. Lewis: Can you imagine? (Little Lights)Helen Roseveare: What’s in the parcel? (Little Lights)The Doctor Who Became a Preacher: Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Banner Board Books)
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!
Christian History Books for Third to Fifth Grade
Overviews / Topical for Third to Fifth Grade
God’s Bible Timeline: The Big Book of Biblical HistoryGod’s Timeline: The Big Book of Church HistoryChurch History for Young ReadersChristian History Made Easy (Rose Bible Basics)The 100 Most Important Events in Christian HistoryTrial and Triumph: Stories from Church History
c.30-1350 AD ~ The Early Church for Third to Fifth Grade
Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church (History Lives series)Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church (History Lives series)The Accidental Voyage: Discovering Hymns of the Early Centuries (Mr. Pipes Books)Augustine of Hippo (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Anselm of Canterbury (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Irenaeus (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Athanasius (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Who Was Joan of Arc?
Help your kids learn about the Reformation in a hands-on way with free lapbooks!
1350-1648 AD ~ The Reformation for Third to Fifth Grade
When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin LutherWho was Martin Luther? (Who What Why)What was the Gutenberg Bible? (Who What Why)Why did the Reformation Happen? (Who What Why)Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the ReformationCourage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church (History Lives series)Reformation HeroesJohn Knox (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Lady Jane Grey (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)John Calvin (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Julia Gonzaga (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Peter Martyr Vermigli (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)The Glory of Grace: the Story of the Canons of DortThe Quest For Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg CatechismFaithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guido De BresMichelangelo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities (For Kids series)The Queen’s Smuggler: Introducing William Tyndale (Trailblazer Books) (Volume 2)The Mayflower Secret: Introducing Governor William Bradford (Trailblazer Books) (Volume 26)Spy for the Night Riders: Introducing Martin Luther (Trailblazer Books) (Volume 3)The Betrayer’s Fortune (Trailblazer Books Book 14)
1648-1790 AD ~ Rationalism for Third to Fifth Grade
abolitionistsUGRRSlaveryHearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church (History Lives series)Puritan HeroesMarie Durand – Christian Biographies for Young ReadersJohn Bunyan (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)John Owen – Christian Biographies for Young ReadersJohn Newton (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Jonathan Edwards – Christian Biographies for Young ReadersPhillis Wheatley – Christian Biographies for Young ReadersTraitor in the Tower: Introducing John Bunyan (Trailblazer Books)The Runaway’s Revenge: Introducing John Newton (Trailblazer Books)The Chimney Sweep’s Ransom (Trailblazer Books)
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1790-1914 ~ Revival & Missions for Third to Fifth Grade
abolitionistsUGRRSlaveryHearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church (History Lives series)Mr Pipes Comes To AmericaReturn of the White Book: True Stories of God at Work in Southeast Asia (Hidden Heroes)Living Water in the Desert: True Stories of God at work in Iran (Hidden Heroes)B. B. Warfield (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Charles Haddon Spurgeon (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Drawn by a China Moon: Introducing Lottie Moon (Trailblazer Books)The Gold Miners’ Rescue: Introducing Sheldon Jackson (Trailblazer Books)Imprisoned in the Golden City: Introducing Adoniram and Ann Judson (Trailblazer Books)Shanghaied to China: Introducing Hudson Taylor (Trailblazer Books)Kidnapped by River rats: Introducing William and Catherine Booth (Trailblazer Books)Danger on the Flying Trapeze: Introducing D.L. Moody (Trailblazer Books)Listen for the Whippoorwill: Introducing Harriet Tubman (Trailblazer Books)Abandoned on the Wild Frontier: Introducing Peter Cartwright (Trailblazer Books)Quest for the Lost Prince: Introducing Samuel Morris (Trailblazer Books)Attack in the Rye Grass: Introducing Marcus and Narcissa Whitman (Trailblazer Books)The Bandit of Ashley Downs: Introducing George Müller (Trailblazer Books)The Thieves of Tyburn Square: Introducing Elizabeth Fry (Trailblazer Books)The Drummer Boy’s Battle: Introducing Florence Nightingale (Trailblazer Books)The Forty-Acre Swindle: Introducing George Washington Carver (Trailblazer Books)Trial by Poison: Introducing Mary Slessor (Trailblazer Books)Journey to the End of the Earth: Introducing William Seymour (Trailblazer Books)Defeat of the Ghost Riders: Introducing Mary McLeod Bethune (Trailblazer Books)Risking the Forbidden Game: Introducing Maude Cary (Trailblazer Books)
1914-Present ~ Postmodernism for Third to Fifth Grade
Rescue and Redeem: Volume 5: Chronicles of the Modern Church (History Lives)J.R.R. Tolkien for Kids: His Life and Writings, with 21 Activities (For Kids series)With Two Hands: True Stories of God at work in Ethiopia (Hidden Heroes)Witness Men: True Stories of God at work in Papua, Indonesia (Hidden Heroes)Lights in a Dark Place: True Stories of God at work in Colombia (Hidden Heroes)The Good News Must Go Out: True Stories of God at work in the Central African Republic (Hidden Heroes)Flight of the Fugitives: Introducing Gladys Aylward (Trailblazer Books) (Volume 13)Ambushed in Jaguar Swamp: Introducing Barbrooke Grubb (Trailblazer Books) (Volume 30)The Hidden Jewel: Introducing Amy Carmichael (Trailblazer Books) (Volume 4)The Fate of the Yellow Woodbee: Introducing Nate Saint (Trailblazer Books) (Volume 24)Race for the Record: Joy Ridderhof (Trailblazer Books #29)
Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.
Here’s why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.
Christian History Books for Middle School
Overview / Topical for Middle School
Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of ChristianityChurch History in Plain Language: Fourth EditionThe Church in HistoryGod’s Story: A Student Guide to Church HistoryWater the Earth: A Student’s Guide to MissionsChristian Heroes: Just Like You (Biography)Christian Heroines: Just Like You
c.30-1350 AD ~ The Early Church for Middle School
Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church (History Lives series)Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church (History Lives series)Hostage Lands (Heroes & History)Hand of Vengeance (Heroes & History Book 2)The Accidental Voyage: Discovering Hymns of the Early Centuries (Mr. Pipes Books)Morning Star of the ReformationAugustine: The Truth Seeker (Trailblazers)John Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s Court (Trail Blazers)Patrick of Ireland: The Boy Who Forgave (Trail Blazers)John Chrysostom (Bitesize Biographies Book 3)
1350-1648 AD ~ The Reformation for Middle School
When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin LutherCourage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church (History Lives series)Reformation HeroesHammer of the Huguenots (Heroes & History)Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the ReformationA Plymouth Pilgrim: William Bradford’s Eyewitness Account of the Mayflower PassengersUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd Warrior (Trailblazers)John Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be Stopped (Trailblazers)John Knox: The Sharpened Sword (Trailblazers)Charles Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers (Trailblazers)William Tyndale: The Smuggler’s Flame (Torchbearers)John Calvin: After Darkness Light (Trail Blazers)Michelangelo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities (For Kids series)John Calvin (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)John Knox (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Lady Jane Grey (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)
1648-1790 AD ~ Rationalism for Middle School
Hearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church (History Lives series)Duncan’s War (Crown and Covenant #1)King’s Arrow (Crown and Covenant #2)Rebel’s Keep (Crown and Covenant #3)Guns of Thunder (Faith & Freedom Trilogy, Book 1) (Faith and Freedom)Guns of the Lion (Faith & Freedom Trilogy, Book 2)Guns of Providence (Faith & Freedom Trilogy, Book 3)Mr Pipes And The British Hymn MakersGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the World (Trailblazers)Hannah More: The woman who wouldn’t stop writingJohn Bunyan: Journey of a Pilgrim (Trailblazers)Mary of Orange: At the Mercy of Kings (Trailblazers)David Brainerd: A Love for the Lost (Trailblazers)Jonathan Edwards: America’s Genius (Trailblazers)The Two Margarets: Danger on the Hill (Torchbearers)John Owen (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Samuel Rutherford (Bitesize Biographies Book 17)
1790-1914 ~ Revival & Missions for Middle School
Hearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church (History Lives series)The Battle of Seattle (Heroes & History)War In The WastelandMr Pipes Comes To AmericaLottie Moon: Changing China for Christ (Trailblazers)William Wilberforce: The Freedom Fighter (Trailblazers)Frances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved Mountains (Trailblazers)Charles Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers (Trailblazers)Amy Carmichael: Rescuer By Night (Trailblazers)Hudson Taylor: An Adventure Begins (Trailblazers)Mary Slessor: Servant to the Slave (Trailblazers)Fanny Crosby: The Blind Girl’s Song (Trailblazers)Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo (Trailblazers)Robert Murray McCheyne: Life Is An Adventure (Trailblazers)Adoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of Gold (Trailblazers)Robert Moffat: Africa’s Brave Heart (Trailblazers)John G. Paton: South Sea Island Rescue (Trailblazers)Hudson Taylor: An Adventure Begins (Trailblazers)John Newton: A Slave Set Free (Trailblazers)George Müller: The Children’s Champion (Trailblazers)Billy Bray: Saved From the Deepest Pit (Trailblazers)Titanic: The Ship of Dreams (Torchbearers)James Chalmers: The Rainmaker’s Friend (Torchbearers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trail Blazers)Lilias Trotter: Daring in the Desert (Trail Blazers)D.L. Moody: One Devoted Man (Trail Blazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trail Blazers)Clara Barton: Courage Under Fire (Heroes of History) (Heroes of HistoryDavid Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazer (Christian Heroes: Then & Now)William Gadsby (Bitesize Biographies)
1914-Present ~ Postmodernism for Middle School
Rescue and Redeem: Volume 5: Chronicles of the Modern Church (History Lives)The ResistanceJohn Stott: A Humble LeaderBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines (Trailblazers)Martyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to Westminster (Trailblazers)Patricia St. John: The Story Behind the Stories (Trailblazers)Eric Liddell: Finish the RacePaul Brand: The Shoes That Love Made (Trailblazers)C.S. Lewis: The Story Teller (Trailblazers)Joni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the Tide (Trailblazers)Richard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the Dark (Trailblazers)Gladys Aylward: No Mountain Too High (Trailblazers)Helen Roseveare: On His Majesty’s Service (Trailblazers)Billy Graham: Just get up out of your Seat (Trailblazers)Bill Bright: Dare to be Different (Trailblazers)Isobel Kuhn: Lights in Lisuland (Trailblazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Torchbearers)Nate Saint: Operation Auca (Torchbearers)Corrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s Daughter (Trailblazers)Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next Thing (Trail Blazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Francis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the World (Trail Blazers)Betty Greene: Courage has Wings (Trailblazers)The Hiding PlaceGod’s SmugglerDietrich Bonhoeffer: In the Midst of Wickedness (Christian Heroes: Then & Now)Jacob DeShazer: Forgive Your Enemies (Christian Heroes : Then & Now)Samuel Zwemer: The Burden of Arabia (Christian Heroes: Then & Now)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)
Christian History Books for High School
Overviews / Topical for High School
Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of ChristianityChurch History in Plain Language: Fourth EditionThe Church in HistoryThe Story of Christianity, Vol. 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the ReformationThe Story of Christianity, Vol. 2: The Reformation to the Present DayFoxe’s Book of Martyrs (Pure Gold Classics)
c.30-1350 AD ~ The Early Church for High School
The Rise of Western Christendom: Triumph and Diversity, A.D. 200-1000Josephus: The Essential WorksEusebius: The Church HistoryAugustine of Hippo: A BiographyJohn Chrysostom (Bitesize Biographies Book 3)Basil of Caesarea: His Life and Impact (Biography)Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact (Early Church Fathers)
1350-1648 AD ~ The Reformation for High School
When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin LutherReformation HeroesHeroes of the ReformationReformation Sketches: Insights into Luther, Calvin, and the ConfessionsThe Betrayal: A Novel on John CalvinThe Revolt: A Novel in Wycliffe’s EnglandThe Thunder: A Novel on John KnoxThe Daring Mission of William Tyndale (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)The Expository Genius of John Calvin (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)The Mighty Weakness of John Knox (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)The Affectionate Theology of Richard Sibbes (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)Girolamo Savonarola (Bitesize Biographies Book 14)Hugh Latimer: The Foremost Preacher of the English Reformation (Bitesize Biographies)John Hooper (Bitesize Biographies)Renee of France (Bitesize Biographies)John Knox (Bitesize Biographies Book 7)Samuel Rutherford (Bitesize Biographies Book 17)Thomas Cranmer (Bitesize Biographies Book 6)Ulrich Zwingli (Bitesize Biographies)William Farel (Bitesize Biographies Book 11)
1648-1790 AD ~ Rationalism for High School
Augustus Toplady (Bitesize Biographies Book 4)Bitesize Biographies: George WhitefieldJohn Newton (Bitesize Biographies) by John Crotts (2013-01-18)Matthew Henry (Bitesize Biographies Book 8)The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts (A Long Line of Godly Men Series Book 6)The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)The Evangelistic Zeal of George Whitefield (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)
1790-1914 ~ Revival & Missions for High School
The Missionary Fellowship of William Carey (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)The Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)Adolphe Monod (Bitesize Biographies Book 10)Charles Hodge (Bitesize Biographies Book 9)George Müller (Bitesize Biographies Book 13)George Smeaton: Learned Theologian and Biblical ScholarThomas Chalmers (Bitesize Biographies Book 16)William Gadsby (Bitesize Biographies)Zachary Macaulay (Bitesize Biographies)Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce
1914-Present ~ Postmodernism for High School
The Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones (A Long Line of Godly Men Profile)Festo Kivengere (Bitesize Biographies Book 15)Francis Schaeffer (Bitesize Biographies Book 1)God’s SmugglerThe Hiding PlaceShadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot (Lives of Faith)Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life
MARTIN LUTHER AND THE REFORMATION
Teach your teens about Martin Luther and the Reformation in an exciting, new way with When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther!
Martin Luther (1483-1546) is often referred to as “The Father of the Reformation”. Born during a time of superstition, tradition, and spiritual corruption, Luther gave up a lucrative career as a lawyer to become a monk in the Roman Catholic Church–a path he felt would certainly lead to salvation.
As Luther’s understanding of the spiritual corruption within the Church grew, and he despaired of true salvation, Luther (now a scholar and priest) sought the Bible for answers. Following his discovery of the true gospel in Scripture, Luther began to preach spiritual freedom to his congregation, and to teach biblical (rather than philosophical) theology at the University of Wittenberg.
It was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther penned his Ninety-Five Theses in Latin in response to the abusive indulgence sales practices of the monk Johann Tetzel in a nearby town. Luther nailed the Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, the scholarly bulletin board of his day, and mailed a copy to the Archbishop of Mainz. Luther hoped to start a scholarly debate about the practice of selling salvation through plenary indulgences. The response he received was greater–and more dangerous–than he imagined it would be.
Luther’s story is exciting. There are death defying moments, epic spiritual battles, narrow escapes, a kidnapping, revolution, and war. As the “Father of the Reformation”, Luther is a vital figure in Church history. His sacrifice and willingness to wage battle against the spiritual, religious, and political powers of his medieval world allowed Christians throughout time to embrace the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone as explained by Scripture alone once again. May all glory be to God alone!
Read portions of the first eight chapters of When Lightning Struck!:
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Danika, thank you so much for putting together this list. This is an answer to my prayer for history resources that are Christ centred and that highlight God’s history over and above our worldly history. I love your blog and the resources you share. May the Lord richly bless you as you continue to serve Him and educate your children in His ways.
Thank you for all you do.Your resources and ideas are life changing to my homeschool. I’m a mom of 12 and have been homeschooling for over 17 years.Bible Road Trip has helped us bring the Bible to be the center of our school routine.I don’t know how you do it all but I just wanted to let you know your work is much appreciated!
THIS is an amazing list Danika!! I’ve read some of the Trailblazer books, and we love to watch the videos. I’m familiar with Little Lights, but there are some on here I do not know. Thank you for such a comprehensive list! I’ll be using these in my homeschool.
On a different note, I have the opportunity to begin Tapestry of Grace with the kids. I’m excited!!