Modern Church History for Kids
Wow! Before I even started these books, I knew they would be good because Danika Cooley is an INCREDIBLE author. But the content of these books completely amazed me. Danika is the author of the Who What Why series of Christian history books for kids. The first three books in this series were Who Was Martin Luther, What Was the Gutenberg Bible, and Why Did the Reformation Happen? They are a great look at the Church during the Reformation. Danika’s newest books are a look at the Church in modern times, specifically during the fight to end slavery. These are sensitive, engaging, and beautiful books for elementary and middle grade kids that incorporate Biblical truth and lessons with important history. My favorite of the three was Why Did Slavery End? I have read few books that I think are as important to share with kids as this book.
Why Did Slavery End?
As a lover of history, I have read a lot about slavery in America, but I have never read a book like this. Why Did Slavery End? does such an incredible job explaining the global history of slavery, from slavery in the Bible and ancient times through modern history, in a big-picture way that is easy for kids to understand. I appreciate this book’s explanation of how Christians fought to end slavery, and how some Christians falsely claimed that slavery was not a sin.
Danika Cooley did an amazing job balancing the extremely difficult topic of slavery with an approach that is appropriate for children but that does not ignore the horrible reality of what chattel slavery was. She writes in an engaging style that is easy to read and that kids can relate to.
But this book is so much more than a history book. It includes a closer look at what it means to love your neighbor and care for those in need. It challenges kids to grow in their relationship with God, to live in His strength, to read His Word, and to make a difference every day for Him. I’ve read few books that I believe are as important to share with your kids as Why Did Slavery End? It leaves a profound mark on both the heart and the mind.
Who Were the Abolitionists?
Danika Cooley brings the stories of ten abolitionists together to show kids that God can use anyone to accomplish His will and change the lives of other people for the better. The abolitionists featured were all different. They were black and white, rich and poor. Some were free, and some were enslaved. But Danika shows that just like Queen Esther in the Bible, God used each person where they were, at just the right time, to accomplish His will for the world.
I love that Danika not only shares the stories of well-known abolitionists such as William Wilberforce, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman but also the stories of lesser-known abolitionists such as Zachary Macaulay and William Knibb. Whether the gifts God gave each person was an understanding of the law, a way to understand numbers and statistics and share them in understandable ways, the bravery to help enslaved people escape, or something else, He gave each one what they needed to accomplish His will and make a difference in the world.
Throughout the stories of the abolitionists, Danika shares Biblical truth that kids can learn from and grow in today, no matter their age or situation. They can learn about what happens when people let their consciences be seared, the importance of prayer and trusting God, and so much more.
What Was the Underground Railroad?
What Was the Underground Railroad? is an inspiring and exciting look at this important part of American history. The book explores much more than just the facts of history, however. After a fascinating story of how the term “Underground Railroad” began, the book tackles the question of whether or not it was right to disobey the government by helping enslaved people escape. Using Biblical examples, Danika Cooley shows how God’s Word consistently shows us that when man’s laws oppose God’s laws, we must obey God rather than men. She then shows how Christians faithfully worked to serve God, love their neighbors, and change ungodly laws that were destroying the lives of millions of people.
The stories from history and the Biblical truth woven throughout the book are expertly shared in a way that is easy for kids to read and understand. Hard words are explained naturally, in a conversational way so kids don’t feel like they are reading a dictionary’s definition. Danika shares concrete examples and stories that bring the truth to life and challenge kids to live for God, even when it’s hard.
FREE Lapbooks
Danika has also created free lapbooks for you. Check out these FREE lapbooks that are perfect to use alongside the Who What Why books!
The Bible Against Slavery – Free Lapbook
What Was the Underground Railroad – Free Lapbook
Who Were the Abolitionists – Free Lapbook
FREE Crafts
She also has created FREE crafts your younger kids can create to help them remember the important truths from the stories.
Acts 17:26 Handprint Wreath Craft
The Abolitionists for Kids Toilet Paper Roll Craft
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad Hands-On History Craft
I hope you’ll check out this incredible series by Danika Cooley and share it with your kids!
Read More About and Purchase Who What Why Christian History today!
I received these three titles free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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