Modern Church History for Kids

As soon as I was done reviewing* these books, I bought another set to give away as gifts. They are incredible! I knew they would be great because Danika Cooley is a WONDERFUL author, but the content and caliber of these books truly 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 releases look at the Church in modern history, specifically during abolition. The books are sensitive and engaging, and they incorporate Biblical truth and lessons with important history written for elementary and middle grade kids. My favorite of the three was Why Did Slavery End? There are very few books that I have read that I think are as important to share with kids as this book.

Why Did Slavery End? 

I’ve read a lot about slavery in America as I’ve studied history, but I have never read a book as well done as this. Why Did Slavery End? does an incredible job explaining the global history of slavery, from slavery in the Bible and ancient times through modern history. It presents 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 a fantastic job balancing the terribly complex 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.

This book is so much more than a history book, though. It moves the topic beyond head knowledge and brings it into the heart. 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?

In Who Were the Abolitionists?, Danika shares not only 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. Something that I loved about this book was that Danika shows that it doesn’t matter what your gifts are, God can use anyone who is willing to be used by Him. Whether the gift 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. 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.

Like her book Why Did Slavery End?, Danika weaves Biblical truth and life lessons into the book so that kids learn more than history. They 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? 

The Underground Railroad is an inspiring and exciting topic for kids to learn about. What Was the Underground Railroad? explores much more than just the facts of history, however. After taking a look at the 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. Danika Cooley uses Biblical examples to show 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.

These books are so well done and easy for kids to read and understand. There are lessons to be learned from history as well as from the Biblical truth that is woven throughout the book. Hard words are explained naturally and conversationally 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. Affiliate links were used in this post. Please see full disclosure here.