The Who What Why series of Christian biographies for kids is an exciting journey through history. Christian history books for every library!
Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” – Psalm 16:3, ESV
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.
Elementary-aged kids need middle grade resources that are fun, a little sassy, and that teach valuable lessons.
The Who What Why Series is the perfect resource to teach your kids about history, while helping them apply biblical truths to their lives today.
Purchase Who What Why Christian Biographies for Kids
Who What Why Series | Endorsements
“Writing for children is a special skill; writing biblical truths for children is a gift! Danika Cooley displays both skill and giftedness in her thoughtful Who, What, Why Series. Engaging, accurate, and compelling, Danika does a beautiful job weaving stories of the Old Testament with Gospel truths found in the New Testament. Thank you, Danika, for pointing children toward Jesus Christ through a better understanding of His Word!” Linda Lacour Hobar, Author of The Mystery of History | Chronological, Christian, Complete World History for All Ages
“Danika Cooley teaches your children more than mere facts about Moses and the Exodus. [She] teaches them the most important truth we can ever learn in life: who God is… I highly recommend this excellent series.” Israel Wayne, Founder, Family Renewal
“Who Were the Disciples? by Danika Cooley brings to life the personalities and the purpose of Christ’s specially chosen disciples. With line art, maps, and a timeline, Danika helps young readers better know and more greatly appreciate the ordinary (and exceptional) men whom God called to be “fishers of men.” Christian families will greatly enjoy this title as part of Danika’s Who, What, Why series.” Linda Lacour Hobar, Author of The Mystery of History | Chronological, Christian, Complete World History for All Ages
“Rooted in the “mystery” of the gospel, Danika Cooley offers to families, What is the Cross?. The difficult theme of crucifixion is handled beautifully by the author and points children toward the reality of forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. As part of the Who, What, Why series, this is a title that churches and Christian families will want in their libraries.” Linda Lacour Hobar, Author of The Mystery of History | Chronological, Christian, Complete World History for All Ages
“Children of all ages have questions! Danika Cooley seeks to answer them with biblical truth through her Who, What, Why? series. In Why Did the Resurrection Happen?, Danika uses the biblical Feast of Firstfruits to describe Jesus as “the first of God’s people to be raised and given a glorified body.” What great hope for young readers to learn what Christ has done for them! With pleasant artistry and depth, this series is a delightful gift to families seeking to disciple their children.” Linda Lacour Hobar, Author of The Mystery of History | Chronological, Christian, Complete World History for All Ages
“As a Christian parents of eleven children, one of our priorities is ensuring they know the Bible and can defend their faith. The Who, What, Why? series helps equip middle grade students with a sound grasp of some of the central themes of the New Testament. Learning about the meaning of the cross, the resurrection, and life sketches of the disciples, helps to provide a great ‘box top’ for the Biblical puzzle, so they know how all the pieces fit together. Danika has done it again with another home-run resource for Christian families.” Israel and Brook Wayne, Authors and Conference Speaker, Founders, Family Renewal
“Charming, engaging, wholly absorbing! Danika makes Martin Luther come alive for children! Their senses awakened by Danika’s keen understanding of children, they will see, hear, smell, and come deeply to know and appreciate the great German Reformer in fresh new ways—and so will their parents!” Douglas Bond, Author of Luther in Love and numerous other successful books
“Danika Cooley gives us an engaging look into the world of the reformation with her Who, What, Why series. Her readers will find her books entertaining as well as helpful as she introduces them to all the important people, places and events. Throughout this series, children will be able see the hand of God in history.” Linda Finlayson, Author of God’s Timeline and God’s Bible Timeline
“Danika has done it again! Built on the foundation of God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves, in her Who, What, Why series, Danika comprehensively explores the tragic history of slavery throughout time and throughout the world. It’s a sad history, but also a hopeful one, with God’s gracious promise ultimately to set captives free.” Douglas Bond, Author of over 30 books, including War in the Wasteland and The Resistance
“Danika Cooley has hit the mark with this series. Slavery is an ugly topic, but the stories of the Christian responses to the evil allow hope to shine through. Readers will learn a lot of history, but more importantly they will learn what it means to put the Gospel into action. A series well worth reading.” Linda Finlayson, Author of God’s Timeline and God’s Bible Timeline
“I love the effort that Danika Cooley makes in this book to simplify and bring the short stories of several people who fought against slavery and slave trading to the attention of a new generation of young people.” Conrad Mbewe, Pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Kabwata, Zambia; Founding Chancellor of African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia
“Young people need to read this captivating history that Cooley weaves together. It will enable them to see what it means to practically love their neighbours in a cruel world.” Conrad Mbewe, Pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Kabwata, Zambia; Founding Chancellor of African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia (UGRR)
“Danika Cooley illustrates for us that the biblical truth that all human beings are made in the image of God is revolutionary. … May young people reading this book go on to be reformers in areas that need the light of God today!” Conrad Mbewe, Pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Kabwata, Zambia; Founding Chancellor of African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia
The Old Testament
The Old Testament in the Bible covers important history, from Creation through the Prophets.
God called a people unto himself, taught them–and now us–who he is and how to worship him, and helped us understand why we need a Savior.
Teach your kids about the Old Testament with fun narrative and important biblical truth through the Who What Why series from Danika Cooley and Christian Focus Publications.
Who Was Moses?
From a baby born in slavery, to a prince, to an outlaw, to the leader of God’s people, Moses’ story is an amazing one. Danika Cooley draws you into the twists and turns of Moses’ life, showing how this flawed man was able to know God face to face.
It was into this nation-within-a nation that a baby was born. This wasn’t just any baby, and he didn’t grow up to be just any boy. No, this baby was born into the tribe of Levi–one of the sons of Jacob, which would become the tribe of God’s priests. One day, this special child named Moses would know God face-to-face.
Who Was Moses?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2024), page 9
What Was the Tabernacle?
Although God had rescued his people out of slavery in Egypt, they rebelled against him and worshiped other gods. So God gave Moses rules to teach his people how to love God and each other. God also gave Moses instructions for how to build a moveable temple for the Lord–the tabernacle.
This tent provided a way for the Israelites to serve and worship God his way, in reverence and awe. But the tabernacle was also full of symbols that pointed to the coming of Jesus, when God became a man and lived amongst his people.
In the beginning, before there were lakes with fish, mountains with trees, or deserts full of sand, there was God. Our God, Yahweh–whose name means I AM WHO I AM–has always been. Yahweh is. Yahweh always will be.
What Was the Tabernacle?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2024), page 7
Why Did the Exodus Happen?
God’s people had been in slavery in Egypt for hundreds of years. But God had promised their ancestors that the people of Israel would have their own land someday. They cried out to God and he heard them and rescued them. God used a shepherd, Moses, and his brother, Aaron, to rescue a nation of slaves from the grips of the ruler of the world’s most powerful kingdom. Danika Cooley invites readers to know the God who never breaks his promises, who has power over all things, and who rescues his people.
In this world, there are a great many things to know. We can learn about algebra, art, biology, and even rocket science. But, no library of knowledge in this world is more important than knowing the one true God.
Why Did the Exodus Happen?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2024), page 17
The New Testament
The New Testament in the Bible covers important history, from the Incarnation of Jesus through the letters of the apostles.
Jesus, who is God the Son, became fully God and fully human, taught us how to live for his glory, then took the punishment of all believers on himself on the Cross. He died, was buried, and rose from the dead, then ascended to heaven. One day, believers will also be resurrected to live forever with Jesus on the new earth.
Teach your kids about the New Testament with fun narrative and important biblical truth through the Who What Why series from Danika Cooley and Christian Focus Publications.
Who Were the Disciples?
Ever wondered what it was like to walk alongside Jesus? Dive into this exciting exploration of the twelve disciples – regular guys who became part of the greatest story ever told! With fun black-and-white illustrations throughout, you’ll discover how fishermen, tax collectors, and even a former terrorist became Jesus’ closest friends and changed history forever.
Follow Peter as he walks on water (and sometimes sinks!), watch Matthew throw a huge party after leaving his tax booth behind, and see how Thomas went from doubting to believing. You’ll learn how John went from being called a “Son of Thunder” to becoming known as the apostle of love, and find out why Jesus chose Judas even though He knew what would happen.
Each chapter brings these fascinating characters to life, showing how Jesus transformed ordinary people into extraordinary followers. You’ll see their mistakes, their victories, and their incredible courage as they spread the good news across the world – even when it meant facing danger.
Throughout history, God has often chosen the most ho-hum, ordinary lives with which to do the most extraordinary things. God’s marvelous work in history, you see, does not depend upon the amazingness of the people he chooses to work through. Rather, God’s astonishing work in history is all about how incredible he is.
Who Were the Disciples?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), page 7
What Was the Cross?
Discover the amazing story of the Cross in this special book from the Who, What, Why? series! With fun black-and-white illustrations and easy-to-understand explanations, young readers will explore one of the most important events in the Bible.
Why did Jesus die on the Cross? What does it mean for us today? Author Danika Cooley takes kids on an exciting journey through time, starting in the Garden of Eden and following God’s incredible rescue plan all the way to Jesus. Along the way, readers will meet fascinating characters like Isaiah who told people about Jesus hundreds of years before He was born, John the Baptist who called Jesus “the Lamb of God,” and the disciples who followed Jesus everywhere.
The Cross is the most important event in all of human history because it is the moment when Jesus, who is God the Son and the Son of God, paid for the sins of all who believe in him. Sin makes us enemies of God. Not only did Jesus bring about the forgiveness of sin for all believers, but at the Cross Jesus also made his followers friends of God instead of his enemies.
What Was the Cross?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), page 8
Why Did the Resurrection Happen?
This exciting book explores one of the most important events in history – when Jesus rose from the dead three days after dying on the cross. Written especially for kids ages 8-12, it explains why the resurrection happened and what it means for us today.
You’ll learn about the Feast of Firstfruits in the Old Testament and how it pointed to Jesus’ resurrection. Follow along as women discover the empty tomb, disciples race to see for themselves, and over 500 people witness the risen Jesus! The book explains how Jesus appeared to his followers for 40 days, even eating meals with them, before ascending to heaven.
But this isn’t just history – the book shows why Jesus’ resurrection matters for you. It explains how Jesus conquered death so that everyone who believes in him can have eternal life. You’ll discover what the “already-and-not-yet kingdom” means and learn about the amazing new Jerusalem that awaits believers.
Jesus’ resurrection guarantees that, just like Jesus, in eternity we will never get sick, or old, or die. In fact, we will live forever with Jesus on the new earth, where there will be no sin and no death.
Why Did the Resurrection Happen?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), page 23
The Reformation Church
The Reformation was an important time in both the history of the Christian Church, and in global history.
God used his Word, new technology, and faithful believers to bring people to the truth of Scripture. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Scripture alone is our authority–not the word of councils or popes. We live our lives and do all things to the glory of God alone.
Teach your kids about the Reformation Church with fun narrative and important biblical truth through the Who What Why series from Danika Cooley and Christian Focus Publications.
Who Was Martin Luther?
Martin Luther was a young man who was afraid of a thunderstorm. He was a monk seeking for salvation. He was a reformer who inspired a continent to return to the Word of God. Introduce your 8–11 year olds to this key figure in the Reformation.
Sometimes the people who change the world come from the most unlikely of places. Places like a little town in a little country no one paid much attention to at the time. Often the people who change the course of history are not all that important seeming until you look back and see what it is they really did with their lives.
Who Was Martin Luther?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2021), page 9
What Was the Gutenberg Bible?
Johann Gutenberg invented a world–changing machine that meant people could read God’s Word for themselves. The world could share ideas, discoveries, and news. God’s Word could be quickly, inexpensively and accurately reproduced. Help your 8–11 year–olds discover how the printing press paved the way for the Reformation.
Just fifty years after twelve Death Ships pulled into the harbor in Sicily, and a decade after an English professor secretly translated Latin words into English, a man named after his house defied all odds and created a machine that would spread words across the world like dandelion seeds. The interesting thing about history is it is like a line of dominoes standing on end. Every event is a result of things that happened before. Once things happen, they impact what comes next–just like dominoes knocking each other over.
What Was the Gutenberg Bible?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2021), page 6
Why Did the Reformation Happen?
The Church was following the words of men rather than the Word of God but brave men read God’s Word and were saved from their sins. They fought for truth against the most powerful organizations of the time – the Church and the Crown. Help your 8-11 year olds explore how God’s people changed the Church, Europe and the World. This is the story of how the Church found the gospel and the people heard about Christ.
Lost things, once they are forgotten, can be hard to find again. Have you ever cleaned the back corner of your closet, only to find something you once dearly loved? Maybe it was your favorite shirt and now you are too big to wear it.
Alas–that’s a word which means oh no!–just over five hundred years ago, God’s people lost his Word to us.
Why Did the Reformation Happen?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2021), page 6
The Modern Church
In Christian history, the Modern Church has faced turbulence, growth, and reformation. The Modern Church has seen the rise of missions and evangelism. It has experienced brutal wars and oppressive regimes. The Modern Church, too, saw the rise–and fought for the end–of chattel slavery.
During the time of abolition, many Christians chose to glorify God by loving their neighbors as themselves. Believers searched Scripture to find what the Lord has to say about his creation. All humans are made in the image of God. We are to love and care for others. Through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, many Christians learned to sacrifice on behalf of those in need.
Teach your kids about the Modern Church with fun narrative and important biblical truth through the Who What Why series from Danika Cooley and Christian Focus Publications.
Who Were the Abolitionists?
The abolitionists were a group of people who wanted to get rid of (abolish) slavery. This book will tell you about some of them. They came from different places and had different stories, and God called them to serve him in different ways. But they each worked to make sure that a human being, made in the image of God, could not be owned by someone else.
Courageous people do not usually intend to be brave. Instead, God’s people use the gifts he gives them to glorify God and to serve others. As we look back upon the lives of people in the past, we see how God orchestrates every event to help his children grow in character and to accomplish a specific role in his story of the world.
Who Were the Abolitionists?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2023), page 6
What Was the Underground Railroad?
The Underground Railroad was a secret system through which runaway slaves could escape to freedom. Abolitionists hid fugitives in their houses during the day and sent them to another home at night. These safehouses became known as stations, the people who helped were station masters and conductors, and the paths people took to freedom were lines. Learn the stories of some of the people who escaped slavery this way, and the people who ran the Underground Railroad.
Have you ever taken a ride on a train? It can be a lot of fun. You board the train at the station, then enjoy the countryside as you race along the line. You disembark right where you intend to arrive.
Taking a ride on the Underground Railroad was a little different.
What Was the Underground Railroad?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2023), page 16
Why Did Slavery End?
Slavery has been around for a long time. In the Bible, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, and the Israelites were slaves in Egypt until God freed them. Even much more recently, people were kidnapped and made to work. For a while, Christians ignored that slavery is wrong and pretended that enslaved people were not their neighbors. But a lot of Christians realized they were wrong, and between 1688 and 1888 AD there was a big fight to put a stop to slavery. This is the story of these Christians who loved their neighbors and how they fought to free them.
Have you ever ignored a dirty sock on the bathroom floor, stepping around it for days? People do that with sin, too. But sin is much worse than a filthy sock. Sin violates God’s laws and separates us from him. Sin hurts other people–it is the opposite of love.
“This is what I love – Danika does not just present isolated Bible stories but shows how the Old Testament points to Christ. If you want a Gospel-centered resource, you will love these books.” – Abby Banks
“If you haven’t yet included Christian history in your curriculum lineup, or even if you have, I have a treat for you. I’m interviewing Danika Cooley today about her new book series Who What Why. She explains why it’s more important than ever to introduce our kids to Christian history.” – Dr. Melanie Wilson, The Homeschool Sanity Show
“Danika visits with me about the latest titles in her Who, What, Why series and how parents can teach the topic to younger children, using a biblical worldview.” – Dr. Melanie Wilson, The Homeschool Sanity Show
“On episode 234 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast as we discuss The Who What Why Series and my personal connection to the Underground Railroad. These are important books for kids about slavery, abolition, the Underground Railroad, and how ordinary people made a difference in their culture.” – Abby Banks, Homeschool with Moxie Podcast
“In this bonus episode, I share about a great resource for teaching your elementary-aged kids about church history in a fun way.” – Joy Wendling, Playfully Faithful Parenting
“This season of the Reformed Faith and Family Podcast is all about being intentional as Christians in every area of our lives. One of those important areas is in the education of our children. The topic of slavery is a contentious one in our society for a myriad of reasons. It is difficult enough tackling this topic among adults, but many parents struggle with how to introduce this heavy subject with young children. Join us as we discuss how to teach children about slavery from a Christian worldview with our guest, Danika Cooley Author – Bible Lessons for Kids, Christian Books for Children from ThinkingKidsPress.com.” – Caleb and Lindsey Stomberg, Reformed Faith and Family
“Want to teach your 9-11 year olds about the history of slavery, abolition, and the Underground Railroad but with a Christian worldview perspective? That’s what Danika Cooley does in The Who What Why Series.” – Abby Banks, 4 One More
“In this bonus episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting, host Joy Wendling shares her excitement about an incredible resource for homeschool parents and public school parents alike.” – Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast
“Meet Danika Cooley, author of the Who What Why series. If your kids like fun narrative, exciting facts, hidden rabbit trails, and interesting stories, don’t miss this series!” – Amanda Trumpower
“These books come from a place of faith, written by a fellow believer who shares a deep commitment to teaching the Bible to children. In a world filled with secular resources, Who, What, Why? fills a significant gap in the Christian community, making the rich stories of the Old Testament accessible, exciting, and faith-centered.” – Amanda Schenkenberger, Homeschool Family Legacy
“Danika Cooley has a gift for making hard biblical and historical concepts and events easy for kids to understand and fun for them to engage with. I love how she has done both with her three newest books all about Moses, the Exodus, and the Tabernacle.” Bonnie Rose Hudson, Write Bonnie Rose
“Often times we treat figures from the Bible like they are figures from an episodal TV show. They show up for their episode, but it doesn’t affect anything else in the show after they disappear. Our Bible lessons are episodic, and do not connect one to the other as a general rule. Who Was Moses? by Danika Cooley strives to help forestall that problem.” Ticia Messing, Adventures in a Messy Life
“Your kids can learn about the Exodus with these three books that cover the time frame from an overview of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob plus a quick look at Joseph and then all the way to Moses’ death. Danika does a great job explaining things such as the need for the Passover and the purpose of the Tabernacle.” – Ellen, Homeschooling Highway
“Danika Cooley, author of the Who What Why book series, will take you on a journey as you learn about important Bible stories, the people of God, and God’s desires for His followers. I loved how Danika included Bible verses throughout and explained the meaning of the verses! She also showed how we can apply that to our own lives.” Dana, The Art Kit
“This is a wonderful set of three slim books by Danika Cooley that will help your family understand some Old-Testament hints of New-Testament Jesus. You can read these books about the Exodus as part of family devotions, telling the stories of who Moses was, what his story showed, and why.” Author Phyllis Wheeler
“I decided to review Who What Why The Gospels as a group because that’s how to best talk about them. They are a good middle grade Bible study for young Christians learning what their faith is. It’s a good addition to your bible lessons. So let’s talk about each of these books and how I would use them to help kids grow in their life.” Ticia Messing
“Just sat down to continue reading through these with my boys. (That’s them in the background, living their best army-men-and-building-blocks life. 😉) You guys, I love how gospel-rich and engaging these books are! We’ve been enjoying them, and I’m so pleased with the Christ-centered focus. These books are such a solid resource for discipling our kids. You’ll get clear truths, bite-sized learning, and great springboards for gospel conversations. 💛
👉 Clear Presentation of the Gospel
👉 Biblical Worldview and Solid Theology
👉 Engaging Read-Aloud Style
👉 Discipleship-Focused Content
👉 Great for Multi-Age Learning
“Use these Christian Biographies for Kids as part of your history curriculum in your homeschool or as family read-alouds. Add them to your Morning Time basket or your bedtime devotions. Hand them to your elementary-aged children to read on their own – I think they are great for children from preschool through middle school. However you choose to use them, I know they will bless your family!” Clarissa R. West
“History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible. The aim of this special series is to help kids, ages 7-12, learn about Christian history. 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. …I highly recommend you to check these books out!” Fill Your House With Books
“The cross isn’t just a symbol—it’s the turning point of history, the very moment our salvation was purchased. But how do you explain something so profound to kids in a way they can understand? That’s where What Was the Cross? from the Who, What, Why Series comes in. Designed for ages 7–12, this book takes children through the biblical account of the cross, why Jesus died, and what that means for us today.” Dana, The Art Kit
Check out this quick review at Homegrown Homeschool!
