Whether you are a life-long Christian or a new one, our history is really, really important…but, whew, diving into it can be overwhelming! There are ever-increasing church history resources being produced each year by multiple organizations and authors. From board book biographies to deeply theological books, from middle grade historical fiction to impactful biblical films teaching a new generation about old ones, it’s all truly amazing, but…where do you start?
Since Reformation Month is rapidly approaching (in one week!), let’s start there. It’s a truly fascinating time period to study with your children. Please allow me to give you five simple suggestions to help plant your family’s feet on a sturdy path down church history. Reformation Day is October 31, but many celebrate “Reformation Month” all of October. Join us!
5 Family-Friendly Books for Reformation Month
Book 1: Reformation ABCs
– Buy it here. –
First up is an absolute must for your home library. Don’t borrow this one–buy it if you can. Reformation ABCs by Stephen Nichols gives an overview of this tumultuous time by highlighting various people, places, and ideas. It has the quirky Bustard art and could cause many great family conversations. (This duo also produced Church History ABCs, and Bible History ABCs–both great but they don’t count for my five, ha!)
Book 2: Why Did the Reformation Happen?
– Buy it here. –
This reads aloud so very well, I still remember the first time we went through it! Danika Cooley has created a treasure full of truth that is engaging and gospel-packed. There are brief mentions of various deaths (such as burning at the stake), but this is kept appropriate for most kids aged 6 or older. Each book in this series (that I’ve read) has been fantastic.
Book 3: Pick Your Own Luther…
– Buy it here. –
There are many resources giving insights into Luther’s life. My children and I have read a variety–from very brief ones to longer chapter book biographies. Simonetta Carr is a rockstar researcher with an expert ability to report it all back to us in a child-friendly way. Her Martin Luther book always stands out to me (and is part of a history series you’ll want to check out as you expand into other time periods). It is longer and best for multiple sittings with ages 8 and up. If your children are younger than this, my favorite for that age is Martin Luther: What Should I Do? by Catherine Mackenzie.
Book 4: Trial and Triumph
– Buy it here. –
Okay, yes, this book spans beyond the Reformation–before and after it–but I kept coming back to it when making this list. It is so well done! Each chapter is a really short biography on someone significant in church history, and a family could pull out whichever ones they want to read in any order. Parents, please run your eyes over my full review (here) for content considerations.
Book 5: Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation
– Buy it here. –
If out of stock, check Veritas Press–they currently sell it.
A fictional but endearing older gentleman brings music to life in fun ways for a brother-sister pair. They travel to Europe and visit actual sites that he ties to various hymns written in those days. Sit back and relax with this one–it’s not a quick read-aloud, but it has clean language and a gentle storyline. Douglas Bond is a reliable Christian author who stays doctrinally sound, and I’m thankful for his work.
So, what will you pick to read this Reformation Month?
Trust me when I say there are MANY more books in this realm, but the above would give your family an excellent view of the Protestant Reformation. I will be adding more titles to my full book list (full = both good and bad) for Reformation Month over the next few weeks, so stay tuned or connect with me (Instagram or 1x/month email newsletter) to hear about those.
May the Lord expand your understanding of His world as you read!
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