I’m not a homeschool mama at the moment, but I still can recognize an incredible resource that homeschool mamas will love. And, Danika Cooley’s Abolitionist Books are a winner. But, not just for homeschool moms. Any mama who supports their children’s discipleship with Christian history will also appreciate these books.
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Who is Danika Cooley?
I first introduced my mama friends to Danika Cooley in 2021 with her Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible (review here) and a few months later, her Reformation series of books (review here).
Danika Cooley is a homeschool mom, author, and curriculum writer. Her website, thinkingkidsblog.com, is jam-packed with resources for Christian mamas, especially if you are a homeschool mom. But, even though I am not a homeschool mama, I know I my influence in my child’s life and worldview packs a punch. I can use her resources even if we aren’t getting school credit for it.
Danika Cooley’s Abolitionist Series
In this series, that released in September 2023, Danika Cooley introduces kids to 10 Abolitionists, the Underground Railroad, and the ugliness of slavery.
She uses age-appropriate language and context without shying away from the sinfulness and horror of slavery. She doesn’t cover up the pain and brokenness caused by slavery but does share how God worked through His followers to protect and free many of his beloved children.
Who were the Abolitionists?
In the first book of the series, Cooley introduces kids to ten abolitionists including William Wilberforce, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman.
I absolutely adore the way Cooley weaves God and the abolitionists’ faith into history. My belief is that it casts vision that our children can be moved and used by God in the world, too.
What was the Underground Railroad?
I remember learning about the Underground Railroad as a kid in social studies. I even remember hearing about how many Christians supported the efforts. But, this book, shares some really remarkable stories that I hadn’t heard such as the story of George Liele, whose former master freed him to preach, escaped to Jamaica with his family, and became the first modern missionary.
Why Did Slavery End?
This book does a beautiful job of painting the picture of the value of humanity and age-appropriately illustrates the utter devastation that slavery had/has on people, families, humanity, and the heart of God.
My one critique of the book is that Danika Cooley calls anger a sin. While I understand her use of Matthew 5:21-26, I can’t get behind the idea of sin as anger. I do believe anger can lead us to sin, I don’t think the emotion itself is a sin. This is based on Scripture such as Pslam 4:4 and Ephesians 4:26, as well as the fact that God gets angry. He is slow to anger but still gets angry. Teaching my children this distinction is important to me.
So, even though I disagree with this one aspect of the book, it is something I will just have a conversation with my kids about and still use the book to teach them about God’s work in history and the world.
Be angry and do not sin; reflect in your heart while on your bed and be silent. Selah
Psalm 4:4 CSB
Conclusion
Whether you homeschool or not, you have a voice in your child’s understanding of history and God’s place within that history. You can choose not to use that voice because your kids learn history at school, or you can choose to use resources at home that speak into your child’s faith and worldview.
These books will help you talk about hard truths in Christ-centered and age-appropriate ways.
Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast Bonus Episode
*I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for a review and podcast interview. The review is authentic and all my own words and opinions.
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