This is the second time I have been able to be on the launch team of a new book for Danika Cooley and I am already excited for whatever comes next! I just love her writing style and the ways she weaves fun and depth into theology, faith, and now, church history. Who Was Martin Luther? is one of three new books in Cooley’s Who, What, Why Series and it is my favorite of the three. Read on to find out why!
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Books in the Who, What, Why Series
Who is Danika Cooley?
Danika is…
- a wife
- a homeschool mom of four
- an award-winning children’s author
- a Bible curriculum developer
- University of Washington Grad
Why I LOVE This Book!
This was the first of the three books that I read and although they are all wonderful, this one is my favorite. Martin Luther’s story captivated my heart and Danika Cooley’s writing style engaged my mind and imagination. I was honestly so invested in his story that I felt emotional when she described the moment Luther truly understood grace and salvation through Christ.
I also love the way Cooley gently and effortlessly points us to the Gospel time and time again using appropriate Scripture. This is especially true as she seeks to correct the poor theology of the church at the time. No one can walk away from this book without hearing the Good News of Jesus.
Finally, I love the honesty and truth with which she shares. The Reformation while important history was not pretty or G rated. Yet, Cooley handles the events with simple honesty that helps a child to understand without fear.
Favorite Quotes
That is how our fiery little monk Martin, who lived in a smelly little town and preached at a tiny little university, picked a fight with the most powerful man in all the world.
p 45
Because of the Reformers, you can read the Bible in your heart language and understand what it says.
p 63
Kings and the pope read Martin’s teachings that we can talk directly to Jesus in prayer. We don’t need to confess our sins to a priest or pay the pope for our salvation. Jesus deals directly with us and the Holy Spirit is our Helper. Good News has a way of getting out, and this was very good news indeed.
p 77
The journey of the Reformation of the Church was rocky and often violent. But the good news of Jesus Christ went forth, spreading and taking root everywhere it landed.
p 80
Why is Church History Important?
Cooley believes this is 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.”
Keep the Learning Going!
Whether you are a homeschooling family or not these books are a fun resource. To keep the learning going after you and your kiddos read the series, Danika Cooley is offering a set of 3 lapbooks, one for each book in the series, to you for FREE! You can’t find a better price than that!
Individual Book and Series Reviews
Final Thoughts
I am not a homeschooling mom, but I do think it is my role, not any school or church’s role, to teach my kids about God, the Bible, the Church, and Church History. These books are an amazing resource for that.
Who Was Martin Luther? has history, culture, theology, humor, and the gospel all in an easy-to-read, fun collection. I love Danika Cooley’s style of writing. It feels like I am listening to a mom playfully telling her kids stories from church history. The book is filled with grace and truth, as Cooley lovingly corrects the poor theology that caused the Reformation and points the reader to the gift of salvation through Christ alone.
Martin, as well as the setting and culture, is brought to life in such intriguing and engaging ways. Your kids will use their imaginations, minds, and sense of humor as they see what God did through real-life events and people to bring His Word into the hands and heart languages of his people.
Such a great resource for Christian families!
