Best Books on the Reformation

Looking for the best books on the Reformation for your family? Find 40+ wonderful books just for children and teens about the Protestant Reformation!

The Protestant Reformation was a significant event–not only did it change the course of Western history, it also changed the course of the world. Spurred on by growing and unhindered corruption in the Roman Catholic Church and a theology increasingly based on human tradition, men and women of faith fought for theological and practical reform. That fight erupted uncontrollably across Europe, causing not only religious change, but social and political changes as well.

While it’s easy to align the beginning of the Reformation with Martin Luther’s life, early attempts at reform had begun by about 1350 AD. By 1648, the Reformation was over and a new era of the Church had begun. With the 502nd anniversary of Reformation Day upon us–when we remember Martin Luther nailing the Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany–here’s a list of some truly wonderful Reformation books for children and teens.

Get ready for Reformation Day with When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther -- and grab your free Discussion Guide!

You can teach your kids about the Reformation, biblical doctrine, and some colorful figures in a fun way!

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Best Books on the Reformation for Preschool to Second Grade

Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed The World by Paul L. Maier ~ This is a delightful story of the Father of the Reformation for 4-8 year olds by the Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. Our family has appreciated all of Dr. Maier’s children’s books on the Church.
The Barber Who Wanted to Pray by R.C. Sproul ~ Dr. Sproul’s imaginative story relates the advice on prayer that Martin Luther gave his real-life barber.
Reformation ABCs by Stephen J. Nichols and Ned Bustard ~ A delightful introduction to the Reformation from the renowned Church historian Stephen Nichols. This is a great follow-up to the wonderful The Church History ABCs.
The Life of Martin Luther: A Pop-Up Book by Agostino Traini ~ This pop-up book is a really fun way to treat young kids to the story of Martin Luther.
Martin Luther: What should I do? (Little Lights) by Catherine MacKenzie ~ The Little Lights series by Catherine MacKenzie is wonderful. Each spread contains information for a parent or older child to read aloud, as well as an easy-to-read section for beginning readers. This volume covers the life and influence of Martin Luther.
John Calvin: What is the truth? (Little Lights) by Catherine MacKenzie ~ Another Little Lights volume, What is the Truth? covers the life of the Swiss Reformer John Calvin.
John Knox: Who Will Save You? (Little Lights) by Catherine MacKenzie ~ Teach your kids about the life of Scottish Reformer John Knox!

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Best Books on the Reformation for Third to Fifth Grade

When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther by Danika Cooley ~ Written for middle and high school students, this exciting story of the Martin Luther and the beginning of the Reformation is a great family read-aloud option for grades three and up.
Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation by Douglas Bond ~ This is an excellent read-aloud on the hymns of the Reformation, told in an exciting novel which stars a brother, sister, and the charming Mr. Pipes.
Fine Print (Creative Minds Biography) by Joann Johansen Burch ~ An engaging account of Johannes Gutenberg and the development of the printing press–the machine that allowed the Bible to be easily and inexpensively reproduced for the masses.
John Calvin (Christian Biographies for Young Readers) by Simonetta Carr ~ An engaging story of the Swiss pastor and theologian John Calvin, complete with photographs and illustrations.
John Knox (Christian Biographies for Young Readers) by Simonetta Carr ~ Another excellent volume from Mrs. Carr on the life of John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation.
Lady Jane Grey (Christian Biographies for Young Readers) by Simonetta Carr ~ Simonetta Carr tells the story of Lady Jane Grey. Queen of England for two weeks, Protestant Lady Jane Grey was executed by Bloody Mary, the Catholic sister of Queen Elizabeth.
Julie Gonzaga (Christian Biographies for Young Readers) by Simonetta Carr ~ Your kids will love learning about the life of a woman risking all for the sake of the gospel in the Italian Reformation.
Michelangelo for Kids by Simonetta Carr ~ Michelangelo was active in Rome during the time of the Reformation. This book is a great way to add hands-on art history to your family’s studies.

Martin Luther and the Reformation

Teach your teens about Martin Luther and the Reformation in an exciting, new way with When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther!

Martin Luther (1483-1546) is often referred to as “The Father of the Reformation”. Born during a time of superstition, tradition, and spiritual corruption, Luther gave up a lucrative career as a lawyer to become a monk in the Roman Catholic Church–a path he felt would certainly lead to salvation.

As Luther’s understanding of the spiritual corruption within the Church grew, and he despaired of true salvation, Luther (now a scholar and priest) sought the Bible for answers. Following his discovery of the true gospel in Scripture, Luther began to preach spiritual freedom to his congregation, and to teach biblical (rather than philosophical) theology at the University of Wittenberg.

It was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther penned his Ninety-Five Theses in Latin in response to the abusive indulgence sales practices of the monk Johann Tetzel in a nearby town. Luther nailed the Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, the scholarly bulletin board of his day, and mailed a copy to the Archbishop of Mainz. Luther hoped to start a scholarly debate about the practice of selling salvation through plenary indulgences. The response he received was greater–and more dangerous–than he imagined it would be.

Luther’s story is exciting. There are death defying moments, epic spiritual battles, narrow escapes, a kidnapping, revolution, and war. As the “Father of the Reformation”, Luther is a vital figure in Church history. His sacrifice and willingness to wage battle against the spiritual, religious, and political powers of his medieval world allowed Christians throughout time to embrace the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone as explained by Scripture alone once again. May all glory be to God alone!

Read portions of the first eight chapters of When Lightning Struck!:

Best Books on the Reformation for Middle School

When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther by Danika Cooley ~ This engaging story of Martin Luther, Father of the Reformation, reads like a novel for teens and closely follows the story of Luther, using his own words to liberally throughout the story.
Hammer of the Huguenots by Douglas Bond ~ This wonderful story of the miseries French Calvinists suffered for their faith is both exciting and heartbreaking.
Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation by Douglas Bond ~ This is an excellent read on the hymns of the Reformation, told in an exciting novel which stars a brother, sister, and the charming Mr. Pipes.
Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church (History Lives series) by Brandon and Mindy Withrow ~ Part of the History Lives series, Monks and Mystics contains biographical stories of important figures in the Medieval Church.
Courage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church (History Lives series) by Brandon and Mindy Withrow ~ Short biographical stories tell the story of the Reformation Age. Young people will learn the main characters involved in the Reformation.
A Plymouth Pilgrim: William Bradford’s Eyewitness Account of the Mayflower Passengers by Donald White ~ This skillfully modernized account of William Bradford’s crossing on the Mayflower places a source account within reach for middle school readers.
John Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be Stopped (Trailblazers) by Ethel Barrett ~ An incredible story of a passionately prayerful man, the stories of John Welch’s life are nearly unbelievable and certainly faith-growing.
John Knox: The Sharpened Sword (Trailblazers) by Catherine MacKenzie ~ Once a bodyguard, John Knox fought for his faith and served time on a galley ship for it. His inspiring life story should not be ignored.
John Calvin: After Darkness Light by Catherine MacKenzie ~ A story of the careful Bible student and preacher and the many challenges he faced.
William Tyndale: The Smuggler’s Flame (Torchbearers) by Lori Rich ~ An exciting story of Bible translator and smuggler William Tyndale from the 15th century.
Ulrich Zwingli: Shepherd Warrior (Trailblazers) by William Boekestein ~ A fascinating account of the pastor and Reformation leader Martin Luther loved to hate.
Michelangelo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities (For Kids series) by Simonetta Carr ~ A wonderful hands-on art history book on the life of Michelangelo. Simonetta Carr includes the artist’s faith and feelings about the Reformation.
Reformation Heroes by Diana Kleyn and Joel R. Beeke ~ A wonderful account of many of the heroes of the Reformation.
Heroes of the Reformation by Gideon and Hilda Hagstotz ~ These short biographies of important Reformation figures are arranged by country.

Martin Luther of the Reformation Unit Study

Best Books on the Reformation For High School

When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther by Danika Cooley ~ This engaging story of Martin Luther, Father of the Reformation, reads like a novel for teens and closely follows the story of Luther, using his own words to liberally throughout the story.
The Revolt: A Novel in Wycliffe’s England by Douglas Bond ~ Douglas Bond’s account of John Wycliffe and his early 14th century sacrifice for an English Bible translation promises to be another winning novel from a master storyteller.
The Thunder: A Novel on John Knox by Douglas Bond ~ A rich novel on the life of the Scottish Reformer.
The Betrayal: A Novel on John Calvin by Douglas Bond ~ Another engaging story by a masterful storyteller on the life of an important Reformer.
Luther in Love by Douglas Bond ~ The story of Luther and his theology told from the viewpoint of Katie Luther, this gives a unique view into Luther’s family.
Reformation Sketches: Insights into Luther, Calvin, and the Confessions by W. Robert Godfrey ~ An accessible series of short biographies of key Reformation figures, and short explanations of vital confessions.
Girolamo Savonarola (Bitesize Biographies) by Douglas Bond and Douglas McComas ~ A wonderfully written story of a Catholic monk striving to reform the pre-Reformation Roman Catholic Church in Italy.
Hugh Latimer: The Foremost Preacher of the English Reformation (Bitesize Biographies) by Richard Hannula ~ The story of one of England’s most important Reformers.
John Hooper (Bitesize Biographies) by Pete Sullivan ~ The concise story of one of Bloody Mary’s first martyred Reformers.
John Knox (Bitesize Biographies) by John J. Murray ~ A biography of the Scottish Reformer, perfect for high school.
Renee of France (Bitesize Biographies) by Simonetta Carr ~ A fascinating story of a Reformed noble woman who corresponded with John Calvin while balancing a marriage to a devoted Roman Catholic man.
Samuel Rutherford: Bitesize Biography (Bitesize Biographies) by Richard Hannula ~ The biography of a fascinating Scottish theologian from the end of the Reformation period.
Thomas Cranmer (Bitesize Biographies) by Colin Hamer ~ An account of the influential framer of the Church of England, martyred for his faith.
Ulrich Zwingli by William Boekestein ~ A fascinating biography of a pastor who chose to fight for Reform.
William Farel (Bitesize Biographies) by Jason Zuidema ~ An engaging story of Calvin’s predecessor, a man who furthered the sake of the Gospel in France and in Switzerland.
The Daring Mission of William Tyndale by Steven J. Lawson ~ This is a wonderful series. You’ll want your teens to know Tyndale.
The Expositor Genius of John Calvin by Steven J. Lawson ~ Great coverage on the life and impact of Calvin.