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Teach Your Kids the Bible and Christian History

Ulrich Zwingli Biography for Kids | A Reformation Biography Worth Reading

April 23, 2023 By Danika Leave a Comment

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Ulrich Zwingli of the Reformation is an intriguing figure, also known as Huldrych Zwingli. Your kids will love this Ulrich Zwingli biography!


Ulrich Zwingli Biography for Kids

I want to thank Christian Focus Publications for providing me with a copy of Shepherd Warrior in return for my honest review.

Ulrich Zwingli and the Reformation

Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531)–also known as Huldrych Zwingli–was a Roman Catholic pastor from Switzerland who became convinced that Scripture is sufficient for Christians–that we need not rely on religious tradition to guide our faith.

Zwingli became a chief Reformer in Switzerland, verbally criticizing Lent, the Mass, and Transubstantiation–the idea that the wine and bread presented during Communion are actually Christ’s physical body and blood.

His belief that Jesus meant Communion to signify his sacrifice for our sins led him into an ugly and direct confrontation with Martin Luther.


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Ulrich Zwingli Biography for Kids

Pastor William Boekestein, a skilled author for young people, takes on the telling of Ulrich Zwingli’s life in his new volume Shepherd Warrior: Ulrich Zwingli (Christian Focus Publications, 2016). The book is a part of the ever-growing line of Trailblazers biographies for ages 8-14. I love this line and highly recommend the books for your family!

Boekestein creatively tells the story of Ulrich Zwingli, of his struggles, his conversion, his quest to teach the Gospel, and of his family life. Young people will feel as though they, too, struggle along with Zwingli as he seeks to shepherd his flock, to rebuff doctrinal differences of those taking the Reformation “too far”, and as he gains and loses relationships on the sword of his beliefs.

Ulrich Zwingli was an important figure in the Reformation.

His expository preaching was revolutionary in his area. Zwingli interacted with many of the Reformers of his time, as well as important humanists like Erasmus of Rotterdam.

I’m so glad to see the work Pastor Boekestein has done in creating an accessible biography of Zwingli. If students are to get a full view of the Reformation period, Zwingli really must be included. (For high school students, check out Boekestein’s Ulrich Zwingli, a part of the Bitesize Biographies collection from EP Books.)


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The Struggles of Ulrich Zwingli

Telling Zwingli’s story well can’t have been an easy task, but I think it’s an important one.

The more young people understand of the struggles the Church has faced, the more they will understand the struggles faced by the Church today. Zwingli lived during a time when Swiss men often served as mercenary soldiers for neighboring countries, forced conversions were a political issue, and swords were often lifted in the defense of doctrine. The medieval Roman Catholic Church demanded celibacy of the priesthood, yet often turned a blind eye to sexual immorality in the clergy. In fact, there were Renaissance Popes who had children they made no effort to hide (for example: Alexander IV, Julius II, and Alexander VI).

Ulrich Zwingli himself succumbed to sexual immorality prior to his marriage to his wife Anna, even after his apparent conversion. He also served as a chaplain to mercenary soldiers in his career, ending his life with a sword in his hand. Boekestein does not avoid these facts, but skillfully shows Zwingli’s anguish and failures without being graphic.

The author also includes a really helpful appendix titled “Religious Use of Violence during the Reformation”. The appendix covers three points (applicable to Zwingli’s sexual sin as well). While Boekestein elaborates on these points, they are as follows:

  1. We should try to understand our heroes’ faults, but not defend them.
  2. God’s people are seduced by the sins of their age.
  3. Godly people often believe better than they behave.

Hear, hear! In studying Christian history, these are three really important points to remember. They are even more important to introduce to young people, who may not yet have come to terms with the idea that heroes are often flawed.

Kids need to know, too, that the standards of the church may change over time but that the truth of God’s Word never does. I think there is great value in allowing young people to see that the Lord sanctifies his people, even whilst using them to accomplish His purposes–flaws and all.


When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther for your teens.


Ulrich Zwingli: Shepherd Warrior coordinates with studies involving:

  • Ulrich Zwingli / Huldrych Zwingli
  • The Reformation
  • The Middle Ages
  • The Church and Politics
  • Forced Conversions
  • Sexual Sin

Purchase Shepherd Warrior at

Ulrich Zwingli: Shepherd Warrior (Trailblazers)Ulrich Zwingli: Shepherd Warrior (Trailblazers)Ulrich Zwingli: Shepherd Warrior (Trailblazers)

OR, at Christian Book:

  • Shepherd Warrior: Ulrich Zwingli
  • Christian Focus Trailblazers

Wonderfully Made by Danika Cooley


Four reasons to teach Christian history to your kids!


More Christian Focus Trail Blazers Books for Your Kids

Our family loves the Christian Focus Trail Blazers books. They’re perfect for ages 7-14. We read them as we studied history! Check them out.

Eric Liddell: Finish the RaceEric Liddell: Finish the RaceEric Liddell: Finish the RaceJohn Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s CourtJohn Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s CourtJohn Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s CourtSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the WorldFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the WorldFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the WorldTitanic: The Ship of DreamsTitanic: The Ship of DreamsTitanic: The Ship of DreamsWilliam Tyndale: The Smuggler’s FlameWilliam Tyndale: The Smuggler’s FlameWilliam Tyndale: The Smuggler’s FlameWilfred Grenfell: Courageous DoctorWilfred Grenfell: Courageous DoctorWilfred Grenfell: Courageous DoctorDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next ThingElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next ThingElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next ThingBetty Greene: Courage Has WingsBetty Greene: Courage Has WingsBetty Greene: Courage Has WingsUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorLilias Trotter: Daring in the DesertLilias Trotter: Daring in the DesertLilias Trotter: Daring in the DesertIsobel Kuhn: Lights in LisulandIsobel Kuhn: Lights in LisulandIsobel Kuhn: Lights in LisulandJim Elliot: He Is No FoolJim Elliot: He Is No FoolJim Elliot: He Is No FoolGeorge Müller: The Children's ChampionGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionGeorge Müller: The Children's ChampionAdoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of GoldAdoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of GoldAdoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of GoldPatricia St. John: The Story Behind the StoriesPatricia St. John: The Story Behind the StoriesPatricia St. John: The Story Behind the StoriesHelen Roseveare: On His Majesty's ServiceHelen Roseveare: On His Majesty’s ServiceHelen Roseveare: On His Majesty's ServiceJohn Newton: A Slave Set FreeJohn Newton: A Slave Set FreeJohn Newton: A Slave Set FreeJohn Calvin: After Darkness LightJohn Calvin: After Darkness LightJohn Calvin: After Darkness LightJohn Knox: The Sharpened SwordJohn Knox: The Sharpened SwordJohn Knox: The Sharpened SwordBilly Graham: Just get up out of your SeatBilly Graham: Just get up out of your SeatBilly Graham: Just get up out of your SeatRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the DarkRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the DarkRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the DarkMary Slessor: Servant to the SlaveMary Slessor: Servant to the SlaveMary Slessor: Servant to the SlaveJoni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the TideJoni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the TideJoni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the TideHudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsHudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsHudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsAugustine: The Truth SeekerAugustine: The Truth SeekerAugustine: The Truth SeekerPatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgavePatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgavePatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgaveBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesLottie Moon: Changing China for ChristLottie Moon: Changing China for ChristLottie Moon: Changing China for ChristD L Moody: One Devoted ManD L Moody: One Devoted ManD L Moody: One Devoted ManNate Saint: Operation AucaNate Saint: Operation AucaNate Saint: Operation AucaJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn't Be StoppedJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be StoppedJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn't Be StoppedMichael Faraday: Spiritual DynamoMichael Faraday: Spiritual DynamoMichael Faraday: Spiritual DynamoWilliam Wilberforce: The Freedom FighterWilliam Wilberforce: The Freedom FighterWilliam Wilberforce: The Freedom FighterC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesJonathan Edwards: America's GeniusJonathan Edwards: America’s GeniusJonathan Edwards: America's GeniusCharles Spurgeon: Prince of PreachersCharles Spurgeon: Prince of PreachersCharles Spurgeon: Prince of PreachersGeorge Müller: The Children's ChampionGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionGeorge Müller: The Children's ChampionGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn't Stop WritingHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Stop WritingHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn't Stop WritingFanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's SongFanny Crosby: The Blind Girl’s SongFanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's SongPaul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadePaul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadePaul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadeFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved MountainsFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved MountainsFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved MountainsCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker's DaughterCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s DaughterCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker's DaughterGladys Aylward: No Mountain Too HighGladys Aylward: No Mountain Too HighGladys Aylward: No Mountain Too HighJohn Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimJohn Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimJohn Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimDavid Brainerd: A Love for the LostDavid Brainerd: A Love for the LostDavid Brainerd: A Love for the LostJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest PitBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest PitBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest PitJohn Stott: The Humble LeaderJohn Stott: The Humble LeaderJohn Stott: The Humble LeaderBill Bright: Dare to be DifferentBill Bright: Dare to be DifferentBill Bright: Dare to be DifferentCharles Simeon: For Christ in Cambridge (Trail Blazers)Charles Simeon: For Christ in Cambridge (Trail Blazers)Charles Simeon: For Christ in Cambridge (Trail Blazers)William Carey: Expecting Great Things (Trail Blazers)William Carey: Expecting Great Things (Trail Blazers)William Carey: Expecting Great Things (Trail Blazers)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trailblazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trailblazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trailblazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Trail Blazers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trailblazers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trailblazers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trailblazers)Polycarp: Faithful unto Death (Trail Blazers)Polycarp: Faithful unto Death (Trail Blazers)Polycarp: Faithful unto Death (Trail Blazers)Thomas Cranmer: The King’s Ambassador (Trailblazers)Thomas Cranmer: The King’s Ambassador (Trailblazers)Thomas Cranmer: The King’s Ambassador (Trailblazers)Olaudah Equiano: A Man of Many Names (Trail Blazers)Olaudah Equiano: A Man of Many Names (Trail Blazers)Olaudah Equiano: A Man of Many Names (Trail Blazers)


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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids

Douglas Bond Endorsement
“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. 

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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.


Bible Resources for Your Kids

Bible Road Trip™ CurriculumBible Road Trip™ CurriculumLearn More HereStarter BundleStarter BundleLearn More HereBible Road Trip™ Memory Verse CardsBible Road Trip™ Memory Verse CardsLearn More HereBible Road Trip™ Notebooking JournalsBible Road Trip™ Notebooking JournalsLearn More HereHelp Your Kids Learn and Love the BibleHelp Your Kids Learn and Love the BibleLearn More Here


Reformation Family Book Bundle
Your kids will love the Who What Why Reformation series with illustrated narratives for 8-11 year olds.
And, Martin Luther’s young adult historical fiction story makes the perfect family read aloud!
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!


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Ulrich Zwingli Biography for Kids

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My name is Danika Cooley, and I’m glad you’re here. This site exists to help equip you to teach your kids the Bible and Christian history. I’m an author, a homeschool mom, and a curriculum developer. Pull up a chair and stay awhile.

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