What Was the Underground Railroad?
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Want to purchase the Who What Why Abolition or Reformation series in a bundle?
Who What Why Series | The Modern Church
In Christian history, the Modern Church has faced turbulence, growth, and reformation. The Modern Church has seen the rise of missions and evangelism. It has experienced brutal wars and oppressive regimes. The Modern Church, too, saw the rise–and fought for the end–of chattel slavery.
During the time of abolition, many Christians chose to glorify God by loving their neighbors as themselves. Believers searched Scripture to find what the Lord has to say about his creation. All humans are made in the image of God. We are to love and care for others. Through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, many Christians learned to sacrifice on behalf of those in need.
Teach your kids about the Modern Church with fun narrative and important biblical truth through the Who What Why series from Danika Cooley and Christian Focus Publications.
What Was the Underground Railroad?
The Underground Railroad was a secret system through which runaway slaves could escape to freedom. Abolitionists hid fugitives in their houses during the day and sent them to another home at night. These safehouses became known as stations, the people who helped were station masters and conductors, and the paths people took to freedom were lines. Learn the stories of some of the people who escaped slavery this way, and the people who ran the Underground Railroad.
Have you ever taken a ride on a train? It can be a lot of fun. You board the train at the station, then enjoy the countryside as you race along the line. You disembark right where you intend to arrive.
Taking a ride on the Underground Railroad was a little different.
What Was the Underground Railroad?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2023), page 16
Your kids can learn about the Underground Railroad. They'll see how it was run, with stations and terminals along lines, by station masters and conductors, with passengers risking their lives in the pursuit of freedom.
In a fun and engaging tone, the narrative Christian history book What Was the Underground Railroad? will help your kids see how God sovereignly arranged events to allow ordinary Christians to overcome a terrible injustice. Your kids will learn the stories of many followers of Jesus who contributed to the freedom of others, and read stories of those who escaped enslavement. They'll see, too, how those same ordinary Christians were willing to sacrifice their own comfort, freedom, and even lives in pursuit of justice for their fellow human beings.
What Was the Underground Railroad? chapters:
- Introduction: Modern Trains and Ancient Slavery
- Chapter One: This Way to Freedom
- Chapter Two: Paying for Tickets
- Chapter Three: A Place to Rest
- Chapter Four: The Light is On
- Chapter Five: All Aboard
- Chapter Six: Last Stop
- Chapter Seven: Underground Railroad: The Truth
- Timeline
People who obey God, not man, change the course of history. They don't change it all at once. No, history is changed just a little at a time.
What Was the Underground Railroad?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2021), page 79
Fabulously illustrated by Martyn Smith, the Who What Why series books are each 95 pages long with 8-9 chapters, perfect for your middle grade (ages 8-11) readers. The fun narrative makes each book an engaging family read aloud, but kids will love, too, that they can read the books on their own.
In fun sidebars, your kids will also learn about:
- Ending Enslavement
- Not Every Train Goes North
- Extra Postage - Henry Brown
- Hiding in Plain Sight - Ellen and William Craft
- Changing Minds - "Eliza"
- Enslaved to Free Others - Arnold Gragston
- The Above Ground Railroad
- God's Word: The Truth
What Was the Underground Railroad? is a fun way for kids to learn about a movement which changed history, freed captives, and helped lead to the freedom of all enslaved Americans.
Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
"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.
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.
"Danika has done it again! Built on the foundation of God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves, in her Who, What, Why series, Danika comprehensively explores the tragic history of slavery throughout time and throughout the world. It’s a sad history, but also a hopeful one, with God’s gracious promise ultimately to set captives free." Douglas Bond, Author of over 30 books, including War in the Wasteland and The Resistance
"Danika Cooley has hit the mark with this series. Slavery is an ugly topic, but the stories of the Christian responses to the evil allow hope to shine through. Readers will learn a lot of history, but more importantly they will learn what it means to put the Gospel into action. A series well worth reading." Linda Finlayson, Author of God’s Timeline and God’s Bible Timeline
"Young people need to read this captivating history that Cooley weaves together. It will enable them to see what it means to practically love their neighbours in a cruel world." Conrad Mbewe, Pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Kabwata, Zambia; Founding Chancellor of African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia (UGRR)
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"We had read the previous 3 books that Danika Cooley released, so we were pumped to get these new books! I love that they're from a Christian perspective and that my children can learn history in a fun way. We're studying the Civil War time period in our homeschool, so what perfect timing to get books on the Underground Railroad, Abolitionists, and Why Slavery Ended. She does such a great job of storytelling and points our children to the Bible inside of the stories. What a treat! We can't wait to see what series of 3 she comes up with next!" - Christine Zell, This Bit of Life (Abolition Set)
"What an amazing trio of books. History is a powerful teacher and this series points gloriously to God's sovereignty and how he used ordinary people to push back against what is wrong. I loved the balanced approach that didn't excuse sin, but rather exposed its deceptive and contagious nature. One of our favorite lines is how "sin begets more sin." That one gave us so much to ponder and discuss as we look at where we are at in today's world... Hence why history can provide such provocative lessons. Thanks Danika, for this wonderful series." - Heather H.
"What really struck me most as I was reading this series on the history of abolitionism was how Danika covered world history from ancient to the modern era concerning this subject. That is not something that I have personally witnessed in other children’s books on this topic. So many books like these for children focus solely on American slavery, and where Danika’s series does have an entire book dedicated to our nation’s history: What Was the Underground Railroad?, the other two books in her series on abolitionism are more fairly balanced in representing the history of slavery abroad.
"In the same way that most history books covering slavery focus primarily on the American slave trade, resources on this same topic tend to only consider one types of slavery. I was thankful that Danika took the time to make a distinction between indentured servitude and chattel slavery, because we do see examples of both in the Scriptures. I believe this contrast is very important for children to learn as they make connections throughout their education. We want our children to understand that God’s character never changes and to see how God’s Law, his moral standard for holiness, is the same across the Old and New Testament." - Lindsey Stomberg, Reformed Faith and Family (Abolition Set)
"My munchkins are enjoying this new series of books by my friend, Danika Cooley, and I'm excited about the history they are learning and how it's written in such a way that it points them to our awesome God. I love using stories about God's people like missionaries and other Christian heroes to help my kids grow to know and love Jesus. These books fit the bill nicely as they are packed with stories and snippets of history that help kids see how great and good our God is - even in the face of extreme evil. As my kids read and hear about God working through his people to fight against the wickedness of slavery, they are also learning about the character of God and how he wants to work in their own lives to show his epic love to the world." - Nathan Hamilton, Kids Enjoying Jesus (Abolition Set)
"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." - Joy Wendling, Created to Play (Abolition Set)
"Danika does a great job at tracing the role that specific Christians play in confronting evil in their society. She emphasizes God’s sovereignty in placing us in a specific time in history in order to glorify God and serve others with our actions. That’s a hopeful message for our kids in this current cultural climate. God can use them to make a difference in the world as a Christian." - Abby Banks, 4 One More
"In today’s world, books share many messages, and it can sometimes be hard to know which books to buy for your children. If you are like me, you want books that are fun and interesting. More importantly, you want books that share your Christian worldview. This series fits that bill perfectly." - Dawn Peluso, The Schoolin' Swag Blog (Abolition Set)
"You should get them all and use them as a source of teaching about this important historical event from a Christian perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these true depictions of history to my children." - Clarissa R. West (Abolition Set)
"I am thoroughly impressed with not only their basis on Christianity but also the care of such a difficult topic. ...Danika shares scripture in her books to help children understand that God does not separate us based on the color of our skin, He loves us all the same. I love how she included a chapter called Made in His Image." - Yvonne Billian, The Life We Build (Abolition Set)
"This book is amazing and I can't wait to read the others in the series. While this book is targeted for children I found them to be well written, educational, and engaging even as an adult. The author painted a vivid historical picture of what the underground railroad was, the struggle of the run away slave fleeing towards freedom, and the heart of the Christian who fiught to abolish slavery. My kids absolutely loved it and we've had many conversations about it and I'm sure there will be many more conversations to come." - Amazon Review (What Was the Underground Railroad?)
"My munchkins are enjoying this new series of books by my friend, Danika Cooley, and I'm excited about the history they are learning and how it's written in such a way that it points them to our awesome God. You can check out these books at WhoWhatWhySeries.com! I love using stories about God's people like missionaries and other Christian heroes to help my kids grow to know and love Jesus. This book has stories and snippets of history that are helping my kids see how great and good our God is - even in the face of extreme evil. As my kids read and hear about God working through his people to fight against the wickedness of slavery, they are also learning about the character of God and how he wants to work in their own lives to show his epic love to the world." - Nathan (What Was the Underground Railroad?)
"Another great book in the Who What Why series! Our family enjoyed learning about the Underground Railroad and the people who fought against slavery. The stories are engaging and it opened up great conversations with the kids. I particularly love how it highlights the the bravery and sacrifice of abolitionists, station masters, and conductors who risked their lives to assist those seeking liberty, all for God’s glory! Just like with the other books in this series, What Was the Underground Railroad? teaches kids to understand the importance of standing up against injustice and and that God can use ordinary individuals have a lasting impact on history. Teaching our kids about this important topic in light of the gospel is a precious gift to us - we’re thankful to have these resources in our home and homeschool!" - Tauna Meyer, Proverbial Homemaker (What Was the Underground Railroad?)
"We talk often about how God uses ordinary people in all kinds of ways. We simply need to be on the lookout for what God has called us to do in each season we find ourselves in. This history book points back to a time when others simply did that and played an important role in the lives of many!" - Heather Haupt (What Was the Underground Railroad?)
"This book paints a beautiful picture of how the Underground Railroad worked and how the brave men and women who loved God took risks to fight against injustice and demonstrated courage to stand against wrongdoing at a governmental level. It also helps our kids understand times when the Bible encourages us to do the same and how to honor God and authority in the midst of those difficult decisions." - Katie J. Trent (What Was the Underground Railroad?)
"What Was the Underground Railroad? is an inspiring and exciting look at this important part of American history. The book explores much more than just the facts of history, however. After a fascinating story of how the term “Underground Railroad” began, the book tackles the question of whether or not it was right to disobey the government by helping enslaved people escape. Using Biblical examples, Danika Cooley shows how God’s Word consistently shows us that when man’s laws oppose God’s laws, we must obey God rather than men. She also shows how Christians faithfully worked to serve God, love their neighbors, and work to change ungodly laws that were destroying the lives of millions of people. The stories from history and the Biblical truths woven throughout the book are expertly shared in a way that is easy for kids to read and understand. Hard words are explained naturally, in a conversational way so kids don’t feel like they are reading a dictionary’s definition. Danika shares concrete examples and stories that bring the truth to life and challenge kids to live for God, even when it’s hard. It is an incredible book that I highly recommend." - Bonnie Rose, BonnieRose.com (What Was the Underground Railroad?)
