Why Did the Reformation Happen?
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Who What Why Series | The Reformation Church
The Reformation was an important time in both the history of the Christian Church, and in global history.
God used his Word, new technology, and faithful believers to bring people to the truth of Scripture. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Scripture alone is our authority--not the word of councils or popes. We live our lives and do all things to the glory of God alone.
Teach your kids about the Reformation Church with fun narrative and important biblical truth through the Who What Why series from Danika Cooley and Christian Focus Publications.

Why Did the Reformation Happen?
The Church was following the words of men rather than the Word of God but brave men read God’s Word and were saved from their sins. They fought for truth against the most powerful organizations of the time – the Church and the Crown. Danika Cooley helps 6-11 year olds explore how God’s people changed the Church, Europe and the World. This is the story of how the Church found the gospel and the people heard about Christ.
Lost things, once they are forgotten, can be hard to find again. Have you ever cleaned the back corner of your closet, only to find something you once dearly loved? Maybe it was your favorite shirt and now you are too big to wear it.
Alas--that's a word which means oh no!--just over five hundred years ago, God's people lost his Word to us.
Why Did the Reformation Happen?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2021), page 6
Your kids can learn about the the causes and history of the Reformation, the impact, and the Reformers God used to bring the gospel to the Christian Church.
In a fun and engaging tone, the Christian theology and history book Why Did the Reformation Happen? will take your kids through the story of the Protestant Reformation.
Why Did the Reformation Happen? chapters:
- Chapter One: The Finding of the Gospel
- Chapter Two: Sola Scriptura
- Chapter Three: First Steps Toward Truth
- Chapter Four: Solus Christus
- Chapter Five: Reformers Reforming Things
- Chapter Six: Sola Gratia and Sola Fide
- Chapter Seven: More Reformers Reforming Things
- Chapter Eight: Soli Deo Gratia
- Chapter Nine: Reformation Going Forward
- Timeline
Your kids will learn about major Reformers:
- John Wycliffe (c. 1328-1384), England
- Jan Hus (c. 1369-1425), Bohemia
- Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498), Italy
- Martin Luther (1483-1546), Germany
- Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531), Switzerland
- John Calvin (1509-1564), France / Switzerland
- Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), England
- John Knox (c. 1513-1572), Scotland
- William Tyndale (1494-1536), England
- Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560), Germany
- Katharina Zell (1497-1562), Germany
- Renee of Ferrara (1510-1575), France / Italy
- Charlotte de Bourbon (c. 1546-1582), France / The Netherlands
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:
- Five Slogans for Truth
- Sentences by Peter Lombard (c. 1150)
- Ninety-Five Theses by Martin Luther (1517)
- Institutes of Christian Religion by John Calvin (1536, 1539, 1559)
- Book of Common Prayer by Thomas Cranmer (1549, 1552)
- Acts and Monuments by John Foxe (1563)
- Heidelberg Catechism by Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus (1563)
- Canons of Dort by Synod of Dort (1619)
- Westminster Confession of Faith (1646)
Why Did the Reformation Happen? is a fun way for kids to learn about a major movement in world history, important biblical truths, and the people God used to remind his Church that his word to us in the Bible alone, we are saved in Christ alone through grace alone by faith alone, and we are to give glory to God alone.

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.

“Charming, engaging, wholly absorbing! Danika makes Martin Luther come alive for children! Their senses awakened by Danika’s keen understanding of children, they will see, hear, smell, and come deeply to know and appreciate the great German Reformer in fresh new ways—and so will their parents!” Douglas Bond, Author of Luther in Love and numerous other successful books

"Danika Cooley gives us an engaging look into the world of the reformation with her Who, What, Why series. Her readers will find her books entertaining as well as helpful as she introduces them to all the important people, places and events. Throughout this series, children will be able see the hand of God in history." Linda Finlayson, Author of God’s Timeline and God’s Bible Timeline

"I LOVE the new Who, What, Why? series by Danika Cooley! These are great learning resources leading up to Reformation Day (Oct. 31) or anytime of year! They’re engaging for all ages with rich theology, interesting biographies, and great church history. The illustrations are lovely and I really appreciate the beautiful way the book presents the good news of Jesus Christ. Highly recommend! We left today for a big road trip and my oldest daughter asked to bring them with. ❤️" - Tauna Meyer, Proverbial Homemaker
"If it sounds a little intimidating to teach your kids about something as important as the Reformation, then you’ll love the new Who What Why Series by Danika Cooley. Her books will provide the jumping-off point of great discussions and further study with your 9-11 year olds. The series includes three books that all work together to tell the story of the Reformation." - Abby Banks, 4 One More
"My favorite thing about these books is her writing style. It feels as if I am listening in as she tells her kids stories. It really feels so sweet and endearing. You can feel a warm affection and silliness from her as the reader. I absolutely love it!" - Joy Wendling, Created to Play

"I absolutely LOVE this series! Not just because it's written by a fellow Reformed Believer, but the fact that it makes learning about the Reformation easy for kids. It's a great chapter book for my 7-year-old to read on her own and it's a great read-aloud for me to read to my 4 and 5-year-olds. I love the fact that we can learn about the Reformation as a family!" - Kimberly Steenbergen, A Family Devoted
"I was SO excited when I learned about the new Who What Why books from Danika Cooley!! We're learning all about Martin Luther, the Gutenberg Bible, and the Reformation. Guys, they're so good!!" - Christine Zell, This Bit of Life

"Danika writes, “That’s the whole reason the Reformation happened. The Good News of Jesus Christ was lost and then it was found.” If this is what you want to know, you’ll find it here in Why Did the Reformation Happen? She explains about the 5 Latin phrases of the Protestant Reformation (which lasted over 300 years!): sola Scriptura, solus Christus, sola gratia, sola fide, and soli Deo gloria. We learn about what’s so special and important about the Bible and why we need to read it in our own language. We also learn about who Christ is and why He’s who we need to know." - Gena Mayo, I Choose Joy
"There is so much church history packed into these fun pages! The information is laid out perfectly for your homeschool studies. It is packed with interesting history, fun facts, and tons of action to keep your kids (and you) turning pages! I loved learning about so many heroes of the faith in a succinct way that flows from page to page. Why Did the Reformation Happen? is perfect for family read alouds or for your middle grade (aged 8-11) student to read on their own. I highly recommend it!" - Katie J. Trent, Grow Your Faith

“I didn’t know so many people had to fight for Christianity. It was really interesting and I loved all the pictures. I liked that the chapters were short and there was more info on things I had already heard about too. I can’t wait to read her other books.” - Kendra Jo (age 8), Grow Your Faith
"I love the way she describes the Five Solas of the Reformation as “Five Slogans” and uses them as an outline for the book. Cooley does such a remarkable job of showing the way God worked through many events and people to draw his people back to himself through his Word." - Joy Wendling, Created to Play
"An appropriate history lesson for a day like today when mans words are yet again added alongside the Bible and even trusted more than God's words. Bless your children and your family through a renewed passion for the truths of God and His word!" - Annette Berry Breedlove, In All You Do






"This series comprises brief chapter books geared towards students that are eight to eleven years old. The books are informative but engaging and sometimes humorous. I think that younger students could enjoy them and learn from them through a family read-aloud. ...The Who, What, Why series is a significant addition to any protestant family’s library. It can be used for teaching church history, geography, family read-aloud, and literature studies. If, like many adults, you feel you need to learn more about the Reformation and church history, you can learn right alongside your children." - Dawn Peluso, Schoolin' Swag (Reformation Set)
"Danika's writing is delightful, and kids will love all the sprinkled-in fun facts. I enjoyed the illustrations and helpful timeline at the end of the book. I love the way Danika has shared the Gospel in all three books in this series." - Amanda Miller, Pastor's Wife, Missionary, Mother of Four (Reformation Set)