You’re going to love our list of missionary books my kids can’t put down!
Rarely can our family be found without a great missionary book in hand. But it hasn’t always been that way.
When I was growing up, we gave money every year to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. I don’t remember ever knowing what that meant or where the money was going, but I know we gave proudly. I’m sure there were missionaries our church gave to, but I just don’t recall knowing about any until well into adulthood. And honestly, I wasn’t too concerned about my lack of knowledge in this area.
I didn’t know what I was missing.
One day we picked up the biography of Hudson Taylor. I’ll be honest and tell you that I didn’t know who he was. But the lines surrounding that booth at the homeschool convention were really long, so I figured reading missionary books was the right thing to do. (Go ahead and laugh, but I know you’ve done something like that, too!)
It took many months YEARS for us to crack open the book, but one night we finally did. The kids huddled around me in silence as I read every word of the first chapter. And the second. And the third. After over an hour of reading, I finally had to put a stop to it and the sighs in the room were heavy. This book could possibly have been the most captivating one that we had ever read!
I was probably the most shocked of all. I had been putting off reading this because I had grossly misjudged the value of doing so. Um, and I kinda thought it would be boring.
By the time we finished Hudson Taylor, I had ordered a dozen more missionary books and we were changed forever.
There is just something so mundane about our little problems when you start looking at the problems that these amazing men and women faced. They risked their lives time and time again just to share the gospel with the lost. Meanwhile, we are getting annoyed with the guy who pulled out in front of us or the lady who took up the whole aisle at Wal-mart. It really puts things into perspective, huh?
Studying the Lives Of Missionaries Has Benefits
I don’t ever want my kids to have idols, but they need good role models. Sure, parents can fill that role, but I’m convinced kids need to see more than that. We can only live out a small part of what life might have to offer them. They need to see other Christians living out the faith both when times are good and when times are bad. They also need to see Christians truly trusting God. Missionary biographies provide this in a wonderful way, without making the child personally experience the same hardships.
Of course, missionary books reach farther than faith, too. Kids become exposed to historical events, geography, world culture, church history, and more. There is nothing more fun than reading about an event in a textbook or resource and then having that event show up later in a biography you are reading. This makes connections for kids and strengthens their knowledge.
Our Favorite Missionary Books
We make the study of missionaries an integral part of our homeschool history curriculum from the beginning by either using a curriculum focused there or just adding in some of our favorite missionary books.
Missionary Stories with the Millers
These missionary stories are a great place to start, especially with little ones because they are a little more gentle. They are also shorter in length. But don’t mistake that for weak. This book is packed full of adventure-filled stories that the whole family will love!
Christian Heroes: Then And Now
This is the first series that we learned about. They have 42 volumes of missionary biographies from a variety of time periods and countries. They do go in order by date, but you can read them in any order you prefer. The books are written for kids to easily understand, but young kids will need you to read them aloud as they are pretty meaty chapter books.
Trailblazer Books
We inherited a few of these missionary books 2 years ago in a bag of clothes that was given to us. What a gift they have been! The stories are much shorter than the series above, making them a good fit for middle elementary age to read alone should they choose. My 3rd grade son really enjoys them.
The Adventure Series
This series is unique in the way it shares God’s amazing creation through stories about missions. There are 15 books in the collection and they promise a great geography lesson along with inspiration that will melt your heart toward missions.
Hidden Heroes
A true series suitable for ages 9-12 to read, Hidden Heroes promises all the adventure and history of a missionary biography. Enjoy some well-known stories as well as some that are not as commonly shared.
Jungle Doctor Series
I haven’t read this series yet, but I’ve heard nothing but good things from trusted resources. Unlike the others mentioned here, this series is FICTION. It doesn’t represent the actual biography of a specific missionary, but the stories are amazing. What a captivating way to teach children about missions!
Torchlighters videos
Ok so these aren’t missionary books, but they are still a favorite around here. We actually watch these on Pureflix. It’s a Christian version of Netflix and we’ve been very pleased with our membership. You can find every single video in the series available there for live streaming. You will also find the series available in DVD format here.
The Brinkman Adventures
This series has provided countless hours of wholesome entertainment while we travel in the car. So far there are two CD sets, both containing about 5 hours of audio drama based around real stories, but fictitious characters. You can check them out here: season 1 and season 2
To Every Nation
Last but not least, I’ve written a curriculum that focuses on the Biblical truths we can learn from Christian heroes of faith that uses missionary books as it’s foundation.
To Every Nation is a 12-week study of real missionaries and their walk with God through the struggles of life. There’s so much to learn. Click the image below for more information about this great resource for families!
Through practical tools & Bible-based resources, Kim Sorgius is dedicated to helping your family GROW in faith so you can be Not Consumed by life’s struggles. Author of popular kid’s devotional Bible studies and practical homeschooling tools, Kim has a master’s degree in education and curriculum design coupled with over 2 decades of experience working with kids and teens. Above all, her most treasured job is mother and homeschool teacher of four amazing kiddos.
Trena says
Thanks for the list and description. We couldn’t get into the Miller series and the Jungle Doctor being “fiction” worried me. We love the YWAM series! I really wish they would come out with more unit study guides for the missionary series and not just the history series.
Rebecca Davis says
Hi Kim~ I’m the author of the Hidden Heroes series, and I want to thank you for listing them on your site. Anyone who wants to know more about them can see them at http://www.hiddenheroesmissionarystories.com. I’m passionate for the telling of these stories!
Kim Sorgius says
You’re welcome. We enjoy them!
Gayle says
I am wondering to what age group the “To Every Nation” material is targeted. Could this be used to teach a group of children in a church setting? Is there a particular denominational basis to this material? I am looking for good, Biblically based curriculum. Any further information would be appreciated.
Kim Sorgius says
The target age is elementary. Younger kids will need help, older ones can likely do it on their own. It would also be applicable for middle school. You can buy a site license for group setting and print yourself or purchase printed copies in bulk by emailing us for a quote. help@notconsumed.com
The material is not affiliated with any denomination.
lisa Olivier says
The link for to every nation is not working. I would like more info about this resource.
LaraG says
We have fixed that link above for To Every Nation! Thanks for letting us know!
Donnie says
Do you have any picture missionary books you recommend for a four year old.
Becky J says
Thank you for putting the work into researching all of these! I look forward to getting some for the older kids in my life. What about younger ones, though? Maybe grades K-2? Any recommendations for them?