Favorite Christian Biographies for Kids and Adults

First of all, let me dust off this blog a bit.

It’s a bit dusty after being neglected for a while (ahem, almost a year—oops!).

This past year or so, I feel like I’ve picked up more biographies than I have ever before. Maybe it’s my season or maybe it’s just purely fascination with peeping into someone else’s life, but I’ve been really loving reading stories about others—especially believers. The Lord has truly used them to convict me, encourage me, and deepen my faith.

My oldest son is also big fan and has picked up some biographies of missionaries and men/women of faith (he is especially fond of the YWAM series) and has definitely read more biographies than me ;) My prayer is that he too is encouraged by them and God uses them to speak into His life :)

I’ve been enjoying these biographies so much that I created a magazine just about John Newton and Grace (God’s hand in his life is amazing!!) and wrote some other mini-units too! There is one about Corrie ten Boom and Phillis Wheatley. I do hope to do some more in the future too! If there is one you’d like to see, just send me a message :)

Here’s my list of recent favorites biographies:

God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew

This book was hard to put down! It moves quickly and reads more like a novel than a biography. Plus, it’s just a reminder of how the Word of God is truly active and a precious treasure for us! I loved hearing how Brother Andrew unwaveringly trusted God instead of trying to do things his own way.

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

I read this one as a teenager, but it definitely impacted me more when I reread it as an adult. Truly, she was a woman who lived a life surrendered to the Lord—even in the darkest and worst of circumstances. If you haven’t read this one yet, it’s worth putting on your reading list! I really love this version too (since the pictures are helpful for the story!)

I Dared to Call Him Father: The Miraculous Story of a Muslim Woman's Encounter with God by Bilquis Sheikh

This book was definitely not a book written with a western perspective (which I appreciated!). It challenged me and reminded me that God doesn’t only work within the ways I think He does ;) Her testimony showed me that God can move someone’s hearts in unique ways—especially in cultures that are much different than my own.

Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II by Darlene Deibler Rose

This book. Goodness, I loved it. Her story convicted me about how much I can complain about daily “troubles” when she truly had a heart of gratefulness towards the Lord in even the worst of circumstances. This one also was a book that I had trouble putting down! Plus, she has a good sense of humor ;)

George Muller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans by Janet and Geoff Benge

This is a book that we read together, and it’s one of my favorites of this series. George Muller was truly a man of prayer and daily (and hourly!) trusted in God’s provision. I wasn’t sure that I’d like this one—but we couldn’t get enough of it!

John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken

Truth be told, I did not read this word-for-word (it was pretty long), but it was such a fascinating read. John Newton’s story of living a life completely for himself and vocally against God to being saved by God’s grace is such a reminder that anyone can come to know the Lord, and God can use everything for His glory.

Ps. If you want to learn about John Newton with your kids, I think the Grace Magazine is a great start! Get $3 off with the code BLOG3.

Finally, here are a few picture book /kid biographies that we’ve enjoyed too:

Betty Greene: The Girl who Longed to Fly by Laura Caputo-Wickham

Corrie ten Book: The Courageous Woman and the Secret Room by Laura Caputo-Wickham

Brave Heroes and Bold Defenders: 50 True Stories of Daring Men of God and Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God by Shirley Redmond

Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S.Lewis and His Brother by Caroline McAlister

This is definitely not an exhaustive list or all our favorites, but if you’ve wanted to start reading a few more biographies this may be a place to start!

I’d love to know your top biographies too!