Without even knowing it, children are always on the lookout for a hero. Why do you think young boys are so crazy about Superman? They quickly become in awe of the character in their favorite movie or show who is ready to take courageous action. They cling to stories where someone rises up to take a stand, follows a passion, or acts bravely. It is especially moving when someone chooses to give up their comforts to spread love and truth to others, even to the point of risking their lives.

I decided early on that if I want my children to grow up to live a life of courageous kingdom purpose, I need to introduce them to heroes of the faith who have gone before us and done just that. I want them to imagine themselves in the story. I want to fill my children’s minds and hearts with inspiring stories of heroes and most importantly, help them envision their own lives as one where they are the hero. 

Of course, the Bible is full of heroic stories! As you read Bible stories to your children, ask questions to inspire them to imagine themselves in the scene. How would they respond in a similar situation? What did it require of the hero for God to use an ordinary man or woman? One thing we have loved learning about in our family is stories about heroes of faith who have made lasting change in villages, cities, and entire countries. Many of these heroes are making an impact all around the world even now, long after they have died. 

In this blog post I am sharing my favorite books for sharing stories of heroes with your children.

In this blog post: 

• Favorite books about heroes for children
• Bible curriculum from Treehouse Schoolhouse

Favorite books about heroes for children

Here is a list of some of the books featuring heroes we have read so far and loved. Some are characters from the Bible, and others are historical or modern-day heroes. All of these books will encourage your family to live a life of purpose and passion!

Courageous and Bold Bible Heroes by Shirley Raye Redmond

This book introduces children to 50 ordinary men and women in the Bible who courageously partnered with God to accomplish incredible things, featuring short, one-page summaries of heroes like Abraham, Martha, and Sarah.

Brave Heroes and Bold Defenders by Shirley Raye Redmond

This book includes one-page stories that work well for family devotional time or as a bedtime story. Fifty inspirational men’s stories are highlighted, such as C.S. Lewis, William Wilberforce, and Billy Graham. Great for ages 6+.

Hero Tales by Dave and Neta Jackson

Each of this four volumes series covers 15 heroes of the faith. Each hero’s story is broken into four engaging readings, which is perfect for homeschool lessons or family devotionals. We have loved using these in our morning Bible time. Great for ages 6+.

Lightkeepers Box Sets

My older children, ages 8 and 9, received these easy read chapter book collections for Christmas for independent reading and love them. Each box contains five books and covers fifty extraordinary people in the following categories: Ten Girls/Boys Who Changed the World; Ten Girls/Boys Who Used Their Talents; Ten Girls/Boys Who Made History; Ten Girls/Boys Who Didn’t Give In; Ten Girls/Boys Who Made a Difference. Great for ages 6+.

Trailblazer Books

These action-packed historical fiction chapter books are based on true events of Christian heroes like George Muller, Nate Saint, and Amy Carmichael. We are currently using some of these in our homeschool as read-alouds. My kids also love to read these independently. Great for ages 6+.

Christian Heroes: Then and Now

Christian Heroes: Then and Now books are detailed biographies of missionaries in story form. We have enjoyed reading and listening to these on audio as we are studying missionaries. There are fifty of these inspiring books. Great for ages 8+.

Heroes for Young Readers series

This series is perfect to inspire both younger and older children. They are easy-to-read hardcover picture books with vibrant illustrations. 

Here are some of my favorites:

• Gladys Aylward: Daring to Trust
• Eric Liddell: Running for a Higher Prize
• George Muller: Faith to Feed Ten Thousand
• Nate Saint: Heavenbound
• Corrie ten Boom: Shining in the Darkness
• Mary Slessor: Courage in Africa
• Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children
• William Carey: Bearer of Good News

For more reading recommendations for kids, check out free booklists from Treehouse Schoolhouse.

Bible curriculum from Treehouse Schoolhouse

Rooted Family Bible Curriculum

Rooted Family Bible Curriculum is a Bible curriculum for families designed to cultivate deep roots in the soil of God’s Word. Rooted is an 18-week family Bible curriculum. Each week centers around one declaration statement related to the themes of Identity, Devotion, and Wisdom. Rooted incorporates beauty subjects with Bible study including daily Scripture readings, discussion and prayer prompts, hymns, poetry, and art study.

Flourish Family Bible Curriculum

Flourish Family Bible Curriculum is an 18-week family Bible curriculum. Each week centers around one declaration statement related to the themes of Mission, Virtue, and Love. Flourish incorporates beauty subjects with Bible study including daily Scripture readings, discussion and prayer prompts, hymns, poetry, and art study. Enjoy the rhythms of connection and beauty found in our beloved Rooted Family Bible Curriculum with a focus on bearing fruit through our lives in the world around us.

What books do you love that have inspired your children? Share your favorites in the comments below.