Best Missionary Biographies for Kids: Do Great Things for God
Missionary Biographies for Kids. These 11 Christian biographies are a part of the Do Great Things for God picture book series published by The Good Book Company. This is a series that focuses on how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. All of these books are 5-star reads!!!
Each book includes a portrait and a biographical timeline. These picture books do include content warnings. The authors handle difficult topics such as slavery, mistreatment of people, and wars. These challenging topics are handled with grace in an age-appropriate way. The text is simple yet engaging for young children. The illustrations are bright and bold.
These missionary biographies for kids can be read to young children or read independently by early readers. Don’t miss out on this series! It’s a perfect way to introduce your children to the inspiring lives of Christians throughout history. These books are created for children ages 4 through 7. I pray their stories will inspire young children and their parents to answer the call to the Great Commission.
These Missionary biographies for kids include FREE Curriculum Resources. Download Freebies {HERE}.
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11 Missionary Biographies for Kids Featuring the Do Great Things for God Series by The Good Book Company
1. Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman With a Big Dream by Laura Caputo-Wickham
“Gladys helped the poor and looked after the children who didn’t have a family.”
This inspiring biography picture book is about Gladys Alyward (1902-1970), a little woman with a big dream to become a missionary in China. Gladys did her best, but it wasn’t enough for the missionary school to send her. One day, she heard about an elderly missionary named Jeannie who needed help in China. Gladys prayed that God would send her. She worked hard for a train ticket, but the train stopped in Siberia, requiring her to travel through a forest, by boat, and even by a donkey.
When Gladys arrived in China, the villagers threw mud at her. But she slowly gained their trust by caring for the poor and orphans. She was given a mission by the Mandarin, which allowed her to tell more villagers about Jesus. This sweet book is filled with simple text and beautiful illustrations for young children. It is a great book to inspire our children to do great things for God themselves.
2. Betsey Stockton: The Girl With a Missionary Dream by Laura Caputo-Wickham
“Whenever she had a free moment, Betsey would pray and read the Bible. She loved spending time with God.”
This sweet picture book is about Betsey Stockton (1798-1865), an extraordinary girl who believed in an extraordinary God. She dreamed of traveling the world and telling people about Jesus, but Betsey was born into slavery. When she was finally free, she wanted to join a mission trip to Hawaii. The journey to Hawaii took five months. It was lonely and hard, but she was comforted by her time studying Scripture on the crowded vessel. Upon arrival, she made friends with the natives and taught children on the island, teaching math and sharing about Jesus. Betsey is a wonderful role model for our children, reminding them to always spend time alone with God even when work is plenty.
3. Betty Greene: The Girl Who Longed to Fly by Laura Caputo-Wickham
“Betty looked down and smiled, grateful for being able to do the two things she loved the most—flying and serving her God, the Creator of earth and its big, blue skies.”
This biography picture book is about Betty Greene (1920-1997), who loved to watch airplanes fly across the sky. The longing to fly grew as she watched one of her big brothers start flying lessons. One Christmas, her uncle gave her a gracious sum of money, and she spent it on flying lessons. During WWII, Betty joined the Air Force. After the war, she enthusiastically flew for the MAF, a new missionary organization that sent help and the good news of Jesus around the world. Betty flew over jungles, mountains, seas, and deserts! “You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 Betty Greene is a marvelous role model for our children, reminding them to be courageous and calm, trusting God with their God-given passions and gifts.
4. Corrie ten Boom: The Courageous Woman and The Secret Room by Laura Caputo-Wickham
“She learned to forgive even when it was hard, and to find joy in the small things—even the lice!”
This remarkable picture book biography is about Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983), the courageous woman and the secret room. During WWII, Jews and other people were bullied and killed, and many were put into horrible prison camps. Soon, Corrie found herself part of a top-secret group that helped hide Jews and send secret messages. One night, soldiers came and took Corrie and her family to prison. Corrie found hope even in the imprisonment camp. “God always made sure that Corrie had a Bible, which she hid under her clothes.” Corrie learned to be thankful for even the lice. She shared her hope in Christ, read the Bible, and prayed with other prisoners. “Corrie’s trust in God gave her the strength to go on until the day the war ended and she was free to go home.”
5. Fanny Crosby: The Girl Who Couldn’t See But Helped The World to Sing by Laura Caputo-Wickham
“‘The first thing my eyes will ever see will be the face of Jesus in heaven,’ she’d replay. And this filled her with Joy”
This is a wonderful biography picture book about Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), a famous hymn writer. Fanny was only six weeks old when she became blind. As a young girl, Fanny eagerly anticipated the moment when she would see Jesus’s face. Fanny was brilliant and memorized eight books of the Bible and began to write songs about Jesus after hearing a brief eternal note in a dream. She is most well known for her hymn, Blessed Assurance. Fanny Crosby is a wonderful role model for our children, showing them how they might be useful to God’s kingdom.
6. Helen Roseveare: The Doctor Who Kept Going No Matter What by Laura Caputo-Wickham
“When I grow up, I will travel the world and tell other boys and girls about Jesus.”
This Christian picture book biography is about Helen Roseveare (1925-2016). At a young age, Helen determined she would travel the world and tell others about Jesus. Helen finished medical school and then went to missionary training school. One day, the missionary school received a call requesting doctors for Congo. Helen accepted the mission, building a hospital, treating patients, training new medical staff, and reading the Bible to many people. During her time in Congo, the country became very dangerous, and she was imprisoned. She was rescued after five months and traveled to England. However, once it was safe to return to Congo, Helen returned to her mission field in Congo.
7. Amy Carmichael: The Brown-Eyed Girl Who Learned to Pray by Hunter Beless
“Amy promised to spend her life going and telling people about Jesus. She decided to become a missionary.”
This beautiful volume is about Amy Carmichael (1867-1951). As a little girl, Amy begged God to change her eyes to blue. She learned that God doesn’t always answer prayers the way she expected. One day Amy helped a poor woman carry a heavy load while onlookers frowned. This didn’t stop her. She continued to help the poor. Amy asked God for help and He answered. She kept a prayer journal and made notes of all the many prayers God answered for His glory. Later, Amy became a missionary. Amy Carmichael is a wonderful example for our children, showing them the power of prayer and reminding them to help the poor.
8. Maria Fearing: The Girl Who Dreamed of Distant Lands by K. A. Ellis
“Maria spent many years gathering children into her home until she was an old woman. Free and safe with her, for many years children fluttered in and out of her African home like busy little butterflies.”
This biography picture book is about Maria Fearing (1838-1937), a woman born a slave with a great testimony. Maria always dreamed of a faraway place. She heard in Africa, they protected the children. After the Civil War, Maria was freed and became a missionary. She traveled across the ocean with a young missionary couple to Congo. Once she arrived in Africa, she discovered that King Leopold II was cruel and sold little orphan boys and girls into slavery. Maria took a stand. She bought the children’s freedom and invited them to live in her home. This beautifully illustrated book tackles difficult topics with grace in an age-appropriate way for young children. Maria is a wonderful role model for our children as she demonstrates boldness in standing up for the defenseless.
9. Queen Elizabeth II: The Queen Who Chose To Serve by Alison Mitchell
“Billions of people follow Christ’s teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them…” – Queen Elizabeth II, Christmas message, 2015
This beautifully written biography picture book is about the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022). Princess Elizabeth never expected to be Queen. She loved animals, played with her father’s corgis, and rode her shetland pony, Peggy. However, when she turned 10, King Edward VII abdicated, and her father was crowned King. At age 18, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service and trained to become a driver and mechanic to serve her country in WWII. At just 25 years old, Elizabeth was crowned Queen after her father, King George IV, died. Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-serving monarch in British history. She lived a life of service. Queen Elizabeth II is a wonderful role model for our children as she served her country with her eyes on Christ.
10. Fannie Lou Hamer: The Courageous Woman Who Marched for Dignity by K. A. Ellis
“They bombed her house, and she stood. They threw her in jail, and she sang. They beat her body, and she prayed.”
This is a beautifully illustrated biography picture book about Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977). Fannie loved God, her church, and people. She believed in the value of every person’s life. This book is educational and engaging for young readers, inspiring courage and teaching history. The author did not shy away from the harsh realities of this time in history. Fannie Lou Hamer is a true hero, and young readers need to know her story. She marched and sang with the Freedom Fighters. “But the louder they sang, the angrier some people grew.” Fannie was arrested and beaten. Fannie continued to fight for freedom, and she prayed for God to have mercy on the people filled with hate. Praying to God kept hate out of her heart. Fannie Lou Hamer serves as a courageous role model for our children.
11. Susannah Spurgeon: The Pastor’s Wife Who Didn’t Let Sickness Stop Her by Mary Mohler
“Susie knew that her times were safely in God’s hand, whether she was sick or well.”
This is a bite-size biography picture book about Susannah Spurgeon (1832-1903). Susannah’s friendship with Charles grew as he helped her to understand how amazing our God is. She became a Christian and soon married Charles. She spent her days serving God and caring for her family. But she became very sick. She prayed for strength and work. Although she was too sick to leave home, God used her even in her weakness. Susannah serves as a remarkable role model, encouraging our kids to use their time wisely and serve God faithfully.
Disclaimer: I began this series with Corrie ten Boom and Gladys Aylward from the Do Good Things for God book series by the Good Book Company. The other books in the series have been provided by The Good Book Company in exchange for honest reviews.
How I am using these Missionary Biographies for Kids in my Home?
My children are in their early learning years. This series is perfect for elementary-aged children, but can be used in the later preschool years, too. We are focusing on developing an early knowledge of church history and learning about different missionaries. Each month, we add one biography to our bible study and memorize the bible verse included in the biography that greatly impacted the missionary’s life. We plan to see the free downloads soon. This is a great resource for Sunday School, small groups, and homeschooling. A biography unit could be added to your curriculum plan! 🙂
Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!
Best Picture Books for Women’s History for Kids: A Picture Book Collection
Get the complete Women’s History Picture Book Biography booklist HERE.
Best Garden Books for Kids: A Picture Book Collection
Get the complete booklist HERE.
Best Books About Perseverance: A Picture Book Collection
Get the complete list of favorite picture books about Perseverance HERE.
More Booklists Coming Soon!
Thanks for Stopping By!
Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite book on the Best Missionary Biographies for Kids Booklist. New volumes are still being added to this missionary biographies for kids series. I’ll continue to update the post with new releases. Which missionary biography would you like to see added to the series? If you enjoyed this booklist, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list for monthly picture booklists delivered right to your inbox.
HAPPY READING!