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What Was the Cross Book Review: A Must-Have Christian Resource for Kids
Friend, if you’ve been searching for a simple yet deeply meaningful way to teach your kids about the cross of Christ, you are going to love this book. In this What Was the Cross book review, I’ll share why I think every Christian family should have this resource on their bookshelf.
The cross isn’t just a symbol—it’s the turning point of history, the very moment our salvation was purchased. But how do you explain something so profound to kids in a way they can understand? That’s where What Was the Cross? from the Who, What, Why Series comes in. Designed for ages 7–12, this book takes children through the biblical account of the cross, why Jesus died, and what that means for us today.
I’ve read this book with my kids, and not only did it lead to some wonderful family discussions, but my children were excited to dive deeper into God’s Word. The easy-to-read font, engaging illustrations, and included Bible verses make it a resource kids actually want to pick up. If you’ve ever struggled to explain the importance of the cross in a way that resonates with young minds, you’re going to appreciate what this book has to offer.
So, let’s dive in and see why I think What Was the Cross? is worth adding to your family’s library.
About the Creator
The author of What Was the Cross? is Danika Cooley, a passionate Christian mom, grandmother, and home educator who has made it her mission to equip families to teach their kids God’s Word and Christian history. Danika is the creator behind Thinking Kids, a trusted resource for Bible-based homeschooling and discipleship materials.
With a degree in Interdisciplinary Visual Art from the University of Washington, Danika has worked with children with severe disabilities, taught as a volunteer, and homeschooled her own kids. She’s also a grandmother who loves spending time with her family exploring zoos, museums, and enjoying read-alouds and science experiments at home.
But what really stands out is Danika’s heart for discipleship. As she says, her dream is to see “a generation of parents training small people in the way they should go” and to raise “a tribe of children rising up to become men and women of God.”
Her passion is evident in every page of this book. The writing is clear, biblically sound, and intentional, making it an ideal tool for parents who want to teach their kids not just Bible facts, but gospel truth.
Why I Love What Was the Cross?
There are so many reasons I love this book, but let me break it down into a few key highlights:
1. The Content is Biblically Solid
Danika doesn’t water down the gospel to make it “kid-friendly.” Instead, she presents the truth in a way kids can understand without compromising Scripture. My kids came away with a deeper understanding of why Jesus had to die, and more importantly, what His sacrifice means for us today.
2. The Format is Perfect for Kids
The book is designed with young readers in mind. The font is easy to read, the chapters are short and manageable, and the way the content flows keeps kids engaged from start to finish. My kids kept asking, “Can we read one more section?”—and that’s always a win in my book!
3. It Makes Complex Concepts Easy to Understand
The cross can be a heavy subject, but this book explains it in a way that’s accessible without losing its depth. Danika has a gift for breaking down big theological ideas into simple, meaningful truths kids can grasp.
4. The Illustrations Bring the Story to Life
The illustrations are fantastic! They help kids visualize the historical and biblical context, which sparked a lot of questions and conversations in our home. The timeline included in the book also helps place the events of the cross within the bigger story of God’s redemption plan.
5. It Encouraged Great Family Discussions
One of my favorite things about this book is how it encouraged us to talk more about Jesus as a family. We found ourselves going back to Scripture together, reading Bible verses, and discussing why the cross is the center of our faith.
If you’ve been looking for a way to teach your kids Bible history in an engaging, gospel-centered way, this book does exactly that.
👉 Ready to get your copy? Click here to order through my link now!
What Could Be Better
While I genuinely love this book, there’s one thing you should know before buying:
Older kids might feel like it’s written for younger readers. Because it’s targeted at ages 7–12, some older kids might initially think it’s too “young” for them. However, I’ve found that even older kids—and honestly, even adults—can benefit from reading it. The truths about the cross are timeless, and Danika explains them in a way that’s clear and meaningful for all ages.
So, don’t let the recommended age range stop you. Even if you’re reading it as a family, everyone will learn something valuable.
Check out all of these Bible story activities for kids!
What You Get
When you purchase What Was the Cross?, you’re not just getting another children’s book—you’re getting a rich, biblically based resource designed to help your kids understand the most important event in history. Here’s what’s inside:
Engaging, Easy-to-Read Chapters
The book is divided into short, manageable sections, perfect for kids ages 7–12. Each chapter builds on the last, walking children step by step through the biblical story of the cross—why Jesus died, what His sacrifice accomplished, and why it matters for us today.
The conversational tone makes it feel like Danika is sitting right there, talking to your kids. It’s perfect for read-aloud sessions or for kids to read on their own.
Bible Verses Throughout
One of my favorite parts is how Scripture is woven into every section. Kids aren’t just reading someone’s opinion—they’re being pointed directly to God’s Word. The verses are carefully chosen to reinforce each lesson, making it a great tool for Bible memory and discussion.
A Helpful Timeline
Kids often struggle to connect biblical events to the larger story of redemption. The included timeline visually places the crucifixion within God’s overall plan, helping kids see how Jesus’ death on the cross fits into history.
Beautiful Illustrations
The book includes fantastic illustrations that bring the story to life. They’re not just decorative—they’re educational, helping kids picture the historical and biblical scenes described.
A Tool for Family Discipleship
This isn’t just a book to hand to your kids and walk away. It’s a conversation starter. We used it to spark family discussions, read verses together, and talk about why the cross is the center of our faith. It truly makes family discipleship feel doable and enjoyable.
👉 Ready to add this to your family library? Click here to grab your copy today!
Why This Book Stands Out from Other Kids’ Bible Resources
Many children’s books about the Bible simplify things so much that they leave out important truths. Danika Cooley doesn’t do that. Instead, she treats kids like they’re capable of understanding deep spiritual truths—and you know what? They are! That’s why this book stands out.
If you’re looking for:
- Truth, not watered-down stories
- Engaging content your kids will actually enjoy
- A resource that points kids directly to Scripture
…then What Was the Cross? is exactly what you need.
Who It’s For
This book is perfect for Christian parents who want to teach their kids Bible history in a fun and engaging way. If you’re a mom or dad who values family discipleship and wants your kids to grow up understanding why the cross is the center of our faith, you’re going to love this resource.
It’s also great for:
- Homeschool families looking for solid biblical curriculum supplements.
- Sunday school teachers who want a kid-friendly resource to explain the cross.
- Grandparents who love gifting meaningful, faith-building books.
Whether you’re reading it together as a family or letting your kids explore it on their own, this book is a wonderful way to plant gospel seeds in young hearts.
Who It’s Not For
If you’re looking for a fictionalized story, this isn’t it. What Was the Cross? is a factual, biblically grounded resource that explains real events from Scripture.
It’s also not ideal for families who want to avoid direct biblical teaching. Danika Cooley takes kids straight to Scripture—and that’s exactly why I love it!
Still Not Sure?
You might be thinking, “My kids are too old for this.” I get it. At first glance, older kids might think it’s too simple for them. But here’s the truth: you will learn something in this book for sure.
The gospel truths shared are deep enough for all ages, and even adults can benefit from the way Danika explains the cross. Plus, the family discussions it sparks are priceless.
The only real “risk” in purchasing? Your kids might love it so much that they’ll want the entire Who, What, Why series!
👉 Don’t wait—get your copy today and start teaching your kids about the true meaning of the cross!
Exclusive Bonuses
One of the best parts about purchasing Danika’s resources? She offers free lapbooks on her site! These lapbooks are a wonderful hands-on way for kids to reinforce what they’ve learned. They’re perfect for visual learners and add an interactive element to your Bible study time.
So when you grab this book, be sure to check out those free lapbooks at Thinking Kids—they make an awesome bonus addition to your study.
Final Thoughts
The cross is the greatest story ever told—and your kids deserve to understand it. What Was the Cross? is an engaging, biblically accurate, and family-friendly way to teach them why Jesus died and what it means for us.
Don’t miss the chance to spark gospel-centered conversations in your home.
FAQ
What age is this book best for?
The recommended age range for What Was the Cross? is 7–12 years old, but honestly, kids both younger and older can benefit. Even adults will find themselves learning from the clear, biblically grounded explanations.
Is it biblically accurate?
Yes! Danika Cooley writes directly from Scripture, weaving Bible verses throughout the book. She explains the events of the cross exactly as they are presented in the Bible, making it a trustworthy resource for families who value biblical accuracy.
Can I use this in a homeschool or Sunday school setting?
Absolutely. The short chapters, timeline, and included Bible verses make it a great supplement for homeschool Bible lessons or Sunday school discussions.
Do I need to read the whole Who, What, Why series first?
No! What Was the Cross? stands alone, but once your kids enjoy it, you might want to grab the rest of the series because each book focuses on a different important biblical topic.
