The Story of John Bunyan: The Prisoner Who Wrote Pilgrim's Progress

by Champ Thornton

Middle-Grade Biography Illuminates John Bunyan's Life of Grace, Courage, and Creativity

John Bunyan was an imaginative author, father, and Puritan preacher who was deeply committed to sharing the gospel that had transformed his life. His enduring literary legacy, including his well-known and beloved book The Pilgrim's Progress, continues to inspire and transform lives today.

This engaging biography takes middle-grade listeners on a journey through Bunyan's life, exploring his early struggles with sin and shame, his years of imprisonment for preaching the word of God, and the turbulent events shaping his nation. Bunyan's life and writings offer a powerful reminder that God can fulfill his mission through unexpected people and circumstances. This addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series engages kids ages 8-13 in the drama of history, showing how God worked in the past through ordinary people like them.

Lively Explores the influential life of John Bunyan, a creative author of almost 60 books, including the beloved The Pilgrim's Progress Despite early struggles with sin and challenging life circumstances, Bunyan became a follower of Christ, devoted to spreading the good news that had transformed him Part of the Lives of Faith and Grace Engages kids with the real-life stories of Christian men and women from history Written for Kids Ages 8-13

176 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Champ Thornton (PhD) and his wife, Robben, live in Delaware, have been married since 1996, and enjoy being parents to three energetic teenage children. He is an Acquisitions Editor at Crossway and is the author of numbers of books for kids and families, including The Radical Book for Kids, Why Do We Say Good Night?, Wonders of His Love: Family Advent Devotional, and Pass It On: A Proverbs Journal for the Next Generation. He’s also served as host of “In the Word, On the Go,” a ten-minute podcast for families. You can learn more about Champ at www.champthornton.com.

Reviews

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most consequential men of the seventeenth century was John Bunyan. Author of the best-selling book, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan had a way with words that moved readers to action. While many have read The Pilgrim’s Progress, very few are aware of Bunyan’s background and grace story. Champ Thornton’s book, The Story of John Bunyan: The Prisoner Who Wrote Pilgrim’s Progress, fills in the missing details.

Thornton’s book is designed for middle-grade readers. It’s filled with beautiful pen and ink drawings that capture the imagination of readers. But more importantly, the author provides a simple and compelling account of Bunyan’s life, conversion, ministry, and trials. Pertinent historical details are included that help readers view Bunyan through the proper lens, thus benefiting from his life and ministry.

I’m grateful for authors like Champ Thornton who write clear biographical books that target young people and encourage them to read the captivating biographies of the Christian faith. May his tribe increase!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive
review.
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[Gailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Creativity sees what God has made and connects it in new and different ways. God created John Bunyan to make these kinds of connections."

Another great addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series, introducing young readers to the world of John Bunyan, as well as the man himself. Thornton navigates the rapidly changing political climate well, and helps us to consider the relationships between church and state, and church authority and personal faith. Sometimes I did feel that readers might come away with a low view of church authority or theological training, but you can only go so far with the nuance in books like this.

This was the first time I have heard John Bunyan's story from start to end. Even as a father and lay preacher, he spent a sizable chunk of his adult years in a jail cell. He was absent from his family who desperately needed him. He wasn't there to see his son come into the world or make his first steps. He wasn't there to comfort his sorrowing wife when their Lord took their child home. All this he endured for his bold stand for the Lord, one in which he never wavered.

The thread that runs throughout the book is Bunyans creativity. The same creativity that brought The Pilgrim's Progress was once used to profane God's name. Thornton helps us to see how this talent, once used to wickedness could be baptised for God's glory.

T. Lively Fluharty's cartoony illustrations are a nice touch too.

[Brittany Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Pilgrim’s Progress. This biography brought its author John Bunyan to life. He experiences years of prison, persecution, death of close family members and yet the gospel remained his steadfastness. To preach Christ. Perfect for middle grade readers and beyond!