Strong and Fearless Faith

Middle-grade readers will encounter 52 short biographies of unsung heroes of the Christian faith, including activists, pastors, and missionaries. Along the way, kids will learn about the trials and triumphs of the Black Americans who shaped our nation’s history.

Throughout history, stories of brave Black believers and their incredible contributions to the Christian faith and our nation have gone overlooked. Passionate writer and educator Jasmine L. Holmes brings 52 notable Black Christians’ stories to life in this fun and fact-filled book for middle-grade readers. Kids will discover the stories of:

Amanda Berry Smith—the evangelist and orphanage founder who overcame poverty and hardship to preach the Word of God worldwide.

George Lisle—the missionary who went from indentured servant to ordained minister.

Mary Ann Shadd—the journalist and teacher who spoke truth to power as a fervent abolitionist and an outspoken proponent of women’s voting rights.

Strong and Fearless Faith will inspire young listeners from all backgrounds to express their faith in bold ways.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Introduction
4. Betsey Stockton: Missionary to Hawaii | 1798-1865
5. George Liele: Missionary to Jamaica | 1750-1828
6. Amanda Berry Smith: Missionary and Orphanage Founder | 1837-1915
7. David Walker: Writer and Activist | 1796-1830
8. Mary Ann Shadd: Journalist and Teacher | 1823-1893
9. John Gloucester: Pastor and Activist | 1776-1822
10. Catherine Ferguson: Sunday School Founder | 1779-1854
11. William Still: Father of the Underground Railroad | 1821-1902
12. Zilpha Elaw: Evangelist | c.1790-1873
13. Paul Cuffe: Activist and Whaler | 1759-1817
14. Lulu Fleming: Missionary to the Congo | 1862-1899
15. James W.C. Pennington: Pastor and Historian | c. 1807-1870
16. Jarena Lee: Evangelist | 1783-1864
17. William Monroe Trotter: Journalist and Activist | 1872-1934
18. Sarah Mapps Douglass: School Founder and Activist | 1806-1882
19. John Marrant: Missionary and Author | 1755-1791
20. Charlotte Forten Grimké: Teacher and Folklorist | 1837-1914
21. Francis J. Grimké: Pastor and Activist | 1850-1937
22. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper: Poet and Activist | 1825-1911
23. Fanny Jackson Coppin: Principal and Missionary | 1837-1913
24. Lemuel Haynes: Pastor | 1753-1833
25. Mary S. Peake: Teacher | 1823-1862
26. Daniel Payne: Pastor, Educator, and Activist | 1811- 1893
27. Maria Fearing: Missionary | 1838-1937
28. Theodore S. Wright: Pastor and Activist | 1797-1847
29. Maria Stewart: Orator | 1803-1879
30. Levi Jenkins Coppin: Preacher and Missionary | 1848-1924
31. Sara G. Stanley: Missionary Teacher | 1837-1918
32. Henry Highland Garnet: Preacher and Activist | 1815-1882
33. Sarah Garnet: Teacher and Activist | 1831-1911
34. Samuel Eli Cornish: Preacher and Journalist | 1795-1858
35. Nannie Helen Burroughs: School Founder and Activist | 1879-1961
36. Richard Harvey Cain: Senator and Pastor | 1825-1887
37. Harriet Jacobs: Activist | 1813-1897
38. Henry McNeal Turner: Pastor and Activist | 1834-1915
39. Lucy Craft Laney: School Founder | 1854-1933
40. Hiram Revels: The First Black Senator | 1827-1901
41. Julia Foote: Deaconness | 1823-1900
42. James Varick: Denomination Founder | 1750-1827
43. Mary Virginia Cook Parris: Activist | 1862-1945
44. Charles Henry Parrish: Preacher and Activist | 1859-1931
45. Fannie Barrier Williams: Activist | 1855-1944
46. Lucy Gantt Sheppard: Missionary | 1867-1955
47. Nathaniel Paul: Pastor | 1793-1839
48. Anna Julia Cooper: Scholar, Teacher, and Activist | 1858-1964
49. Charles Octavius Boothe: Pastor and Author | 1845-1924
50. Mary Eliza Mahoney: The First Professional Black Nurse | 1845-1926
51. John Bunyan Reeve: Pastor | 1831-1916
52. Mary Ella Mossell: Missionary | 1853-1886
53. Robert Smalls: Civil War Veteran and Senator | 1839-1915
54. Ella Sheppard Moore: Fisk Jubilee Singer | 1851-1914
55. Daniel Jackson Sanders: Pastor and Journalist | 1847-1907
56. Closing Credits