The Story of John Bunyan: The Prisoner Who Wrote Pilgrim’s Progress – Champ Thornton

Champ Thornton, The Story of John Bunyan: The Prisoner Who Wrote Pilgrim’s Progress (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2026), 162 pp.

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.