Top 13 History Books For Kids Updated 04 /2024

History is something that your kids might enjoy. The best history books for little kids, grade-schoolers, and young adults are all here for you. It doesn't matter if your child likes bios and true stories, or just general world history. These great books, both fiction and nonfiction, will keep them interested. Early European history, Ancient Egypt, and the Great Depression are all on this list.

These history books have a new, fun way of teaching kids about different races, cultures, and events from around the world. And most of them are on Epic. Check them out.

Separate is Never Equal

By Duncan Tonatiuh

Ages: 6-9

This picture book tells the story of how, almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, a young girl named Sylvia Mendez helped end school segregation in the state of California. Sylvia and her parents take action because she can't go to a "whites only" school because of her Hispanic heritage, even though she was born in the U.S. and can speak English very well. As long as your kids are between the ages of 6 and 9, this true story is likely to inspire them.

The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence

By Judith St. George

Ages: 7-10

Think the Declaration of Independence is just a dull old paper? You should think again. This audiobook will help your kids learn more about the value and history of the book you're reading. During its look at the Declaration of Independence's history, it points out different times and places. It starts in the 1770s and ends today. This book also talks about a lot of historical events that the Declaration of Independence has been through, like the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and more.

Weird But True! Know-It-All: U.S. Presidents

By Brianna Dumont

Ages: 8+ 

These history books for kids come from the National Geographic series. Let's start with our first president, because this is one of the best books for kids to read about history! George Washington had wooden teeth, but this book also has a lot of fun, little-known facts about other U.S. Presidents that you don't want to forget about. Abraham Lincoln was very good at wrestling. For riding his horse too fast, Ulysses S. Grant was given two speeding tickets by the police. They were not only interesting leaders, but they also had their own personal quirks. Most of our U.S. Presidents were both. For 8-12-year-olds and middle schoolers, this book is perfect. It has fun, interesting facts about past Presidents, like how William McKinley whistled duets with his pet parrot.

12 Great Moments that Changed Radio History

By Angie Smibert

Ages: 9-12

The radio is very interesting. Plenty! In this book for kids, we learn how the radio gave families a closer look at important events in the 20th century. Many people felt like they were right in the middle of important things that happened in history while they were listening to their radios. This included the Hindenburg disaster, World War II, and even the Titanic. This book will make your reader think about how much technology has changed over the last century, even though these are all old news. It's a great way to talk about how the media affects our views of current events and the world today.

Let Freedom Sing

By Vanessa Newton

Ages: 3-8

"Let Freedom Sing" is one of the best history books for kids because it talks about the civil rights movement through the use of music. It tells the stories of people from the African American community, like Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, and Martin Luther King Jr. Their stories of how they changed the world are mixed in with songs like "This Little Light of Mine." Almost as inspiring as the stories in the book are the book's beautiful illustrations.

Great Americans: George Washington

By: Flowerpot Press

Ages: 6-9

Another great book for kids about our first President of the United States, George Washington, is on the market now. Kids will love this book because it's easy to read but also covers a lot of important things about Washington's life and early American history. The Read-To-Me format makes his life and history more interesting for young people.

G is for Gladiator: An Ancient Rome Alphabet

By: Debbie Shoulders and Michael Shoulders

Age Range: 8+

Although it is an alphabet book, this picture book about ancient Rome will be interesting to older kids in grade school. It talks about the political, social, and civil customs of the great ancient civilization that lived long ago. Each letter introduces a new subject, and readers can choose to either stay with a simple summary of each point or go into more depth.

This book has enough information for even your most curious high schooler, even if they're only interested in the pictures and letters. This book is great for kids who want to learn a little or a lot about ancient Rome.

Heroes of the Revolution

By: David A. Adler

Ages: 8+

The stories of the American Revolutionary War are full of people who did brave things, both men and women. It talks about some of these people and how they helped build the United States of America. "Heroes of the Revolution" is a great book for kids and parents to read together. The stories are told through beautiful paintings of the heroes.

Egypt

By: Lori Dittmer

Ages: 5-7

If you were a child in ancient Egypt, what would your day look like? This cultural overview is written from the point of view of a child. It helps young people take a step back in time. It talks about what people in ancient Egypt thought, did, and saw. It has pyramids, mummies, clothing styles, and more for kids to learn about and play with in this interesting book.

Is on Epic now!

Goldie Takes a Stand: Golda Meir’s First Crusade

By: Barbara Krasner

Ages: 5-9

Golden Meir grew up to become Prime Minister of Israel. At the age of 9, she was a Russian-Jewish immigrant living in the United States; now she is an important figure in the country. This is the story of Goldie when she was a young girl and couldn't afford to buy books. She got together with a group of her best friends and they raised money to buy the books they needed. This story of leadership, sacrifice, creativity, and hard work gives a glimpse into what it was like to live with your family during the Great Depression.

Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot

By: Margot Theis Raven

Ages: 8-11

After World War II, Berlin was often gloomy. Mercedes, a little girl, was able to find happiness as candy fell from the sky. This heartwarming children's book is based on the true story of an American pilot who brought sweets to children during the Berlin Airlift. It tells how this act of kindness came to affect a young girl in Germany. You and your kids will learn a lot about this difficult time in history from this heartwarming and hopeful story that will make them feel better.

The Last Brother: A Civil War Tale

By: Trinka Hakes Noble

Ages: 8-12

It was at the Battle of Gettysburg that the American Civil War changed direction for the better. Children who like American history will enjoy learning about this famous battle from the point of view of Gabe, a bugle boy who was 11 years old when he took part in it. Gabe is in the Union Army and at Gettysburg, he can't decide if he wants to do his job and protect the people he cares about. This longer picture book gives a unique and beautiful look at this tumultuous time.

Buffalo Bird Girl

By S.D. Nelson

Ages: 6-9

It tells the story of Buffalo Bird Woman, a Hidatsa Indian born in the 1830s. It is a picture book. There are a lot of chores and friends in this historical children's book. They will also get a look at some of the dangers and adventures that native Americans in her area had to deal with. Your child will fall in love with this heartwarming true story as they learn more about Native American history and culture.

What Is a Monarchy?

By: Margaret R. Mead

Ages: 9+

"What is a Monarchy" talks about the history of the British crown and then looks at monarchies around the world and through time. It talks about the rules of monarchy and looks at how good and bad it is as a government method. If you're in middle or high school, this book is a great way to learn about world history and government. It's also a lot of fun.

A Picture Book of Anne Frank

By: David A. Adler

Ages: 10-11 

This book is for kids who are older and want to learn more about Anne Frank. In Anne's diary, she talks about what it was like to hide from the Nazis for years and live in a small Amsterdam attic with her family. As a 10- or 11-year-old, you should read this history. It's important and interesting. There are Read-To-Me books, too, so older kids can follow along as they listen to this fictionalized account of Anne's story.

Bach to the Rescue!!! How a Rich Dude Who Couldn’t Sleep Inspired the Greatest Music Ever

By Tom Angleberger

Ages: 4-8 

A fun way for you to show your child how music has changed over time is to show him or her a video. This book is so funny that it starts with a "Rich Dude" who can't sleep and ends with the creation of Bach's most famous lullabies. They will love this zany but true story, and it's the perfect way to start learning about some of the most beautiful music from the past.

Sacagawea: Girl of the Shining Mountains

By: Connie Roop, Peter Roop

Ages: 9-12 year-olds 

As a parent, you can help your child understand how this Native American explorer saw the westward development and expansion of his country. Sacagawea, the Shoshoni woman who helped Lewis and Clark on their journey, tells us about her life. In this well-known story, there is a lot of action and brightly colored pictures.

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