Books About 16th Century

The Best 16th Century Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about 16th century? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About 16th Century

Elizabeth I
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1999

Elizabeth I

By Kathryn Lasky · The Royal Diaries series

Young Elizabeth navigates court intrigue and family turmoil before her reign.

238 pages· 39,385 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 11,105 ratings
$10.95Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: In the shadow of her father's court, young Princess Elizabeth records her life in a diary. Amidst celebrations and studies, she faces the haunting memory of her mother's execution and the looming uncertainty of her father's health. As she navigates the treacherous waters of royal intrigue, Elizabeth's resilience and intelligence are tested. Will she rise above the challenges that threaten her future? Discover the early years of a girl destined to become one of England's most iconic queens.
Who Was Queen Elizabeth?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Who Was Queen Elizabeth?

By June Eding, Who HQ, Nancy Harrison (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A biography of Queen Elizabeth I, from her childhood to her reign as queen of England

112 pages· 8,362 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,671 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: At just three, she was cast out; at nineteen, imprisoned. Yet, by twenty-five, Elizabeth ascends the throne, navigating treacherous politics to lead England into prosperity. How did she transform adversity into triumph? Discover the secrets of her reign and the challenges she overcame in a world dominated by men. With intelligence and resilience, Elizabeth I's story unfolds, revealing the heart of a queen who defied the odds.
Leonardo da Vinci
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2009

Leonardo da Vinci

By Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boyce, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #19 in the Magic Tree House: Fact Tracker series

Uncover the mysteries of Leonardo da Vinci with Jack and Annie's fact-finding adventure.

128 pages· 5,985 words· Est. 50 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 547 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Join Jack and Annie as they unravel the mysteries of Leonardo da Vinci's genius. Why was he fascinated by flight? What secrets lie in his famous paintings? Dive into a world of discovery with up-to-date facts, photos, and illustrations. Explore the intriguing questions that arise from their magical adventures and learn what modern scientists think of da Vinci's groundbreaking ideas. This fact-filled journey is perfect for curious minds eager to learn more about the wonders of history and art. Embark on this educational quest and see the world through the eyes of a true Renaissance master.
Michelangelo
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2000

Michelangelo

By Diane Stanley

A genius artist battles perfectionism and betrayal, creating masterpieces and enduring heartbreak.

Orbis Pictus Honor (2001)
48 pages· 7,478 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 779 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Michelangelo, a genius of the Renaissance, struggles with perfectionism and betrayal. His tumultuous relationship with Pope Julius II leads to his greatest triumph, the Sistine Chapel, and his most frustrating failure, a monumental tomb. Can his brilliance overcome the chaos of his life?
Miguel's Brave Knight
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Miguel's Brave Knight

By Margarita Engle, Raúl Colón (Illustrator)

A boy's imagination defies a harsh world, inspiring a legendary literary journey.

32 pages· 899 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 228 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Young Miguel, son of a wandering barber-surgeon, escapes his troubled life through vivid daydreams of a clumsy knight. In a time when books are scarce and imagination is frowned upon, he finds inspiration in festival storytellers. At nineteen, his published poems ignite a path to becoming one of Spain's greatest writers. Discover the early life of the man who would create Don Quixote, the first modern novel, in this poetic journey of dreams and determination.
Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?

By Roberta Edwards, Who HQ, True Kelley (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

The life of Leonardo da Vinci is explored in this biography.

112 pages· 8,810 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 2,141 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance genius, painted masterpieces and envisioned flying machines, yet struggled to complete his grand ideas. With only thirteen paintings and chaotic notebooks, his life poses the question: What if he had finished? Dive into the enigma of a man whose brilliance was matched by his unfinished dreams.
Mosque
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2003

Mosque

By David Macaulay

Uncover the secrets of mosque construction in 16th-century Turkey.

96 pages
4.1 Goodreads · 515 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Journey to late-sixteenth-century Turkey, where the construction of a grand mosque unfolds. Through vivid illustrations and a fictional narrative, discover the intricate methods and materials that shaped these monumental structures. Explore how these architectural wonders served their communities, blending art and function. What secrets lie within their walls, and how did they influence the society around them? Dive into a world where architecture meets storytelling, revealing the hidden marvels of a bygone era.
William Shakespeare & the Globe
Sale price
$1795
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1999

William Shakespeare & the Globe

By Aliki

Explore Shakespeare's world from Elizabethan London to the Globe's rebirth.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1999)
48 pages· 1,707 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 358 ratings
$18.89Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Journey through Shakespeare's life in bustling Elizabethan London, where his plays captivated audiences at the Globe. Discover the theater's reconstruction and its enduring legacy. Dive into a world of history, drama, and timeless tales.
You Wouldn't Want to Be Sick in the 16th Century!
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2002

You Wouldn't Want to Be Sick in the 16th Century!

By Kathryn Senior, David Antram (Illustrator) · You Wouldn't Want to…: History of the World series

Step into history and tackle revolting diseases as a barber surgeon.

40 pages· 2,796 words· Est. 24 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 236 ratings
$9.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Become a barber surgeon and face the gruesome challenges of treating diseases in a bygone era. This interactive adventure invites young readers to navigate the dark and humorous side of history, making them the hero of their own story. Will you master the art of healing or succumb to the horrors of the past? Dive into a world where every decision counts and history comes alive with vivid illustrations and engaging twists.
Who Was William Shakespeare?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

Who Was William Shakespeare?

By Celeste Mannis, Who HQ, John O'Brien (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

The life of William Shakespeare is explored from his childhood to his death, including his early years, his marriage, his career as a playwright and actor, and his later years.

105 pages· 9,098 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 1,378 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Journey with young Will as he leaves Stratford for the bustling theaters of London. Discover how this enigmatic playwright's works captivated audiences and made him a legend. What secrets lie behind his success? Explore the life of Shakespeare through engaging illustrations and unravel the mystery of his extraordinary journey to fame and fortune.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

16th Century Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about 16th century for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Starry Messenger
Sale price
$899

Starry Messenger

Ages 6–10 · 1996

A visionary challenges the universe's order, altering humanity's cosmic view.

The Turtle Ship
Sale price
$1895

The Turtle Ship

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A boy's dream hinges on designing an unsinkable battleship inspired by his pet turtle.

The Glassmaker's Daughter
Sale price
$1999

The Glassmaker's Daughter

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A glassmaker's daughter never smiles. Can anyone make her laugh and win a glass palace?

Golem
Sale price
$899

Golem

Ages 10–12 · 1996

A clay giant is summoned to protect, but at what cost?

Botticelli
Series
Sale price
$2800

Botticelli

Ages 6–9 · 1991

Discover the genius of an early Renaissance painter.

William Sheepspeare
Series
Sale price
$799

William Sheepspeare

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover the woolly world of William Sheepspeare and his timeless plays.

Sir Francis Drake
Sale price
$1500

Sir Francis Drake

Ages 5–8 · 1988

Sail the seas with a legendary pirate who defies empires.

Ferdinand Magellan
Series
Sale price
$1199

Ferdinand Magellan

Ages 7–11 · 2019

Embark on a perilous voyage around the world, facing unknown lands and mutiny.

Leonardo Da Vinci
Series
Sale price
$1199

Leonardo Da Vinci

Ages 7–11 · 2018

Discover the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and other historical icons in a vibrant, child-friendly guide.

View all 16th century picture books
Browse by age

16th Century Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about 16th century for developing and independent readers.

Da Vinci's Cat
Sale price
$1799

Da Vinci's Cat

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A cat, a wardrobe, and a sketch link two kids across time to save history.

The Portal
#1 in Series
Sale price
$699

The Portal

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Orphaned Rose discovers a time-travel portal, uncovering secrets of her past and a royal connection.

Nine Days a Queen
Sale price
$899

Nine Days a Queen

Ages 12–18 · 2005

A teenage girl becomes queen for nine days before facing a tragic fate.

Isabel
Series
Sale price
$1095

Isabel

Ages 9–12 · 2000

A princess defies political schemes to choose her own destiny.

The King's Fifth
Sale price
$1099

The King's Fifth

Ages 12–15 · 1966

A young cartographer faces trial for murder and betrayal in a quest for Cibola's gold.

The Samurai's Tale
Sale price
$799

The Samurai's Tale

Ages 10–12 · 1984

A boy's quest for honor leads him to become a samurai.

Alchemy and Meggy Swann
Sale price
$799

Alchemy and Meggy Swann

Ages 8–12 · 2010

In a harsh London, Meggy seeks transformation amidst rogues and alchemy.

View all 16th century chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about family problemsBooks about royalty