Books About 19th Century America

The Best 19th Century America Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to 19th-Century Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about 19th century america? 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.

#3 in Series

Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About 19th Century America

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1983

Mill

By David Macaulay

Explore the rise of a 19th-century New England textile mill.

128 pages· 12,548 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 351 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Step into the world of a 19th-century New England textile mill, where the hum of machinery and the rhythm of production tell a story of industrial ambition. Discover the intricate planning and operation that fueled the era's economic engine. What challenges and innovations await in this meticulously crafted historical journey?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2016

Freedom Over Me

By Ashley Bryan

Explore the untold dreams and worth of those deemed mere property.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2017)Newbery Honor (2017)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2017)

56 pages· 3,457 words· Est. 27 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,191 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a world where human lives are reduced to mere numbers, discover the hidden dreams and unyielding spirit of those enslaved. Through evocative collages and poetry, each person's story unfolds, revealing a life beyond the chains. What dreams did they hold, unseen by their oppressors? This powerful narrative challenges the notion of value, contrasting the cold calculations of a plantation owner with the immeasurable worth of human dreams and dignity. Dive into a visually stunning journey that reimagines the lives of those who were more than just property, but dreamers with stories untold.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Who Was Harriet Beecher Stowe?

By Dana Meachen Rau, Who HQ, Gregory Copeland (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A novel ignites a nation, challenging the horrors of slavery and sparking a war for freedom.

112 pages· 6,864 words· Est. 58 min read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 328 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a divided America, one woman's powerful novel exposes the brutal realities of slavery, igniting a nation's conscience and fueling the flames of civil war. As Harriet Beecher Stowe's words spread, they challenge the status quo and inspire a movement toward freedom. Will her pen prove mightier than the chains of oppression? Discover the story that changed history and the woman who dared to write it.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2004

The Claim

By Jennifer L. Holm · Book #3 in the Boston Jane series

A debutante threatens Jane's frontier life and love.

224 pages· 46,793 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,018 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the rugged Northwest, Jane Peck thrives far from Philadelphia's society. But when her old rival, Sally Biddle, arrives in Shoalwater Bay, Jane's world is upended. As the charming Biddles infiltrate her community, Jane faces losing everything she cherishes, including her true love. Can Jane protect her happiness from this unexpected threat?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1963

By the Great Horn Spoon!

By Sid Fleischman, Brett Helquist (Illustrator)

A boy and his butler seek gold in California to save his family from ruin.

224 pages· 39,276 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 8,641 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Jack embarks on a daring quest to save his family from financial ruin by striking gold in California. Accompanied by his loyal butler, Praiseworthy, Jack stows away on a ship bound for the Gold Rush. Facing sailors, outlaws, and wild animals, their journey is fraught with danger and excitement. Will Jack's gamble pay off, or will he return home empty-handed? This thrilling adventure captures the spirit of the old west and the relentless pursuit of fortune.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1980

Freedom Crossing

By Margaret Goff Clark · Apple Paperbacks series

A girl discovers her home is a stop on the Underground Railroad.

160 pages· 31,032 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 900 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Laura returns to New York, shocked to find her family aiding runaway slaves via the Underground Railroad. When a fugitive named Martin arrives, Laura faces a life-altering decision: uphold her Southern-taught beliefs or risk everything to help him escape. As tensions rise, Laura must navigate her own convictions and the dangerous path of freedom. Will she stand by her family or follow her heart in a world divided by slavery?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2001

An Adventure

By Jennifer L. Holm · Book #1 in the Boston Jane series

A young lady faces untamed wilderness and unexpected challenges in the Pacific Northwest.

272 pages· 56,501 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,835 ratings

Paperback

Summary: In 1855, Jane Peck leaves Philadelphia's high society for the wild Pacific Northwest, seeking a new life with her fiancé. Unprepared for the perilous sea journey and frontier hardships, Jane must navigate loss and a rugged new world. Will she find her place in this untamed land, or will the wilderness change her forever?

The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2017

The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming

Jane's journey west promises new beginnings, but frontier life tests her resilience and wit beyond expectations.

288 pages· 57,528 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 774 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Jane embarks on a journey to Washington Territory, hoping for a fresh start. But the frontier is harsher than she imagined. With her baby brother in tow, Jane must navigate a world far from the promises of Mr. Mercer's expedition. Can she adapt to the rough life out west, or will the challenges prove too great? As she grapples with her new reality, Jane's resilience and humor are put to the ultimate test. Will she find her place in this untamed land, or will the frontier's demands overwhelm her?

Sale price

$2375

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1869

Good Wives

By Louisa May Alcott

Four sisters face love, ambition, and heartache in their quest for happiness.

302 pages· 98,230 words· Est. 13.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 51,489 ratings

$25.00Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Three years after Little Women, the March sisters face new challenges. Meg prepares for marriage, Jo pursues a literary career, Beth battles illness, and Amy travels with their aunt. Each sister must navigate personal trials and heartache, testing their bonds and dreams. Can they find happiness through love and perseverance, or will their struggles tear them apart? Discover the enduring strength of family in this captivating sequel.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The Detective's Assistant

By Kate Hannigan

An orphaned girl aids her detective aunt in solving mysteries and saving Lincoln.

Golden Kite Award (2016)

368 pages· 60,394 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,920 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Eleven-year-old Nell Warne, burdened by loss, arrives at her aunt's doorstep, only to discover Aunt Kate is a trailblazing detective. As Civil War tensions rise, Nell's knack for espionage and disguise becomes crucial. Together, they tackle daring cases, including a plot against Abraham Lincoln. But as Nell delves into her new life, she must also confront the mystery of her best friend's disappearance. Can she uncover the truth before it's too late? This thrilling tale of courage and cunning will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Bookroo Book Club