Books About Abolitionism

The Best Abolitionism Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about abolitionism? 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 Underground Railroad
Series
Heroes for All Times
#28 in Series
Who Was Sojourner Truth?
Series
Who Was Frederick Douglass?
Series
The Shortlist

Our 8 Favorite Books About Abolitionism

Harriet Tubman
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Harriet Tubman

By Nadia L. Hohn, Gustavo Mazali (Illustrator) · I Can Read History series

Discover Harriet Tubman's daring escapes and secret missions during the Civil War.

32 pages· 674 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 73 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman risked everything for freedom, leading daring escapes on the Underground Railroad. As the Civil War raged, she recruited soldiers, served as a spy, and even led a battle. This early reader biography unveils her incredible life, filled with courage and determination. Young readers will explore her milestones through engaging stories and historical illustrations, learning about the woman who defied the odds to change history. What secrets did she uncover, and how did she inspire others to fight for freedom? Dive into the life of this extraordinary freedom fighter.
The Underground Railroad
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Underground Railroad

By Kate Messner, Gwendolyn Hooks, Damon Smyth (Illustrator) · History Smashers series

Uncover the untold truths of the Underground Railroad and the real struggle for freedom.

224 pages· 19,060 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 350 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the hidden truths of the Underground Railroad, where myths unravel and reality reveals a disorganized path to freedom. Discover how most freedom seekers navigated perilous journeys alone, challenging the romanticized tales of quilts and lanterns. Through engaging illustrations and insightful sidebars, this book invites readers to question what they thought they knew about history. Will you uncover the real stories behind the legends?
Heroes for All Times
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2013

Heroes for All Times

By Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boyce, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #28 in the Magic Tree House: Fact Tracker series

Uncover the real stories behind history's heroes with Jack and Annie.

128 pages· 4,814 words· Est. 54 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 266 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Join Jack and Annie as they unravel the true stories of history's greatest heroes. From Florence Nightingale's nursing revolution to Gandhi's world-changing impact, discover the facts behind six legendary figures. What dreams drove Martin Luther King, Jr.? How did Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony fight for freedom and rights? Dive into a world of fascinating facts and uncover the truth behind the legends. Perfect for curious minds eager to explore the real-life adventures that shaped our world.
Who Was Sojourner Truth?
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Who Was Sojourner Truth?

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Who HQ, Jim Eldridge (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A former slave becomes a prominent abolitionist and women's rights activist in 19th-century America

112 pages· 8,037 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 527 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Born into slavery, Belle transforms into Sojourner Truth, a fearless advocate for justice. After winning a court case against a streetcar conductor, she embarks on a journey to inspire change. How did she turn personal trials into a legacy of empowerment? Discover the story of a woman who refused to be silenced, traveling across the nation to share her truth and ignite a movement. Her life, marked by courage and resilience, continues to inspire generations. What drove her relentless pursuit of justice, and how did she impact the world around her?
Who Was Frederick Douglass?
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

Who Was Frederick Douglass?

By April Jones Prince, Who HQ, Robert Squier (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

The life story of a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist and advocate for women's rights.

112 pages· 7,347 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 703 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Frederick Douglass, born into slavery, discovers the power of knowledge and secretly learns to read and write. Escaping to the North, he transforms into a compelling orator, sharing his harrowing experiences and advocating for abolition. His journey from bondage to becoming a confidant of President Lincoln raises questions about the power of words and the fight for justice. How did a man born into chains become a beacon of hope and change?
The Underground Abductor
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 2015

The Underground Abductor

By Nathan Hale · Book #5 in the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series

Escape slavery, risk everything, and lead others to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

128 pages· 14,147 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 5,013 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, escapes slavery and transforms into a fearless leader on the Underground Railroad. Facing relentless danger, she guides countless enslaved people to freedom, risking her life repeatedly. This graphic novel vividly portrays her daring missions, the constant threat of capture, and her unwavering courage. As Tubman navigates a perilous world, will her bravery be enough to outsmart those who seek to stop her? Discover the thrilling true story of an American heroine who defied the odds to change history.
A Picture of Freedom
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 1997

A Picture of Freedom

By Patricia C. McKissack · Dear America series

A young slave's secret literacy could lead to freedom or danger in 1859.

240 pages· 37,544 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 5,421 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1859, twelve-year-old Clotee, a slave, harbors a dangerous secret: she can read and write. As she fans her master's son during lessons, she learns of another hidden truth. With literacy as her weapon, Clotee faces a perilous choice—risk everything for freedom or remain silent. Can she outsmart those who would keep her bound, or will her secret be her undoing? Clotee's journey is one of courage and hope in a world where knowledge is power and freedom is the ultimate prize.
If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2022

If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad

By Ebony Wilkins, Steffi Walthall (Illustrator) · If You Lived... series

Discover the secrets of the Underground Railroad and how it changed lives.

80 pages· 7,336 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 31 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Step into the past with a journey through the Underground Railroad. Explore how it operated, who risked everything to run it, and the lives it transformed. This engaging guide answers pressing questions about this pivotal moment in history, offering young readers a vivid glimpse into the challenges and courage of those who sought freedom. What mysteries lie behind its name, and how did it become a beacon of hope? Uncover the answers and imagine life in a different era, where every choice could mean life or death. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
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