Books About Ancient Civilizations · 140 titles considered

The Best Ancient Civilizations Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about ancient civilizations? 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 Ancient Civilizations

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2849

Picture Book · Ages 8–11 · 2015

Timeline

By Peter Goes

Explore history's timeline from the Big Bang to future wonders.

80 pages

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 434 ratings

$29.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Embark on a vibrant journey through time, from the Big Bang to modern marvels. Discover dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and mythical legends. Witness humanity's triumphs and trials, from castles to climate change. Each page invites young and old to explore global events with playful illustrations and insightful connections. What stories will you uncover in this tapestry of time?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2018

Cat Detective

By A. B. Greenfield, A. B. Greenfield, Sarah Horne (Illustrator) · Ra the Mighty series

A royal cat and beetle sidekick hunt a thief in ancient Egypt.

240 pages· 28,792 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 824 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In ancient Egypt, Ra, a pampered palace cat, and Khepri, a diligent dung beetle, embark on a comedic quest to solve a jewelry theft. With a young servant girl wrongly accused, Khepri urges Ra to embrace his inner detective. As they unravel the mystery, Ra discovers the thrill of justice, earning the title 'Protector of the Weak.' Can this unlikely duo clear the girl's name and catch the real thief? Dive into a world of humor and history with this mismatched pair on their first adventure.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1950

The Martian Chronicles

By Ray Bradbury

Earthmen conquer Mars, only to be ensnared by its ancient mysteries and deceptive allure.

241 pages· 56,101 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 291,969 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Mass Market Paperback

Summary: On Mars, Earthmen find a world of crystal pillars and fossil seas, remnants of a vanished civilization. As they seek to conquer and commercialize, they are seduced by the planet's ancient mysteries and dangerous comforts. Will they uncover the truth behind the Martian allure, or become victims of their own ambitions? In this strange and breathtaking world, humanity's weaknesses and dreams collide, revealing the thin line between conqueror and conquered. What secrets does Mars hold, and can the Earthmen resist its enchanting pull?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

The Messenger

By J.N. Chaney, Terry Maggert · Book #1 in the The Messenger series

A reluctant pilot discovers a mech with a dark secret, thrusting him into an ancient war threatening the galaxy.

338 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,906 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Dash never wanted to pilot a mech, but destiny intervenes. Fleeing with his crew, he stumbles upon a forgotten relic—a mech with a powerful A.I. warning of an impending ancient evil. This discovery could tip the scales of power across the galaxy. As the A.I. reveals, only the Messenger can face this threat. Can Dash rise to the challenge and prevent a cosmic catastrophe? With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Dash must decide if he can become the hero the universe desperately needs.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Greeking Out

By Kenny Curtis, Jillian Hughes, Javier Espila (Illustrator)

Explore Greek myths with daring heroes, cunning gods, and epic adventures.

192 pages· 39,549 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into a world where Persephone braves the Underworld and Heracles faces daunting labors. Meet gods, heroes, and monsters in a playful retelling of Greek myths, blending humor with ancient tales. Will these legendary figures triumph or falter in their epic quests?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2017

Dragonfly Song

By Wendy Orr · Book #1 in the Minoan Wings series

A silent girl must uncover her true identity to survive a deadly tribute in ancient Crete.

408 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 541 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In Bronze-Age Crete, Aissa, a girl cursed as bad luck, is forced into servitude. As the Bull King's deadly tribute looms, whispers of her mysterious past and her bond with animals may hold the key to her true identity. Can Aissa uncover her origins and change her fate, or will she be lost to the dance of death? Discover a mythological tale of resilience and self-discovery in a world where legends are born.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–+ · 2013

Hunt for the Devil's Dragon

By Marianne Hering, Wayne Batson · Book #11 in the The Imagination Station series

A dragon terrorizes a town, but is it the real threat?

144 pages· 11,575 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 278 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 13th-century Libya, cousins Beth and Patrick face a terrifying dragon threatening the town of Silene. As Beth risks her life to save Sabra from becoming a sacrifice, Patrick teams up with Roman knight Georgius to slay the beast. But when Beth and Sabra plead for the dragon's life, they reveal a hidden truth: the dragon may not be the town's true enemy. Can they uncover the real danger before it's too late?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

The Great Escape

Book #3 in the The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series

Time-traveling siblings face plagues and danger in ancient Egypt.

128 pages· 12,776 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 519 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Siblings Peter and Mary, with their dog Hank, are whisked to ancient Egypt by a mysterious scroll. Befriending Pharaoh's daughter, they witness Moses' plea for freedom amidst devastating plagues. As they race to decode the scroll, they must outsmart a panther and the devious Great Magician. Can they survive the chaos and return home?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The Curse of the King

By Peter Lerangis, Torstein Norstrand (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Seven Wonders series

Unlock ancient secrets to stop a world-ending curse.

320 pages· 54,830 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,881 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Jack McKinley and his friends embark on a perilous quest to find the lost Statue of Zeus. As they confront ancient gods and relive epic battles, they must unravel secrets to prevent a catastrophic curse. Will they succeed in saving themselves and the world, or will destiny seal their fate? Dive into a thrilling adventure where ancient wonders and modern challenges collide.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 1953

Mara, Daughter of the Nile

By Eloise Jarvis McGraw

A slave girl becomes a double spy, risking everything for freedom and love in ancient Egypt.

279 pages· 86,380 words· Est. 12 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,024 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Mass Market Paperback

Summary: In ancient Egypt, Mara, a clever slave girl, dreams of freedom. To achieve it, she becomes a double spy for rival factions vying for the throne. As she navigates this perilous path, Mara unexpectedly falls for Sheftu, a noble with a daring plan to restore Thutmose III. But when her secret is exposed, Mara faces a deadly choice that could change Egypt's future. Will love and loyalty prevail, or will her dangerous game cost her everything? Dive into a world of espionage, romance, and high stakes where every decision could be her last.

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Ancient Civilizations Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about ancient civilizations for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$999

Run, Little Chaski!

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A young messenger's kindness may cost him his mission. Will he make it in time?

Sale price

$799

Weslandia

Ages 4–8 · 1999

Wesley creates a new civilization from a mysterious plant, sparking curiosity.

Sale price

$1799

Woven of the World

Ages 5–8 · 2023

A young girl discovers weaving's timeless art, connecting past and future.

Sale price

$799

Miriam at the River

Ages 5–9 · 2020

A sister's hope rests on a river's current to save her brother from danger.

Series

Sale price

$799

The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus

Ages 4–8 · 1994

Discover the epic tales of Greek gods and their timeless adventures.

Sale price

$1595

Ms. Frizzle's Adventures: Ancient Egypt

Ages 4–8 · 2001

Travel back to Ancient Egypt and uncover its secrets with a daring guide.

Sale price

$1699

Mummy Cat

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A lonely cat roams a pyramid, uncovering secrets of a lost queen.

Sale price

$1799

Helga Makes a Name for Herself

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A young Viking girl dreams of becoming a warrior. Can she prove her strength?

Sale price

$1800

Pharaoh's Boat

Ages 7–10 · 2009

An ancient Egyptian boat embarks on a mysterious journey beyond imagination.

Sale price

$1699

We're Sailing Down the Nile

Ages 4–8 · 2007

Uncover Egypt's secrets on a Nile riverboat journey.

Series

Sale price

$1699

T. Rex Time Machine

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Dinosaurs in Egypt face chaos when aliens reveal their true identity.

Sale price

$1699

Al Pha's Bet

Ages 3–5 · 2011

A man bets he can order the newly invented letters. Can he succeed?

View all ancient civilizations picture books

Browse by age

Ancient Civilizations Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about ancient civilizations for developing and independent readers.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$999

The Last Quest of Gilgamesh

Ages 7–9 · 1995

A king's quest for immortality leads to peril and revelation.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$2495

The Story of the World

Ages 7–11 · 2003

Explore world history's mysteries from 400 to 1600 CE in a captivating storybook format.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$1499

Quest for the City of Gold

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A stolen map, a golden city, and a race through the Amazon jungle.

Series

Sale price

$1299

Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A mummy haunts a town, threatening a family business. Can young detectives solve the mystery?

Series

Sale price

$899

Mystery of the Egyptian Temple

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A young detective must solve a disappearance in ancient Egypt, but his playful friend complicates the mission.

Series

Sale price

$999

Mystery of the Egyptian Amulet

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A young detective must solve the mystery of missing amulets to save a friend in ancient Egypt.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1699

Back in Time

Ages 7–10 · 2006

Time travel leads to thrilling adventures in ancient Rome, the Maya Empire, and Versailles.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1499

Compass of the Stars

Ages 7–10 · 2020

Five mouse sisters embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the secrets of the legendary queen's jewel.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$699

The Pompeii Disaster

Ages 8–11 · 2018

Time-traveling teens race to capture Mount Vesuvius's eruption before becoming history themselves.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$999

Addison Cooke and the Tomb of the Khan

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A daring quest to stop a heist and rescue family from a dangerous gang.

Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1699

Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A boy races to outsmart kidnappers and find hidden treasure.

#7 in Series

Sale price

$2080

The Insider

Ages 10–14 · 2014

A lost icon may be the key to saving Disneyland from a rising villain threat.

View all ancient civilizations chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Ancient Civilizations

Great books, picked for their age.

Ancient Civilizations Picture Books

Ancient Civilizations Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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