Books About Ancient History

The Best Ancient History Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Ancient Civilizations Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about ancient history? 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 9 Favorite Books About Ancient History

Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra

By Stuart Gibbs · Book #3 in the Charlie Thorne series

A genius must solve ancient clues to find Cleopatra's hidden treasure before enemies do.

416 pages· 74,390 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 3,156 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Charlie Thorne, a brilliant and daring adventurer, is on a mission to uncover Cleopatra's legendary treasure. Hidden for centuries, its secrets lie encoded on an ancient tablet. As Charlie races across the globe, she faces relentless foes and a two-thousand-year-old mystery. Can she outsmart Cleopatra's cunning clues and prevent the treasure from falling into the wrong hands? The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in this thrilling quest for power and survival.
Where Were the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2020

Where Were the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

By Yona Z. McDonough, Who HQ, Dede Putra (Illustrator) · Where Is . . . ? series

The book explores the history and significance of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

112 pages· 8,446 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 387 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Journey back over 2,000 years to explore the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Discover the mysteries of the Great Pyramids, the Hanging Gardens, and the Colossus of Rhodes. Each wonder reveals the ingenuity and artistry of ancient civilizations. What secrets do these marvels hold, and why do they continue to captivate us today? Embark on an adventure through time and uncover the stories behind these legendary creations.
Where Is Stonehenge?
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

Where Is Stonehenge?

By True Kelley, Who HQ, John Hinderliter (Illustrator) · Where Is . . . ? series

A group of tourists visit Stonehenge and discover its mysterious past

112 pages· 7,756 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 380 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Journey to Stonehenge, where ancient stones hold secrets of the past. Was it a site for honoring the dead, a place of healing, or an astrological calendar? Delve into the theories surrounding this enigmatic monument and the people who built it four thousand years ago. Discover the mysteries that continue to baffle historians and archaeologists alike.
Who Was Genghis Khan?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2014

Who Was Genghis Khan?

By Nico Medina, Who HQ, Andrew Thomson (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

Discover how a nomad became the feared ruler of the largest empire in history.

112 pages· 7,302 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 779 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Born as Temujin, he rose from humble beginnings to become Genghis Khan, the formidable leader who forged the vast Mongol Empire. Explore his journey of power, strategy, and conquest across Asia. What drove this legendary figure to unite warring tribes and build an empire that changed the world? Uncover the man behind the myth and the legacy that still echoes through history.
Pompeii...Buried Alive!
Sale price
$474
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1987

Pompeii...Buried Alive!

By National Geographic Learning

Witness Mount Vesuvius's eruption and its buried secrets revealed centuries later.

48 pages· 1,544 words· Est. 18 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 2,654 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Journey back 2,000 years to a bustling village at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Experience the catastrophic eruption that froze life in an instant. Centuries later, uncover the buried town's secrets and marvel at the stories hidden beneath the ash. This vivid tale captures a moment of history, blending drama and discovery for young readers eager to explore the past.
That's Deadly!
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

That's Deadly!

By Crispin Boyer

Discover the world's deadliest threats and the truth behind them.

176 pages· 28,514 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 58 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Embark on a thrilling journey through the world's most dangerous phenomena. From erupting volcanoes to fierce predators, uncover the facts that blur the line between fear and reality. With playful reality checks, learn the true peril possibility factor and what really lurks in the shadows. This almanac of danger, filled with captivating photos and humor, challenges your fearless factor and keeps you questioning what's fact or fiction. Are you ready to face the deadly side of life?
Cleopatra
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2015

Cleopatra

By Barbara Kramer · National Geographic Kids Readers series

Uncover Cleopatra's life and enduring legacy in this captivating biography.

48 pages· 2,943 words· Est. 33 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 75 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into the life of Cleopatra, a figure whose allure and power have captivated generations. Discover her achievements and the legacy she left behind. What made her reign so unforgettable? This biography invites young readers to explore the mysteries and triumphs of one of history's most fascinating women, sparking curiosity about her enduring influence.
Stonehenge
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2024

Stonehenge

By Matt Lilley · Amazing Wonders series

Discover the secrets behind the world's most mysterious structures.

24 pages· 444 words· Est. 5 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 4 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Uncover the mysteries of the world's wonders, from Easter Island to Stonehenge. Young explorers will delve into the history and construction of these iconic sites. What secrets do they hold? Why were they built? With vibrant photos and engaging text, this journey reveals the significance of these ancient marvels. Explore the enigmatic Stonehenge, a monument shrouded in mystery—was it a calendar, a tribute, or something else? Each structure offers a unique story, inviting readers to question and learn. Dive into the past and uncover the secrets of these incredible human-made wonders.
The Secret Explorers and the Ice Age Adventure
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2022

The Secret Explorers and the Ice Age Adventure

By S.J. King · Book #10 in the The Secret Explorers series

Kids travel back to the ice age to save woolly mammoths from an avalanche.

128 pages· 8,455 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 81 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Join Tamiko, a dinosaur enthusiast, and Ollie, a rainforest expert, as they embark on a thrilling journey back to the ice age. Tasked with guiding woolly mammoths away from a looming avalanche, these young explorers must use their wits and knowledge to avert disaster. Will they succeed in their mission, or will the icy wilderness prove too challenging? Dive into this adventure filled with prehistoric wonders and discover the secrets of the past. Perfect for curious minds eager to learn about extinct creatures and ancient climates.
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