Books About Historical Figures · 642 titles considered

The Best Historical Figures Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about historical figures? 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.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Historical Figures

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15

The Diary of a Young Girl

By Anne Frank, Susan Massotty (Translator)

A young girl hides from Nazis, documenting her life in a secret attic, revealing courage and humanity's frailty.

400 pages· 100,270 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,300,275 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: In Nazi-occupied Holland, thirteen-year-old Anne Frank hides with her family in a secret attic. Her diary captures the tension, fear, and fleeting moments of joy during their two-year confinement. As Anne navigates adolescence amidst the constant threat of discovery, her words reveal a profound resilience and a poignant glimpse into her inner world. This uncut edition unveils her complex relationship with her mother and her emerging self-awareness, offering a deeper understanding of her indomitable spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2007

The Wednesday Wars

By Gary D. Schmidt

A boy navigates Shakespeare, a stern teacher, and family turmoil during a tumultuous school year.

Newbery Honor (2008)

264 pages· 74,058 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 48,784 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood believes his teacher, Mrs. Baker, despises him. Left alone with her on Wednesday afternoons, he delves into Shakespeare's plays, uncovering unexpected wisdom. As the Vietnam War rages and his father's business obsession strains their family, Holling learns to stand up for himself and his sister. Set in 1967 Long Island, this coming-of-age tale explores loyalty, courage, and the surprising lessons found in literature and life. Can Holling find his voice amidst the chaos and discover what truly matters?

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,032 ratings

$10.95Save 4%

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.

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1987

Lincoln

By Russell Freedman

Explore Lincoln's journey from humble beginnings to leading a nation through war.

Newbery Medal (1988)Golden Kite Honor (1988)

160 pages· 23,063 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 11,008 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Summary: Discover Abraham Lincoln's transformation from a country lawyer to a pivotal leader during America's Civil War. Follow his personal and political struggles, culminating in a fateful night at Ford's Theatre. What challenges did he face, and how did his decisions shape a nation divided? This biography offers a vivid glimpse into the life and legacy of a remarkable president.

Sale price

$1130

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2002

Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed

By Stephen Krensky, Diana Magnuson (Illustrator) · Childhood of Famous Americans series

A young girl discovers unexpected bravery when faced with danger.

32 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.7/5 Goodreads · 19 ratings

$11.89Save 5%

Summary: Sacagawea yearns to prove her bravery like her brother, but she's barred from joining the boys' hunt. While gathering wood with her grandmother, an encounter with a rattlesnake challenges her courage in unexpected ways. Can she find her own path to bravery?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

By Sarah Albee, Chin Ko (Illustrator) · I Can Read History series

Discover how peaceful protest changed history.

32 pages· 626 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 96 ratings

Summary: Explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader who transformed the civil rights movement with his powerful words and peaceful actions. This engaging biography for young readers reveals key milestones in his life, complete with illustrations and historical photographs. How did his leadership shape the world we know today? Dive into the story of a man whose legacy of nonviolence and equality continues to inspire generations.

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%

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.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2008

Abe's Honest Words

By Doreen Rappaport, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the A Big Words Book series

A self-taught leader battles to end slavery and unite a divided nation.

48 pages· 1,307 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,078 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Young Abraham Lincoln, a self-taught reader from the Midwest, dreams of a nation free from slavery. As he grows, his compassion and honesty earn him trust, leading him to the presidency. Amidst a brutal civil war, Lincoln faces immense challenges, striving to unite a fractured country and abolish slavery. Will his vision for equality prevail? This vivid portrait captures the essence of a leader whose passion for humanity changed America forever.

Sale price

$3325

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2016

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

By Rebel Girls, Elena Favilli, Francesca Cavallo · Book #1 in the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series

A collection of stories about women who broke barriers and achieved great things in various fields, from science and sports to art and politics.

212 pages· 25,998 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 44,166 ratings

$35.00Save 5%

Summary: Embark on a journey through history with 'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls,' where each page unveils the life of a remarkable woman. From the courage of Malala Yousafzai to the pioneering spirit of Amelia Earhart, these stories transform real-life achievements into enchanting tales. Illustrated by talented artists, each biography captures the essence of these trailblazers, sparking curiosity and inspiration. Will you find your hero among these pages? Perfect for young readers, this collection invites you to explore the adventures of women who dared to dream and change the world.

Sale price

$759

Board Book · Ages 3–5 · 2017

This Little Trailblazer

By Joan Holub, Daniel Roode (Illustrator) · This Little Primer series

Discover ten women who changed history with their courage and vision.

26 pages

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 460 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Meet ten remarkable women who reshaped history with their courage and intelligence. This vibrant board book introduces young readers to empowering female trailblazers who paved the way for a brighter future. Through engaging facts and bold illustrations, children will explore the stories of these influential leaders, sparking inspiration and curiosity. Who were these women, and how did they change the world? Dive into this girl power primer to find out!

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Browse by age

Historical Figures Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about historical figures for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$1599

Marie Curie

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Discover Marie Curie's journey from childhood dreams to groundbreaking scientific achievements.

Sale price

$1099

The Tale of Three Trees

Ages 2–4 · 1989

Three trees' dreams unfold in surprising ways.

Sale price

$999

Inventors Who Changed the World

Ages 3–8 · 2018

Discover the inventors who shaped our world with their groundbreaking ideas.

Sale price

$799

This Little Scientist

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Discover the groundbreaking scientists who changed history in this vibrant board book.

Sale price

$799

This Little Dreamer

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Discover dreamers who shaped history in this inspiring board book.

Sale price

$899

Dream Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover 18 women who defied odds and changed history.

Sale price

$799

If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart

Ages 2–4 · 2007

Can kindness reveal Jesus in our hearts?

Sale price

$599

The Story of Jesus

Ages 2–5 · 1996

Discover Jesus's life from birth to resurrection in a gentle, captivating tale.

Sale price

$499

The Animals' Christmas Eve

Ages 2–5 · 1977

Animals whisper tales of a miraculous night in a barn.

Sale price

$999

The Legend of the Candy Cane

Ages 0–4 · 1997

A mysterious stranger reveals the candy cane's secret, changing a town's Christmas forever.

Sale price

$599

The Christmas Story

Ages 2–5 · 1952

Discover the timeless story of Christmas in a humble Bethlehem stable.

Sale price

$999

Goodnight, Manger

Ages 0–4 · 2015

Can Baby Jesus find peace in a noisy manger? Discover the magic of a silent night.

View all historical figures board books

Browse by age

Historical Figures Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about historical figures for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$999

The Nativity

Ages 4–7 · 1986

Experience the Nativity through Mary's eyes, from angelic news to a miraculous birth.

Sale price

$1599

Refuge

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A family flees through the desert, seeking refuge from danger.

Sale price

$1999

I Have a Dream

Ages 5–8 · 1973

Discover the power of a dream that changed history.

Sale price

$1599

Maya Angelou

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover how Maya Angelou found her voice and became a beloved writer and activist.

Sale price

$899

Abe Lincoln

Ages 3–7 · 2003

A boy's love for books shapes his destiny and changes the world.

Sale price

$1799

Pies from Nowhere

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A cook's secret efforts fuel a pivotal civil rights movement.

Sale price

$1799

An Inconvenient Alphabet

Ages 5–10 · 2018

Two patriots attempt to simplify English spelling, facing unexpected challenges.

Sale price

$1800

The Night of His Birth

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A mother marvels at her newborn, a divine gift to the world.

Sale price

$1899

She Persisted

Ages 4–8 · 2017

This book tells the stories of 13 American women who persisted in the face of adversity.

Sale price

$1999

Twenty-One Elephants

Ages 4–7 · 2005

Can the Brooklyn Bridge withstand the weight of a grand spectacle?

Sale price

$899

The Story of Ruby Bridges

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A young girl integrates a white elementary school in New Orleans in the 1960s.

Sale price

$1899

Let the Children March

Ages 6–9 · 2018

Children march for civil rights, challenging segregation in 1963 Birmingham.

View all historical figures picture books

Browse by age

Historical Figures Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about historical figures for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

The Inventors at No. 8

Ages 8–11 · 2018

A boy's luck changes when a girl and a flying machine lead him on a quest for a stolen treasure.

Sale price

$1899

The Voice, the Revolution & the Key

Ages 10–18 · 2017

Animals guide future leaders to ignite a revolution.

Caught

2012

Time travelers face a mother's fierce grip on her daughter's fate.

Sale price

$599

Helen Keller

Ages 7–9 · 1997

Blind and deaf, a young girl defies the odds with a teacher's help.

Sale price

$1199

Abraham Lincoln

Ages 9–12 · 2001

A self-taught lawyer faces the nation's greatest debate: slavery's future in America.

Sale price

$2499

A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories

Ages 7–9 · 2018

Discover Shakespeare's timeless tales, retold for young readers in a captivating anthology.

Sale price

$599

The Mission to Find Max

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A brother's disappearance, a cursed crown, and a race against time in Egypt.

Sale price

$2495

The Glorious Impossible

Ages 7–10 · 1990

Experience the miraculous birth of Jesus through a vivid narrative inspired by timeless art.

Anne Frank and the Children of the Holocaust

Sale price

$1699

Anne Frank and the Children of the Holocaust

Ages 10–+ · 2006

Discover Anne Frank's life amid the Holocaust's horrors.

Sale price

$1699

Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A young activist fights to make a hero's birthday a national holiday.

Sale price

$999

Cold-Case Christianity for Kids

Ages 8–11 · 2016

Kids investigate the truth of Christianity through detective work.

The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson

Sale price

$599

The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson

Ages 7–11 · 2020

A young math enthusiast defies odds to help launch humanity to the moon.

View all historical figures chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about bravery Books about family problems Books about female role models Books about activism Books about ethnic relations Books about girls and women Books about Harriet Tubman Books about loyalty

Our 10 Favorite Books About Historical Figures

Great books, picked for their age.

Historical Figures Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Historical Figures Picture Books

Historical Figures Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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