Books About Historical Nonfiction · 1,183 titles considered

The Best Historical Nonfiction Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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

George Washington and the General's Dog
Harriet Tubman
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Historical Nonfiction

Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 5–8

George Washington and the General's Dog

By Frank Murphy, Richard Walz (Illustrator) · Step into Reading: History Reader series

A biography of George Washington's life, highlighting his love for animals and his role in the American Revolution.

48 pages· 756 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 398 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–15

The Boy on the Wooden Box

A young boy's journey from a carefree childhood in rural Poland to surviving the Holocaust through resilience, family, and the unlikely protection of Oskar Schindler.

Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2014)
256 pages· 36,884 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 30,606 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2015

Take a Hike, Teddy Roosevelt!

Discover how a determined leader defied odds to protect nature.

48 pages· 902 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 87 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: Meet Theodore Roosevelt, a spirited leader who battled asthma and defied expectations. Despite challenges, he championed the creation of national parks, preserving America's natural beauty. Can one man's passion change the world?
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2002

Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed

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?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

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.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Harriet Tubman

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.
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.
Board Book · Ages 3–5 · 2017

This Little Trailblazer

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!
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Emmeline Pankhurst

A young dreamer fights for women's voting rights, changing history.

32 pages· 605 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 664 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Meet Emmeline Pankhurst, a determined young girl inspired by tales of heroes. She grows into a fearless leader, championing women's voting rights with unwavering courage. Will her movement reshape the future?
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2008

Elizabeth Leads the Way

A woman defies societal norms to fight for voting rights, changing history forever.

32 pages· 871 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 614 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Elizabeth Cady Stanton refuses to accept women's inferior status in society. Determined to make a change, she pursues education and rallies others to demand the right to vote. As she challenges the status quo, will her relentless spirit alter the course of history? Discover the inspiring journey of a woman who wouldn't take 'no' for an answer, leading a movement that reshaped America.
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Browse by age

Historical Nonfiction Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

This Little Explorer

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Discover the world's greatest explorers in a vibrant journey for young adventurers.

This Little President
Sale price
$899

This Little President

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Discover the big jobs of little presidents in this colorful history primer.

This Little Dreamer

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Discover dreamers who shaped history in this inspiring board book.

Dream Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover 18 women who defied odds and changed history.

Think Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover trailblazing women who changed the world and inspire young dreamers to follow their biggest ideas.

Hello, World! Dinosaurs

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover dinosaurs with fun facts and vibrant illustrations for curious toddlers.

This Little Environmentalist

Ages 3–5 · 2021

Discover the heroes who protect our planet in this engaging board book.

Eight Days Gone
Sale price
$899

Eight Days Gone

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Join Apollo 11's thrilling journey to the moon in 1969.

V Is for Vittles

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Discover the ABCs through the wild and adventurous Wild West.

Where's Your Hat, Abe Lincoln?
Sale price
$999

Where's Your Hat, Abe Lincoln?

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Abe Lincoln's hat is missing. Can he find it before the Gettysburg Address?

Greta Thunberg Takes a Stand
Sale price
$1199

Greta Thunberg Takes a Stand

Ages 0–3 · 2022

A young activist sparks global change against climate crisis.

Teddy Roosevelt Loved the Outdoors
Sale price
$1199

Teddy Roosevelt Loved the Outdoors

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Discover how a determined child became a conservationist president.

View all historical nonfiction board books
Browse by age

Historical Nonfiction Picture Books

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

Sakamoto's Swim Club

Ages 6–10 · 2021

A teacher transforms plantation kids into Olympic swimmers using innovative techniques.

I Have a Dream

Ages 5–8 · 1973

Discover the power of a dream that changed history.

Box

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A man risks everything to escape slavery by mailing himself to freedom.

Abe Lincoln

Ages 3–7 · 2003

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

Pies from Nowhere

Ages 6–9 · 2018

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

An Inconvenient Alphabet

Ages 5–10 · 2018

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

The House That Jane Built

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A woman transforms a Chicago neighborhood with a community center, impacting thousands.

L Is for London

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Explore London's iconic sights from A to Z with hidden surprises.

This Bridge Will Not Be Gray

Ages 5–8 · 2015

Discover the quirky history of the Golden Gate Bridge's iconic color.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Sale price
$1899

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Discover Aretha Franklin's journey from church singer to civil rights icon.

Aaron and Alexander

Ages 5–8 · 2015

Two patriots' rivalry leads to a historic duel.

The Story of Ruby Bridges

Ages 4–8 · 1995

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

Browse by age

Historical Nonfiction Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about historical nonfiction for developing and independent readers.

The Wright Brothers

Ages 10–13 · 1991

Two brothers defy gravity, launching the Age of Flight.

Candy Bomber

Ages 9–12 · 2010

A pilot drops candy to lift spirits in blockaded Berlin.

The Children of Willesden Lane

Ages 8–12 · 2002

A young pianist's music becomes her lifeline amid war's chaos.

Dive!

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Submariners fight a hidden war in the Pacific, battling against overwhelming odds after Pearl Harbor.

Helen Keller

Ages 7–9 · 1997

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

The Eighty-Dollar Champion

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A horse bound for slaughter becomes a champion, defying all odds.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2499

The Mythmakers

Ages 10–14 · 2024

Two writers' friendship shapes fantasy's future amid war and myth.

The Story of the World

Ages 8–12 · 2005

Explore the modern world's history from revolts to wars in a captivating global journey.

The Faithful Spy

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A pastor risks everything to stop Hitler's rise.

Fearless Felines: 30 True Tales of Courageous Cats

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Discover legendary cats who made history, from wartime heroes to space explorers.

Let It Begin Here!

Ages 7–10 · 2005

Witness the 24 hours that ignited the American Revolution.

Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express

Ages 7–10 · 1990

A storm-damaged bridge, a midnight train, and a race against time to save lives.

Keep exploring
Books about braveryBooks about Colonial and Revolutionary periodsBooks about conservationBooks about empathyBooks about environmental science and ecosystemsBooks about female role modelsBooks about George WashingtonBooks about Harriet Tubman

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