Books About History · 6,421 titles considered

The Best History Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about 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 10 Favorite Books About History

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Refugee

By Alan Gratz

Three children flee their war-torn homes, facing perilous journeys for a chance at refuge and hope.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2018)Cybils Award (2017)Sydney Taylor Book Award (2018)

338 pages· 65,632 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 87,010 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by time and place, yet united by their desperate quests for safety. Josef flees Nazi Germany, Isabel escapes Cuba's turmoil, and Mahmoud braves Syria's chaos. Each faces life-threatening challenges—drownings, bombings, betrayals—on their harrowing journeys. As they seek refuge, their stories intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing the enduring power of hope and survival. Will they find the sanctuary they seek, or will the dangers prove insurmountable? Discover the connections that bind their fates in this gripping tale of courage and resilience.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1992

Dinosaurs Before Dark

By Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Magic Tree House series

Two siblings travel through time to the age of the dinosaurs

68 pages· 4,717 words· Est. 53 min read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 50,133 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house that transports them to the age of dinosaurs. Stranded in the prehistoric past, they must find a way back home before nightfall—or risk becoming a dinosaur's dinner. As they navigate this dangerous world, questions arise: Where did the tree house come from, and why does it hold such power? Their adventure is a race against time, filled with peril and wonder, as they uncover secrets that could change everything. Will they solve the mystery and escape, or will the prehistoric world claim them forever?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

A Long Walk to Water

By Linda Sue Park

Two Sudanese children face perilous journeys for survival and hope.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2011)

128 pages· 20,925 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 108,571 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In Sudan, Nya walks hours daily for water in 2008, while Salva, a 'lost boy' in 1985, treks across Africa seeking safety. Their paths, fraught with danger from rebels and wildlife, eventually converge in a surprising, life-changing encounter. How will their stories of endurance and hope intertwine?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1882

Treasure Island

By Robert Louis Stevenson

A young boy discovers a pirate's treasure map, but danger lurks on the high seas.

336 pages· 67,946 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 554,826 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Young Jim Hawkins stumbles upon a pirate's treasure map, igniting a perilous adventure. As he sets sail with Doctor Livesey and Squire Trelawney, treachery brews among the crew. The cunning Long John Silver, with his own designs on the treasure, poses a threat. Can Jim outwit the infamous pirate and claim the fortune, or will the lure of gold lead to his downfall? Amidst villains and wild seas, the quest for Captain Flint's treasure tests courage and loyalty. Will Jim's spirit of adventure triumph over the perils that await on Treasure Island?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Orange for the Sunsets

By Tina Athaide

Two friends face a regime's ultimatum, testing their bond and redefining home.

336 pages· 49,862 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 967 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Uganda under Amin's rule, Asha and Yesofu's friendship transcends cultural divides. But when Indians are ordered to leave, their world shatters. As tensions rise and soldiers patrol, Asha clings to the familiar, while Yesofu is torn between loyalty and a hopeful future. With their friendship on the line, can they find the courage to let go?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

A Place to Hang the Moon

By Kate Albus

Three siblings seek a forever home amidst wartime chaos and secrets.

320 pages· 62,475 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.6/5 Goodreads · 25,207 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1940, siblings William, Edmund, and Anna are evacuated from London, hoping to find a new family in the countryside. As they navigate foster homes and wartime challenges, they find solace in a village library and its kind librarian, Nora. But with the war's shadow looming and Nora's husband's mysterious absence, can they find the family they long for? Discover a tale of resilience and the search for belonging in a world turned upside down.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1941

The Moffats

By Eleanor Estes, Louis Slobodkin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Moffats series

A family navigates the challenges of everyday life in a small town.

212 pages· 40,253 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,331 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join the Moffat siblings—Sylvie, Joey, Janey, and Rufus—as they transform everyday mishaps into unforgettable adventures. From getting locked in a bread box to dancing with a dog, their antics promise laughter and surprises. How will they navigate their whimsical world where even the smallest mistake leads to the biggest fun? Discover the charm and chaos of a family where mischief is just the beginning.

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 · 435 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

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1932

Little House in the Big Woods

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A young girl and her family live in a log cabin in the Big Woods of Wisconsin during the late 19th century.

238 pages· 33,170 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 292,478 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1871 Wisconsin, young Laura Ingalls and her family navigate the trials of pioneer life. Amidst harsh winters and self-sufficiency, they find joy in homemade Christmases, spring plantings, and Pa's soothing fiddle. As they prepare for their first trip to town, Laura's story unfolds, capturing the essence of frontier resilience and familial warmth. What adventures and challenges await in the Big Woods?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1976

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

A family's land is their lifeblood amidst racism and turmoil.

Newbery Medal (1977)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1977)Coretta Scott King Honor (1977)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1977)

276 pages· 65,468 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 132,759 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In Depression-era Mississippi, young Cassie Logan learns the true value of her family's land amidst racial tensions and social injustice. As night riders threaten and humiliation looms, the Logans' land becomes their source of pride and resilience. Can Cassie find strength in her heritage and dignity in herself to face the challenges ahead? Discover the power of family and the unyielding spirit of independence in this gripping tale of courage and identity.

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