Books About Maritime History

The Best Maritime History Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about maritime 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 Maritime History

What Was the Titanic?
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

What Was the Titanic?

By Stephanie Sabol, Who HQ, Gregory Copeland (Illustrator) · What Was . . . ? series

The story of the Titanic's maiden voyage and its tragic sinking.

112 pages· 8,162 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,169 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the tragic tale of the Titanic, the grand ship deemed 'unsinkable,' which met its doom after striking an iceberg. With over 1,500 lives lost, only 705 survived the icy waters. Uncover the reasons behind the disaster and the ship's rediscovery 75 years later. What secrets lie beneath the waves, and why does this maritime tragedy continue to captivate us over a century later? Dive into the mystery and legacy of the Titanic, a story of ambition, hubris, and survival against the odds.
Pirates
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2001

Pirates

By Mary Pope Osborne, Will Osborne (Illustrator), Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Magic Tree House: Fact Tracker series

Uncover pirate secrets with Jack and Annie's fact-finding adventure.

117 pages· 5,337 words· Est. 45 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 1,895 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Join Jack and Annie as they dive into the world of pirates, unraveling mysteries like walking the plank and hidden treasures. Discover the truth behind pirate legends with fascinating facts, photos, and illustrations. Perfect for curious minds eager to explore the real stories behind their favorite Magic Tree House adventures. Will they uncover the secrets of pirate life and language? Embark on this educational journey and find out!
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1990

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

By Avi

A lone girl faces a deadly sea voyage with a mutinous crew and a murderous captain.

Newbery Honor (1991)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1991)Golden Kite Award (1991)
240 pages· 52,752 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 89,069 ratings
Paperback
Summary: In 1832, thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle embarks on a transatlantic journey, expecting a simple trip home. Instead, she finds herself alone on a ship with a ruthless captain and a rebellious crew. As tensions rise, Charlotte is drawn into a dangerous conflict, making enemies and facing accusations of murder. Will she survive this perilous voyage and clear her name?
What Do We Know About the Ghost Ship Mary Celeste?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · 2027

What Do We Know About the Ghost Ship Mary Celeste?

By Steve Korté, Who HQ · What Do We Know About . . . ? series

A ship is found drifting, intact and empty. Where did everyone aboard go?

112 pages
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In December 1872, the Mary Celeste was found drifting off a Portuguese island, its cargo untouched and the ship fit to sail, but its captain, crew and passengers gone. They were never seen again. This book lays out what was found aboard and weighs the theories, from pirates onward, that have tried to explain one of the sea's most famous mysteries.
Explore Titanic
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Explore Titanic

By Peter Chrisp, Somchitch Vongprachanh (Illustrator)

Explore the Titanic's grandeur and tragedy through vivid images and 3D renderings.

40 pages· 4,965 words· Est. 39 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 93 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Step aboard the Titanic and witness its opulence and demise through stunning visuals and 3D graphics. From the bustling Boiler Room to the lavish First Class cabins, this immersive journey reveals the ship's intricate details and the haunting moments of its sinking. With a CD-ROM offering a virtual tour, young readers can explore every corner, experiencing the Titanic's story like never before. What secrets lie within its grand halls, and how did such a marvel meet its fate? Discover the answers in this meticulously crafted pictorial history.
Haunted Hotels
Sale price
$2708
Picture Book · Ages 9–13 · 2008

Haunted Hotels

By Sarah Parvis · Scary Places series

Check in if you dare—these haunted hotels hold chilling secrets.

32 pages· 2,893 words· Est. 23 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 62 ratings
$28.50Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Step into the eerie world of haunted hotels, where guests encounter icy rooms, invisible presences, and mysterious shadows. Each of the eleven hotels harbors a chilling history, leaving visitors questioning reality. Will you uncover the truth behind the paranormal tales, or will the ghosts remain a mystery? Dare to explore the unknown and decide for yourself if these hauntings are real.
100 Things You Should Know About Pirates
Picture Book · 2001

100 Things You Should Know About Pirates

By Andrew Langley · 100 Things You Should Know About series

Uncover the secrets of pirate life on the high seas.

48 pages· 6,415 words
3.9 Goodreads · 27 ratings
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into the thrilling world of pirates with 100 fascinating facts that reveal the true life on the high seas. Engage with puzzles, quizzes, and creative projects like designing your own pirate flag or mapping legendary voyages. Will you uncover hidden treasures or face the perils of pirate life? Set sail on this captivating journey and discover the mysteries of the pirate era.
Exploring Titanic
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2912
Picture Book · Ages 8–14 · 2009

Exploring Titanic

By Agnieszka Biskup, Al Bigley (Illustrator), Bill Anderson (Illustrator)

An archaeologist travels through time to solve mysteries and rescue colleagues.

32 pages· 1,850 words· Est. 19 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 32 ratings
$30.65Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Dr. Isabel Soto defies time and space, diving into history's depths to unravel mysteries and save those in peril. As an archaeologist with unique abilities, she ventures into ancient eras and distant lands. Will her skills be enough to uncover the truth and protect her team? Join Izzy on thrilling adventures that blend historical intrigue with daring rescues.
Water Rescue Dogs
Sale price
$2845
Picture Book · Ages 7–12 · 2005

Water Rescue Dogs

Dog Heroes series

Lost at sea, Elizabeth's only hope is her loyal rescue dog, Ursa.

32 pages· 1,605 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
3.6 Goodreads · 7 ratings
$29.95Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Elizabeth is swept away by a fierce current, far from her island home. As panic sets in, a familiar bark pierces the storm—Ursa, her devoted dog, is on a daring rescue mission. Dive into the world of water rescue dogs, where these heroic animals are trained to save lives from floods and boating accidents. Follow their journey from training to their first life-saving mission, with vivid stories and captivating photographs that bring their bravery to life. Will Ursa reach Elizabeth in time? Discover the incredible bond between humans and their canine saviors.
Finding the Titanic
Sale price
$3545
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2017

Finding the Titanic

By Michael Burgan · Captured Science History series

A sunken ship's secrets resurface after 73 years beneath the ocean's depths.

64 pages· 8,991 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 15 ratings
$37.32Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: In 1912, the Titanic vanished beneath icy waters, its location a mystery for decades. Oceanographer Robert Ballard embarks on a quest to uncover the ship's resting place. What secrets will the deep reveal after 73 years? Discover the haunting images and stories that reignite fascination with this legendary voyage.
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