Books About The Civil War · 155 titles considered

The Best The Civil War Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the civil war? 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.

#1 in Series

#22 in Series

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Civil War

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 · 107,729 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

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2004

Annie, Between the States

By L. M. Elliott

A divided heart and home in the Civil War's path. Where does loyalty lie?

535 pages· 100,110 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,208 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Annie Sinclair's Virginia home is torn by the Civil War. With brothers fighting for the South and a Union lieutenant capturing her heart, Annie's loyalties are tested. As accusations arise, she must navigate a divided nation and her own conflicted heart. Will she find her true path amidst the chaos?

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%

Paperback

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

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2009

Beautiful Creatures

By Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl · Book #1 in the Beautiful Creatures series

A cursed girl and a haunted boy uncover secrets in a mysterious southern town.

563 pages· 147,816 words· Est. 13.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 625,501 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the forgotten town of Gatlin, Lena struggles to hide her family's curse. Ethan, plagued by dreams of a mysterious girl, is drawn to her when she arrives at the old plantation. As secrets unravel, their connection could change everything. What lies beneath the surface of this southern town?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 11–16 · 1895

The Red Badge of Courage

By Stephen Crane · Puffin Classics series

A young soldier faces fear and self-doubt in the chaos of war.

215 pages· 44,126 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.3/5 Goodreads · 111,563 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Henry Fleming, a young recruit in the American Civil War, dreams of heroism but is confronted by the brutal reality of battle. As fear and self-doubt grip him, Henry must decide if he will rise to the challenge or succumb to cowardice. Will the horrors of war forge him into a hero, or will they break him? This gripping tale explores the inner turmoil of a soldier caught between his ideals and the harsh truths of combat, leaving readers to wonder about the true nature of courage.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2000

Revolutionary War on Wednesday

By Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #22 in the Magic Tree House series

Two siblings travel back in time to the Revolutionary War to help a magical librarian save Camelot

69 pages· 5,327 words· Est. 1 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 10,115 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: On a snowy night, Jack and Annie are whisked back to colonial times by the Magic Tree House. With General Washington's plans threatened by a storm, they must ensure history unfolds as it should. Can they help Washington succeed, or will the future be altered forever? The fate of a nation hangs in the balance as they navigate this thrilling adventure.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2013

All Different Now

By Angela Johnson, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A little girl witnesses the first Juneteenth, marking freedom's arrival.

40 pages· 280 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 970 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 'All Different Now,' a young girl experiences the first Juneteenth, the day freedom reached the last enslaved people in the South. As dawn breaks, her world transforms, capturing a pivotal moment in history. This beautifully illustrated tale invites readers to reflect on the significance of June 19, now celebrated as African American Emancipation Day. What does freedom truly mean, and how does it change lives? Discover the joy and hope of a new beginning through her eyes, as the story unfolds with vibrant imagery and heartfelt storytelling.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Before She Was Harriet

By Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)

Discover the many lives of Harriet Tubman, from slave to spy to liberator.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2018)

32 pages· 427 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,445 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Journey through the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman, known by many names. From her beginnings as Minty, a resilient slave, to her daring missions as General Tubman, a Union spy, and Moses, leading countless to freedom. This lyrical biography, enriched with vivid illustrations, unveils the courage and compassion of a woman who defied the odds. What paths did she tread, and how did she become a beacon of hope? Explore the stars that guided her and the legacy she left behind.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2020

Freedom Bird

By Jerdine Nolen, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)

A mysterious bird inspires siblings to escape slavery and seek freedom.

32 pages· 1,516 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 189 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: On Simon Plenty's plantation, siblings Millicent and John endure endless hardships. Their parents' tales of ancestors flying to freedom linger in their hearts. When a mysterious bird appears, it ignites their courage to escape. Will they find the freedom they dream of, or will the past's shadows hold them back? This tale of hope and transformation unfolds with the magic of a folktale.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

Abraham Lincoln

By Caroline Crosson Gilpin, National Geographic Kids · National Geographic Readers series

Discover the pivotal choices of a leader who changed a nation.

32 pages· 1,190 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 151 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, who made the bold decision to abolish slavery. This engaging biography reveals how his leadership during the Civil War shaped the United States. With colorful illustrations and accessible explanations, young readers will uncover the impact of Lincoln's legacy and the challenges he faced. What drove him to make such historic choices, and how did they alter the course of history? Dive into this captivating journey to understand the man behind the monumental decisions.

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The Civil War Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about the civil war for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1899

They Call Me Teach

Ages 5–8 · 2024

An enslaved young man secretly teaches others to read, sparking hope for freedom.

Series

Sale price

$1795

The Last Brother

Ages 6–9 · 2006

A young bugler faces a choice between duty, family, and newfound friendship during the Civil War.

Sale price

$1295

Seven Miles to Freedom

Ages 4–8 · 2008

A slave's daring escape on a Confederate ship to freedom.

Sale price

$1495

The Gettysburg Address

Ages 4–7 · 1863

Experience the enduring power of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address through striking illustrations.

Sale price

$1899

Pink and Say

Ages 6–9 · 1994

Two Union soldiers must escape Confederate territory as danger closes in.

Sale price

$1899

A Day for Rememberin'

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A boy witnesses the first Memorial Day, honoring those who fought for freedom.

Series

Sale price

$2526

Juneteenth

Ages 7–9 · 2005

Discover the origins and evolution of Juneteenth.

Sale price

$1799

Lizzie Demands a Seat!

Ages 7–10 · 2020

Denied a streetcar seat, a teacher's fight sparks a historic battle for equality.

Sale price

$1899

William Still and His Freedom Stories

Ages 6–10 · 2020

A man records stories of freedom seekers, reuniting families and uncovering his own past.

Sale price

$1899

Dancing Hands

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A young pianist's music may soothe a war-torn nation.

Sale price

$1895

The Escape of Robert Smalls

Ages 9–12 · 2019

An enslaved man risks all to steal a Confederate ship and sail to freedom.

Sale price

$1799

The Eye That Never Sleeps

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A detective thwarts a plot to assassinate Lincoln en route to his inauguration.

View all the civil war picture books

Browse by age

The Civil War Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the civil war for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1899

An American Story

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A teacher unveils the haunting history of slavery, igniting a journey of understanding and resilience.

Series

Sale price

$999

Little Women

Ages 7–9 · 2005

Four sisters navigate life's trials and triumphs during the Civil War.

Series

Sale price

$999

The Underground Railroad

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Uncover the untold truths of the Underground Railroad and the real struggle for freedom.

Series

Sale price

$699

Abraham Lincoln

Ages 7–10 · 2011

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

Sale price

$1699

The Civil War of Amos Abernathy

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A boy uncovers hidden LGBTQ+ history, challenging his town's views.

Series

Sale price

$599

What Was the Underground Railroad?

Ages 8–12 · 2013

Escape to freedom through a perilous journey on the Underground Railroad.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Was Ulysses S. Grant?

Ages 8–11 · 2014

The life of Ulysses S. Grant, from his childhood to his presidency and later years.

#9 in Series

Sale price

$799

Tennessee Rose

Ages 8–11 · 2012

A horse questions freedom and slavery as the Civil War looms.

Sale price

$899

Poet

Ages 6–10 · 2015

An enslaved poet's words spark hope and challenge his chains.

Sale price

$1799

Loretta Little Looks Back

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Three generations fight for freedom, each with a mystical gift, from cotton fields to the voting booth.

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

Big Bad Ironclad!

Ages 8–12 · 2012

The story of the American Civil War and the development of ironclad warships.

#5 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

The Underground Abductor

Ages 8–14 · 2015

Escape slavery, risk everything, and lead others to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

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Books about curses Books about facing fears Books about identity Books about Juneteenth Books about patriotism Books about psychic abilities Books about refugees Books about secrets

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Civil War

Great books, picked for their age.

The Civil War Picture Books

The Civil War Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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