Books About Historical Figures · 656 titles considered

The Best Historical Figures Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Famous People, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Historical Figures

The Diary of a Young Girl
Sale price
$958
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 Goodreads · 4,329,559 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Mass Market Paperbound
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.
The Wednesday Wars
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 Goodreads · 49,133 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
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?
Elizabeth I
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 Goodreads · 11,103 ratings
$10.95Save 4%
Hardcover
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.
Lincoln
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 Goodreads · 11,020 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.
Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed
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 Goodreads · 19 ratings
$11.89Save 5%
Library Binding
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?
Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader
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 Goodreads · 96 ratings
Paperback
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.
Harriet Tubman
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 Goodreads · 73 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
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.
Abe's Honest Words
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·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,079 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 44,288 ratings
$35.00Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
This Little Trailblazer
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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 463 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Board book
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!
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Historical Figures Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Marie Curie
Series
Sale price
$1599

Marie Curie

Ages 2–4 · 2016

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

This Little Scientist
Series
Sale price
$799

This Little Scientist

Ages 3–5 · 2018

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

The Story of Jesus
Sale price
$599

The Story of Jesus

Ages 2–5 · 1996

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

The Legend of the Candy Cane
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.

The Christmas Story
Sale price
$599

The Christmas Story

Ages 2–5 · 1952

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

Goodnight, Manger
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.

The Nativity
Sale price
$999

The Nativity

Ages 4–7 · 1986

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

Refuge
Sale price
$1599

Refuge

Ages 4–8 · 2015

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

I Have a Dream
Sale price
$1999

I Have a Dream

Ages 5–8 · 1973

Discover the power of a dream that changed history.

Maya Angelou
Series
Sale price
$1599

Maya Angelou

Ages 4–8 · 2016

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

Abe Lincoln
Sale price
$899

Abe Lincoln

Ages 3–7 · 2003

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

Pies from Nowhere
Sale price
$1799

Pies from Nowhere

Ages 6–9 · 2018

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

An Inconvenient Alphabet
Sale price
$1799

An Inconvenient Alphabet

Ages 5–10 · 2018

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

The Night of His Birth
Sale price
$1800

The Night of His Birth

Ages 4–7 · 2019

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

She Persisted
Series
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.

Twenty-One Elephants
Sale price
$1999

Twenty-One Elephants

Ages 4–7 · 2005

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

The Story of Ruby Bridges
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.

Let the Children March
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.

Anne Frank
Sale price
$1999

Anne Frank

Ages 9–12 · 1999

A hidden diary reveals a young girl's life under Nazi threat.

Double Cross
#3 in Series
Sale price
$799

Double Cross

Ages 8–12 · 2013

Time-traveling Musketeers must escape prison to save a king and history itself.

Helen Keller
Sale price
$599

Helen Keller

Ages 7–9 · 1997

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

Abraham Lincoln
Series
Sale price
$1199

Abraham Lincoln

Ages 9–12 · 2001

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

The Glorious Impossible
Sale price
$2495

The Glorious Impossible

Ages 7–10 · 1990

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

View all historical figures chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about family problemsBooks about female role modelsBooks about activismBooks about braveryBooks about ethnic relationsBooks about girls and womenBooks about Harriet TubmanBooks about loyalty