Books About American History · 366 titles considered

The Best American History Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Looking for excellent children's books about american 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 American History

A Wreath for Emmett Till
Sale price
$1615
Picture Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

A Wreath for Emmett Till

By Marilyn Nelson, Philippe Lardy (Illustrator)

A boy's tragic fate ignites a movement against injustice.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2005)Coretta Scott King Honor (2006)Michael L. Printz Honor (2006)
48 pages· 1,527 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 2,509 ratings
$17.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1955, Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American, was brutally murdered, sparking national outrage. His story, told through poignant poetry, challenges us to confront and speak out against ongoing injustices. How can one boy's tragic end inspire a fight for change?
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.
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.
Revolutionary War on Wednesday
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 · 10,158 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.
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.
Elizabeth Leads the Way
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2008

Elizabeth Leads the Way

By Tanya Lee Stone, Rebecca Gibbon (Illustrator)

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·4.1/5 Goodreads · 613 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.
I Have a Dream
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1973

I Have a Dream

By Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

Discover the power of a dream that changed history.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2013)
40 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 3,770 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Step into history with Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech, brought to life through vivid illustrations. This picture book captures the essence of his dream for freedom and equality, inspiring young minds to carry the torch forward. Experience the unforgettable words that echoed from the Lincoln Memorial, paired with an audio CD, and explore the enduring impact of a vision that continues to shape our world.
Box
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

Box

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Michele Wood (Illustrator)

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

Newbery Honor (2021)
56 pages· 3,020 words· Est. 24 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 852 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Henry Brown, born into slavery, loses his family to the cruel trade. With nothing left, he devises a daring escape plan: shipping himself in a box to freedom. As he navigates the perilous journey, aided by the Underground Railroad, will he find the liberty he seeks? This powerful narrative, told in poetic stanzas, captures the resilience and courage of a man determined to reclaim his life. Vivid illustrations and historical context enrich this tale of hope and defiance.
Abe Lincoln
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2003

Abe Lincoln

By Kay Winters, Nancy Carpenter (Illustrator)

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

40 pages· 1,056 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 660 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a humble log cabin, a young boy discovers the magic of storytelling and the power of words. As he traces letters in sand and snow, his passion for reading grows. This love for books propels him on a journey from a curious child to the sixteenth president of the United States. Explore how Abraham Lincoln's early life and dedication to learning transformed him into a leader who changed the world. What role did books play in shaping his extraordinary path?
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American History Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about american history for preschool and elementary-age readers.

An Inconvenient Alphabet
Sale price
$1799

An Inconvenient Alphabet

Ages 5–10 · 2018

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

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.

Aaron and Alexander
Sale price
$1999

Aaron and Alexander

Ages 5–8 · 2015

Two patriots' rivalry leads to a historic duel.

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.

A Ride to Remember
Sale price
$1999

A Ride to Remember

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A carousel ride becomes a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement.

The Undefeated
Sale price
$1799

The Undefeated

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A tribute to the black individuals who paved the way for future generations in America.

Before She Was Harriet
Sale price
$1899

Before She Was Harriet

Ages 4–8 · 2017

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

Her Right Foot
Sale price
$2199

Her Right Foot

Ages 5–8 · 2017

Why is the Statue of Liberty stepping forward? Discover a hidden message of acceptance.

Rosa's Bus
Sale price
$1799

Rosa's Bus

Ages 7–10 · 2010

A bus witnesses a pivotal stand against segregation, sparking a historic boycott.

Abraham Lincoln
Series
Sale price
$599

Abraham Lincoln

Ages 5–8 · 2012

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

March On!

March On!

2008

Witness a historic speech that changed a nation.

View all american history picture books
Browse by age

American History Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about american history for developing and independent readers.

The Wright Brothers
Sale price
$1699

The Wright Brothers

Ages 10–13 · 1991

Two brothers defy gravity, launching the Age of Flight.

Fallout
Sale price
$1999

Fallout

Ages 13–17 · 2021

Two superpowers race to outdo each other in a deadly Cold War showdown.

Tornado Terror
0

Tornado Terror

Ages 8–12

A boy in southern Illinois faces the deadliest tornado in U.S. history on the day of his town's marbles tournament.

An American Story
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.

Heroes of 9/11
Series
Sale price
$399

Heroes of 9/11

Ages 8–12 · 2010

Witness the bravery of first responders on 9/11.

The Underground Railroad
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.

View all american history chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about civil rights movementBooks about Colonial and Revolutionary periodsBooks about George WashingtonBooks about Harriet TubmanBooks about human-animal relationshipsBooks about Martin Luther King, Jr.Books about prejudice and racismBooks about slavery