History can be a difficult topic for children. While it’s a fascinating topic, children often find it dull and difficult to relate to. Timelines and notions of “the past” are challenging for kids to grasp, as they’re still figuring out their own perceptions of time.
As parents and educators, we know that a firm grasp of history is important. Kids need to understand the past, as they will be making decisions in the future. History teaches powerful lessons and gives kids a sense of where they come from.
History Books Help Kids Appreciate and Understand the Past
History isn’t about memorizing the date Rome fell or recalling all of the rulers in a Chinese dynasty. It’s learning about the stories, the causes and effects, the people, and events that shaped the past.
Great history books for kids can share these stories in a much more palatable way. Clever writing and good storytelling can bring history to life for kids.
We’ve chosen some of our favorite history books for kids. Some give an overview of history while others focus on specific events. Others still go deep into a certain element. Any of these books will make a great addition to your child’s library.
1. Mistakes That Worked
by Charlotte Foltz Jones
For Ages: 8 and up
Buy the Book: Amazon | Bookshop
Most kids love to learn about famous inventors and inventions.
This book puts an interesting twist on inventions by telling the stories of inventions that started as mistakes. Each invention is a popular item that kids know and use, but probably don’t know the history of.
The book has fun comics that illustrate the story behind each invention, making this book feel like it’s for bigger kids instead of a picture book. Kids will love learning the history behind things like sandwiches, Coca-Cola, and Silly Putty.
2. The ABCs of Black History
by Rio Cortez
For Ages: 3-8
Buy the Book: Amazon | Bookshop
Kids are never too young to start learning black history. The ABCs of Black History puts black history in a familiar format, making it an engaging read-aloud for parents and kids.
Each letter covers an important person, event, or concept related to black history.
The book mentions important figures like Zora Neale Hurston and Malcolm X, events like the Great Migration, and concepts like Power. Everything is told in rhyme. There are also helpful notes at the end so that parents and kids can get more information about the topics in the book.
3. Spectacular Stories for Curious Kids
by Jesse Sullivan
For Ages: 9-14
Buy the Book: Amazon | Bookshop
History textbooks often leave out some incredible stories in favor of major events. But these stories bring history to life. Spectacular Stories for Curious Kids contains 100 fascinating stories from history.
This book should pull in even the most reluctant history learners and will get them excited to read more. They’ll learn about female gladiators, flying elephants, and other interesting events. The stories are funny and well-written, making this book an easy read.
4. A Child Through Time
by Phil Wilkinson
For Ages: 8-12
Buy the Book: Amazon | Bookshop
One reason many kids struggle with history is that it’s not relatable. By showing history through a child’s eyes, A Child Through Time makes history more accessible for kids. It’s broken down into 30 stories, making it perfect for a bedtime read.
Each story focuses on a child from a particular era. Some are real, like Marie Antoinette and Tutankhamun, while others are imagined.
Kids will learn about what life was like for kids during each era while also learning about some of the most important events.
5. History Year by Year
by Smithsonian
For Ages: 9-12
Buy the Book: Amazon | Bookshop
History can be challenging because a child’s concept of time can make it difficult for them to understand timelines. History Year by Year is a great book for helping kids to get an overview of human history.
The book covers each era of history with a timeline and important events listed. There are plenty of primary source images and short passages to give kids more details about a particular period.
6. The Totally Hilarious All About America Activity Book
by Joe Rhatigan
For Ages: 7-10
Buy the Book: Amazon
For kids who can’t sit still, the All About America Activity Book makes learning U.S. history fun and interactive. This book can be used on its own or as a supplement to other American history reading or as part of a larger unit.
This book condenses important moments in American history down to small passages that are quick and fun to read.
The activities, such as designing an American flag or deciding who to put on money, let students be creative and get them to think deeply about events.
7. Castle
by David Macaulay
For Ages: 10-12
Buy the Book: Amazon | Bookshop
Castle is such an intriguing book. You may find yourself flipping through it on your own. Macaulay is a gifted artist and historian and his book is full of fascinating details. Even though it’s over 30 years old, Castle is still incredibly popular.
Readers step inside a Medieval Castle. Detailed drawings show the many levels and rooms found inside. Macaulay’s text reveals fascinating facts and insights into the architecture and the people who lived there.
8. Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents
by Carole P. Roman
For Ages: 8-11
Buy the Book: Amazon | Bookshop
Some of the most interesting stories from World War II are about the people who went undercover, for both good and evil stories.
Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents unfolds 12 stories of people, groups, and missions who worked as spies and code breakers during the war.
Kids will love reading about old-school spies and seeing a whole new side of World War II. This book is best for kids with at least some knowledge of the war.
9. History’s Mysteries
by Kitson Jazynka
For Ages: 8-12
Buy the Book: Amazon
Even the most reluctant reader can get drawn in by a good mystery. History’s Mysteries takes on some of the most puzzling mysteries in world history. Each chapter is set around themes like mythical creatures, strange phenomena, and hidden treasure.
Histories Mysteries tackles the lost colony at Roanoake, the Bermuda Triangle, the story of Anastasia Romanov, and more. After reading this book, kids will be eager to learn more about these periods.
10. Ancient Rome for Kids
by Catherine Fet
For Ages: 8-12
Buy the Book: Amazon | Bookshop
The Roman Empire lasted over 1000 years, making it the most successful empire of all time. The tales of the empire are full of interesting stories, including a terrible volcano and a murderous political betrayal. Kids should be fascinated with a story that unfolds like a summer blockbuster.
However, the author of Ancient Rome for Kids noticed that her son was bored with all of the history books she gave them. She set out to write a book that would make Rome interesting for him. She created a book that reads like an epic story that should intrigue your child.
11. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
by Kate Pankhurst
For Ages: 2-6
Buy the Book: Amazon
Kids are often taught a male-centric version of history. You may need to offset this view at home and Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is an excellent place to start. The author’s name may sound familiar because she’s the descendent of early women’s rights activist Emmaline Pankhurst.
Each spread is full of information and fun facts about some of the world’s most incredible women. Little readers will learn about Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo, and more.
12. American History: A Visual Encyclopedia
by DK, Smithsonian
For Ages: 8 and up
Buy the Book: Amazon | Bookshop
America has a complex history full of ups and downs. Since so many schools gloss over certain moments in the country’s history, you need to supplement your kid’s learning at home.
DK’s American History covers the major events shaping the early years of the country, including the American Revolution, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the Civil War. It also covers important events of the last century. The book is full of primary artifacts and photos, fun facts, and more.
Open a Window to the Past With History Books for Kids
Whether your child is curious about history or if you’re wanting to inspire a love for the subject, these books can help your child learn in an accessible way. Each book is filled with fascinating facts, events, timelines, illustrations, and the people who shaped our world.