Best Homeschool History Books (A Complete K-12 Guide)

History Atlas by Thiago de Moraes

Best for: Exploring ancient civilizations through pictures and maps

This is the sort of book I’d happily leave on the coffee table and let my children explore on their own.

History Atlas introduces fifteen civilizations through enormous illustrated maps filled with people, buildings, inventions, and little details to discover. It isn’t limited to ancient history, which makes it useful long after you’ve moved on to the Middle Ages.

I especially like that children don’t have to read it from beginning to end. You can open it to whatever civilization you’re studying, spend some time looking around, and come back to it later.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a good reference book for children who love maps and illustrations. I wouldn’t use it as our main history curriculum, but I’d consider it a worthwhile addition to our bookshelf.

Gilgamesh the King by Ludmila Zeman

Best for: Ancient Mesopotamia and an introduction to early mythology

Mesopotamia can be a tricky civilization to find good children’s books for, especially if you want something more interesting than a collection of facts about the first cities.

Gilgamesh the King is a beautifully illustrated retelling of part of the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh. It introduces Gilgamesh, the powerful king of Uruk, and Enkidu, whose friendship changes him.

There are three books in the series, followed by The Revenge of Ishtar and The Last Quest of Gilgamesh. Together, they introduce one of the world’s oldest surviving literary stories.

These are myths, not historical accounts, but I think there’s real value in introducing children to the stories ancient civilizations told about themselves.

Why I’d choose it: The illustrations are a big part of the appeal, and the story gives children something memorable to associate with Mesopotamia. Just be aware that the trilogy includes monsters, violence, and death.

Pyramid by David Macaulay

Best for: Ancient Egypt, architecture, and everyday engineering

I love David Macaulay’s books because they answer questions that a regular history textbook might never get around to.

Pyramid walks readers through the construction of an Egyptian pyramid, from planning the site to moving enormous blocks of stone. The detailed black-and-white illustrations are the main attraction.

It’s not a novel, and I wouldn’t necessarily sit down and read the entire thing aloud to a young child. I’d be more inclined to look through it together and stop whenever we found something interesting.

How did workers move the stones? What tools did they have? How did they get everything to fit?

Those are the sorts of questions this book is good at answering.

Why I’d choose it: It’s particularly good for children who enjoy building things, drawing, or understanding how something works. I’d also keep it around for older children who want more technical detail.

D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire

Best for: An introduction to Greek mythology

If I were building a small collection of ancient history books to keep for years, this would be near the top of my list.

D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths introduces the major Greek gods, heroes, and monsters through stories accompanied by beautiful illustrations.

It’s accessible enough to begin reading aloud with younger children, but I think older elementary students will get even more out of it. They’ll start noticing how the stories connect and recognizing characters when they encounter them in other books.

I particularly like the idea of reading Greek mythology before moving on to Homer. It makes those longer stories much easier to follow.

Why I’d choose it: This is a book you can revisit throughout your ancient history studies rather than reading once and putting away. Just remember that mythology and Greek history aren’t the same thing.

The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Best for: Historical fiction set in Ancient Egypt

If your child is ready for a full historical novel, The Golden Goblet is a good place to start.

The story follows Ranofer, a young Egyptian boy who dreams of becoming a goldsmith but finds himself trapped in a difficult situation with his half-brother. There’s a mystery to solve, plenty of danger, and a satisfying amount of detail about Egyptian life.

What interests me about this one is that the history is part of the story rather than something the reader has to stop and study.

Children encounter Egyptian trades, homes, social classes, and customs while following Ranofer’s adventures.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a strong pick for children who enjoy mysteries and adventure stories. I would save it for older elementary students, partly because of the challenging vocabulary and the mistreatment Ranofer experiences.

Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff

Best for: A literary introduction to the Iliad

This is one of the books I’m particularly interested in having on our shelves.

Rosemary Sutcliff retells the story of the Trojan War in language that’s easier for younger readers to follow than Homer’s original poem, while keeping much of its drama and beauty.

And the illustrated edition with Alan Lee’s artwork is gorgeous.

There are battles, feuding kings, Greek heroes, and plenty of tragedy. I wouldn’t mistake it for a straightforward history lesson, but it introduces children to an important part of ancient Greek literature.

Why I’d choose it: I’d use this after an introduction to Greek mythology, when the names of the gods and heroes are already familiar. It’s a more serious story than some mythology collections, with warfare and death throughout.

The Wanderings of Odysseus by Rosemary Sutcliff

Best for: Greek mythology, adventure, and classical literature

If your child enjoys Black Ships Before Troy, this is the natural book to read next.

Sutcliff continues with the story of Odysseus and his long journey home after the Trojan War. There are shipwrecks, monsters, enchantments, and plenty of terrible decisions along the way.

Like Black Ships Before Troy, the illustrated edition features Alan Lee’s artwork.

I would probably read this aloud with a younger child who’s already comfortable with longer, more challenging stories. Older readers can tackle it independently.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a good introduction to the Odyssey before reading the original in high school. The story includes frightening creatures, violence, and some mature mythological material, so I’d consider the individual child rather than relying entirely on the age recommendation.

The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff

Best for: Historical fiction about Roman Britain

This is one I’d save for a child who enjoys adventure novels.

Marcus Aquila, a young Roman officer, travels into northern Britain to discover what happened to his father’s legion and recover its lost eagle standard.

Unlike the books about Greek mythology, this is historical fiction grounded in a real historical setting. It introduces Roman military life, Roman Britain, and some of the tensions between the Romans and the people they conquered.

The story also gives readers plenty to think about when it comes to loyalty, honor, and friendship.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a much more engaging way to explore Roman Britain than simply memorizing the boundaries of the empire. I’d especially consider it for older children who have already studied Rome and want a good adventure to go with it.

Augustus Caesar’s World by Genevieve Foster

Best for: Understanding what was happening across the ancient world at the same time

One difficulty with studying history chronologically is that children can come away thinking civilizations existed one after another.

First Egypt, then Greece, then Rome, with everything neatly taking turns.

Of course, that’s not what happened.

Genevieve Foster takes a different approach in Augustus Caesar’s World. She focuses on the lifetime of Augustus while showing what was happening in other places, including China, India, and the Middle East.

I think this is a particularly useful approach for older students who already have some historical background. It helps them begin connecting events rather than treating every civilization as a separate subject.

Why I’d choose it: This would be one of my main history books for a more advanced student, not an extra novel to squeeze into an already crowded reading schedule. It’s substantial enough to work through slowly over several months.

A Medieval Feast by Aliki

Best for: Everyday life in a medieval manor

If you’re starting a study of the Middle Ages with younger children, this is one of the first books I’d consider.

The king is coming to visit, and everyone at Camdenton Manor has a tremendous amount of work to do. There are rooms to prepare, food to gather, and an enormous feast to put together.

What makes this book interesting is everything happening in the illustrations. Children can see the kitchens, servants, food preparation, and all the activity involved in entertaining a royal guest.

It’s a good introduction to medieval life without requiring a long explanation beforehand.

Why I’d choose it: It’s short enough to read in one sitting, but there’s plenty to look at afterward. I’d pair it with a longer book about castles or medieval towns.

Castle and Cathedral by David Macaulay

Best for: Medieval architecture and engineering

I’m putting these two books together because they serve a similar purpose, although you certainly don’t need both.

In Castle, Macaulay walks readers through the planning and construction of a medieval castle and its surrounding town. Cathedral does something similar with a great Gothic cathedral.

Both books have remarkably detailed black-and-white illustrations. You can see how the buildings were designed, how workers moved enormous pieces of stone, and why certain architectural features were necessary.

They’re also useful for explaining just how much time and labor went into these buildings.

I wouldn’t necessarily read either one straight through with a six-year-old. Instead, I’d look through the illustrations together, focusing on whichever parts were most interesting.

Why I’d choose them: These are the sorts of reference books that can stay useful for years. If your child is interested in castles, start with Castle. If you’re studying medieval churches or Gothic architecture, I’d choose Cathedral.

The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane by C. M. Millen

Best for: Medieval monasteries and illuminated manuscripts

One part of medieval history I particularly want to include is the work done in monasteries, especially preserving and copying books.

The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane tells the story of a young monk who discovers how to make colorful inks from the plants around his monastery.

The illustrations draw inspiration from medieval illuminated manuscripts, including the Book of Kells. They’re a large part of what makes this book appealing.

It’s a fictional story, but it opens the door to learning about scribes, monasteries, and how books were made before printing presses became common.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a lovely way to introduce an important part of medieval life that doesn’t involve battles or royalty. I’d consider looking at photographs of real illuminated manuscripts afterward.

Marguerite Makes a Book by Bruce Robertson

Best for: Bookmaking and life in fifteenth-century Paris

If your child enjoys The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane, this would be a good book to read next.

Marguerite is a young girl in medieval Paris whose father makes illuminated manuscripts. When he struggles to finish an important commission, Marguerite steps in to help.

Along the way, readers learn about parchment, pigments, quills, gold leaf, and the tremendous amount of work involved in making a single book.

I particularly like the idea of using this alongside an art lesson. Children could try making an illuminated letter or decorating a page with their own borders.

Why I’d choose it: It makes medieval bookmaking feel like a real occupation rather than just something monks did a very long time ago. It also gives children a glimpse of life in a medieval city.

Pippo the Fool by Tracey E. Fern

Best for: Renaissance Florence and architecture

This book takes us into the Renaissance, where an enormous cathedral in Florence is waiting for someone to figure out how to build its dome.

Filippo Brunelleschi believes he can solve the problem, even though many people doubt him.

Pippo the Fool tells a fictionalized version of Brunelleschi’s achievement, with plenty of humor and detailed illustrations of Renaissance Florence.

I like that it focuses on a specific accomplishment rather than trying to explain the entire Renaissance in one picture book.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a good introduction to Renaissance engineering and architecture. I’d pair it with photographs of Florence Cathedral so children can see the building that inspired the story.

Castle Diary by Richard Platt

Best for: Everyday life inside a medieval castle

If your child wants to know what it was actually like to live in a castle, I’d start here.

Castle Diary is written as the journal of Tobias Burgess, an eleven-year-old boy serving as a page in a medieval castle.

It’s full of details about meals, manners, clothing, entertainment, and castle life. Some of those details are rather unpleasant, which will probably make the book even more interesting to certain children.

The diary format also makes it easy to read a little at a time.

Why I’d choose it: This is a good companion to Macaulay’s Castle. One explains how a castle was constructed, while the other imagines what everyday life inside one might have been like.

Although I’ve placed it with middle readers, younger children who are comfortable with longer books may enjoy it, too.

The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli

Best for: Medieval England, monasteries, and courage

Robin has spent his childhood preparing to become a knight. Then an illness leaves him unable to walk, and his plans for the future suddenly seem impossible.

A monk named Brother Luke takes him in and helps him discover that there are other ways to be useful and courageous.

The story is set in fourteenth-century England and includes plenty of details about medieval life, particularly monasteries and castles.

What appeals to me about this book is that it’s not just another story about becoming a knight. Robin has to find a different path, and his courage doesn’t depend on being physically strong.

Why I’d choose it: It’s relatively short for a historical novel, making it a good introduction to more challenging historical fiction. I’d consider reading it aloud with younger students, especially given its older-fashioned language. The story also includes illness, plague fears, and disability.

Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray

Best for: A historical adventure through medieval England

Adam of the Road follows an eleven-year-old boy traveling through thirteenth-century England in search of his missing father and stolen dog.

Adam’s father is a wandering minstrel, so the story moves through towns, roads, inns, and different levels of medieval society.

That’s one of the main reasons I’d include it. Children get to see considerably more of medieval life than they would in a story set entirely inside a castle.

It’s also a proper adventure, with enough happening to keep the historical details from feeling like a lesson.

Why I’d choose it: I’d use this as a longer read-aloud or independent novel after children already have some understanding of the Middle Ages. At around 320 pages, it’s more of a commitment than The Door in the Wall, so I probably wouldn’t assign both unless we were spending quite a while on medieval England.

The Second Mrs. Gioconda by E. L. Konigsburg

Best for: Leonardo da Vinci and Renaissance Italy

I think historical fiction is especially helpful for studying the Renaissance because there are so many famous people and accomplishments to remember.

The Second Mrs. Gioconda focuses on Leonardo da Vinci and his mischievous young apprentice, Salai.

The novel imagines the circumstances surrounding the creation of the Mona Lisa, incorporating real Renaissance figures into a fictional story.

It doesn’t attempt to cover Leonardo’s entire life. Instead, it gives readers a more personal glimpse of the people and relationships surrounding his work.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a good option for children who enjoy character-driven stories or are particularly interested in art. I’d pair it with a nonfiction biography of Leonardo and photographs of his paintings, making sure to distinguish the historical facts from the author’s inventions.

The Shining Company by Rosemary Sutcliff

Best for: Early medieval Britain and historical adventure

Rosemary Sutcliff is one of the authors I’d consider again and again for older students studying history.

The Shining Company is set in early medieval Britain, where a young man named Prosper joins a band of warriors preparing to defend their land.

It’s a serious adventure story, with battles, friendship, loyalty, and the complicated relationships between the peoples of Britain.

Sutcliff’s writing is more demanding than that of many modern children’s novels, but that’s part of the appeal for a confident reader.

Why I’d choose it: This is one I’d save for older children who enjoy historical fiction and don’t mind challenging language. It also gives us a story from early medieval Britain rather than returning to the familiar castles of the later Middle Ages.

Voices of the Renaissance and Reformation, edited by Rob Shearer

Best for: Older students ready to read historical primary sources

By high school, I think students should begin reading some of the actual writing produced during the periods they’re studying.

Voices of the Renaissance and Reformation collects selections from important figures, including Erasmus, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Thomas More, Martin Luther, and John Calvin.

Reading their own words helps students understand the arguments, religious disagreements, and intellectual changes of the period.

This isn’t the sort of book I’d hand a teenager and expect them to read straight through. I’d choose a few selections that connect to whatever we’re studying, then discuss them together.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a useful step toward studying history through original documents rather than relying exclusively on someone else’s summary. Some excerpts are challenging, and the collection is particularly focused on European religious and intellectual history.

The World of Columbus and Sons by Genevieve Foster

Best for: Understanding the Renaissance, Reformation, and Age of Exploration together

I included another Genevieve Foster book in the Ancient History section, and I’d recommend the same approach here.

Rather than treating the Renaissance, Reformation, and Age of Exploration as completely separate subjects, Foster looks at what was happening across the world during the lifetime of Christopher Columbus and his sons.

The book covers the years 1451 to 1539, introducing figures such as Gutenberg, Leonardo da Vinci, Queen Isabella, Michelangelo, and Martin Luther.

I find this kind of history particularly useful because it’s easy to lose track of which events were happening at the same time.

Why I’d choose it: This would work well as a main history book for an older student, especially when paired with historical fiction and biographies. It’s substantial, so I wouldn’t treat it as an extra book to squeeze into a busy schedule.

As with any older history book, I’d supplement its treatment of exploration and colonization with more recent scholarship and Indigenous perspectives.

When the Shadbush Blooms by Carla Messinger and Susan Katz

Best for: Indigenous life before European settlement and today

I would actually start an American history study with a book about the people who were already here.

When the Shadbush Blooms follows two Lenape girls living hundreds of years apart. One lives in the past, while the other lives in the present. The illustrations show the girls participating in similar activities, from fishing and gathering food to spending time with their families.

I particularly like that it doesn’t treat Indigenous peoples as something that belongs entirely to the past.

Children get to see both the traditions that have continued and the ways life has changed over time.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a gentle introduction to Lenape history and culture, with beautiful illustrations and enough detail to discuss throughout the week. I would pair it with a map showing the traditional homelands of the Lenape people.

Squanto’s Journey by Joseph Bruchac

Best for: Plymouth Colony and early encounters between Europeans and Indigenous peoples

Most children hear about Squanto when they study the Pilgrims, but his life was considerably more complicated than the usual Thanksgiving story suggests.

In Squanto’s Journey, Joseph Bruchac tells the story from Squanto’s perspective, including his capture by Europeans, his enslavement in Spain, and his eventual return to his homeland.

The book also covers his encounters with the English settlers at Plymouth and the help he provided them.

I think this is a good example of why historical picture books can be useful even when children are old enough to read chapter books. There is quite a lot of history here, and the illustrations help make it accessible.

Why I’d choose it: It gives children more context for the Plymouth story and introduces some difficult subjects in a relatively short book. I’d still supplement it with a broader history of the Wampanoag people and what happened after the early cooperation between the settlers and Indigenous communities.

George vs. George by Rosalyn Schanzer

Best for: Understanding both sides of the American Revolution

When children first learn about the American Revolution, it’s tempting to explain the whole thing as King George being unreasonable and the colonists deciding they’d had enough.

That’s certainly easier to remember, but it leaves out quite a bit.

George vs. George compares George Washington and King George III, explaining the disagreements that eventually led to the Revolution.

The book includes illustrations, historical quotations, and plenty of details about the two leaders and their armies.

I like that it encourages children to think about why people disagreed rather than simply deciding that one side was entirely good and the other was entirely bad.

Why I’d choose it: This is a useful overview before reading historical fiction set during the Revolution. Its main focus is the British and Patriot viewpoints, so I’d add other books to explore the experiences of enslaved people and Indigenous nations during the war.

A Spy Called James by Anne Rockwell

Best for: The American Revolution and the history of slavery

The American Revolution is a good opportunity to begin discussing the difference between the ideals people fought for and the lives many Americans were actually living.

A Spy Called James tells the true story of James Lafayette, an enslaved man who served as a spy for the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

His work helped the Americans, but that didn’t mean he was granted freedom when the war ended. He had to continue fighting for his own liberty.

The book is illustrated by Floyd Cooper, and the story is accessible enough for elementary students while giving them plenty to think about.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a short biography that adds an important perspective to a study of the American Revolution. I’d read it alongside a more general history of the war rather than treating it as a complete account. The subject of enslavement deserves some discussion before and after reading.

Children of the Longhouse by Joseph Bruchac

Best for: Mohawk life before European colonization

I’d include at least one historical novel set in North America before European settlement.

Children of the Longhouse follows Ohkwa’ri, a young Mohawk boy who discovers that several older boys are planning a dangerous raid. After telling the village elders, he finds himself facing some very angry boys.

The story includes plenty of details about Mohawk daily life, family relationships, traditions, and games, particularly lacrosse.

What makes this book appealing is that it isn’t a story about Indigenous people encountering Europeans. It’s a story about children, family, and community within a particular Indigenous culture.

Why I’d choose it: This would be a good chapter book to read while studying Indigenous North America. I’d especially consider it for a child who enjoys adventure stories but isn’t quite ready for a long historical novel.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Best for: Colonial New England and historical fiction

This is one of the historical novels I’d particularly consider for an older elementary or middle school student.

Kit Tyler arrives in Connecticut from Barbados in the late seventeenth century and finds herself completely out of place in her Puritan relatives’ household.

Her friendship with an older woman named Hannah Tupper creates even more trouble when Hannah becomes the target of accusations and suspicion.

The story offers plenty of details about colonial life, religious disagreements, and the expectations placed on young women.

It’s also a genuinely interesting novel, which is important. I don’t want every history book to feel like a textbook with a fictional character added.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a good option for confident readers who enjoy character-driven stories. It also opens up conversations about religious intolerance, community pressure, and the treatment of people who don’t fit in.

The Arrow Over the Door by Joseph Bruchac

Best for: The American Revolution from two very different perspectives

I like the idea of pairing this book with George vs. George, especially for an older student.

The Arrow Over the Door takes place in 1777 and follows two boys whose lives intersect during the Revolutionary War.

Samuel Russell is a young Quaker whose religious beliefs emphasize peace. Stands Straight is an Abenaki boy scouting for the British.

Each has reasons to fear the other side, and both must decide how to respond when they meet.

The novel is based on a historical incident and is relatively short, making it easier to fit into a history study than some of the longer books on this list.

Why I’d choose it: It introduces children to two perspectives they might otherwise overlook: the Quakers, who opposed violence, and Indigenous people whose interests didn’t necessarily align with the American Patriots.

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

Best for: The American Revolution from two very different perspectives

I like the idea of pairing this book with George vs. George, especially for an older student.

The Arrow Over the Door takes place in 1777 and follows two boys whose lives intersect during the Revolutionary War.

Samuel Russell is a young Quaker whose religious beliefs emphasize peace. Stands Straight is an Abenaki boy scouting for the British.

Each has reasons to fear the other side, and both must decide how to respond when they meet.

The novel is based on a historical incident and is relatively short, making it easier to fit into a history study than some of the longer books on this list.

Why I’d choose it: It introduces children to two perspectives they might otherwise overlook: the Quakers, who opposed violence, and Indigenous people whose interests didn’t necessarily align with the American Patriots.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham

Best for: Early American history, sailing, and mathematics

This is one of the books I’m particularly interested in including in our own homeschool plans.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch tells the story of Nathaniel Bowditch, who grew up in Salem, Massachusetts, in the years surrounding the American Revolution.

Although Bowditch had to leave formal schooling and begin an apprenticeship, he continued studying mathematics and eventually made important contributions to navigation.

I like that this book connects history with another subject. Children learn about shipping, trade, mathematics, and early American life while following Bowditch’s personal story.

It also provides a look at what education could mean for someone who didn’t have access to the schooling he wanted.

Why I’d choose it: It’s an especially good pick for children who enjoy ships, exploration, or mathematics. This is historical biographical fiction rather than a primary-source account, so I’d pair it with a map and perhaps a simple introduction to navigation.

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Best for: The American Revolution and the experiences of enslaved Americans

By middle school or high school, I’d want students to read a novel that examines the Revolution from the perspective of someone who wasn’t free.

Chains follows Isabel, a thirteen-year-old enslaved girl living in New York during the Revolutionary War.

As the conflict between the British and the American Patriots develops, Isabel has to decide whom she can trust and how she might secure freedom for herself and her younger sister.

The novel makes an important point without turning into a history lecture: the fight for American independence and the fight against slavery were not the same struggle.

Why I’d choose it: This is a strong historical novel for older students who are ready to discuss slavery, cruelty, and the contradictions of the Revolutionary period. It includes disturbing treatment of enslaved people, so I’d preview it before assigning it to a younger reader.

1776 by David McCullough

Best for: High school students ready for adult narrative history

Once students are comfortable with historical novels and shorter nonfiction books, I’d begin introducing some adult history titles.

David McCullough’s 1776 focuses on the military events of the year America declared independence, particularly George Washington and the Continental Army.

It follows the uncertainty, setbacks, decisions, and battles that shaped the first part of the Revolutionary War.

I like the idea of reading this after Johnny Tremain. The novel introduces the atmosphere and events leading toward the Revolution, while McCullough provides a more detailed account of what happened once the war was underway.

Why I’d choose it: This is a good choice for an older teenager who enjoys history and is ready for a substantial nonfiction book. It’s primarily a military narrative, so I’d use other works for the political, Indigenous, and slavery-related dimensions of the Revolution.

Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay

Best for: A complete American history course for high school students

If I were choosing one substantial American history book for high school, this would be near the top of my list.

Land of Hope tells the story of the United States from its beginnings to modern times, covering the founding, westward expansion, slavery, the Civil War, industrialization, and the country’s changing role in the world.

What appeals to me is that McClay treats American history as a story worth understanding, without pretending the country has always lived up to its ideals.

It also follows a chronological narrative, which I prefer for a main history book. Students can read historical novels and biographies alongside it without losing track of when everything happened.

Why I’d choose it: I would consider this as a main history spine rather than an additional book to squeeze into our schedule. There’s also a two-volume young readers’ edition for middle school students, which makes it possible to use a similar approach with younger children.

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Best for: Harriet Tubman, abolition, and the Civil War era

There are quite a few picture books about Harriet Tubman, but this is one I’d particularly consider for our shelves.

Before She Was Harriet tells the story of Tubman’s life backward, beginning with her old age and moving through the many roles she played.

She was a suffragist, a Union spy, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and, before all of that, an enslaved girl named Araminta.

I like that the book doesn’t focus on just one famous part of her life. Children get a better sense of the remarkable number of things she accomplished.

The watercolor illustrations by James Ransome are also beautiful, which is always a plus when I’m choosing a picture book.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a good introduction to Harriet Tubman’s life that can be revisited as children get older. The text is poetic rather than a straightforward chronological biography, so I’d probably pair it with a timeline or a more detailed account for an older child.

Locomotive by Brian Floca

Best for: The Transcontinental Railroad and nineteenth-century technology

This is exactly the sort of history book I enjoy finding for younger children.

Locomotive follows a family traveling across the United States on the newly completed Transcontinental Railroad in 1869.

Along the way, readers learn how steam locomotives worked, what traveling by train was like, and how the railroad changed the country.

The illustrations are wonderful. There are enormous landscapes, detailed drawings of the engines, and plenty of little things to notice on each page.

I particularly like books that explain how something works while also telling a story. Children can learn about the railroad without needing an entirely separate engineering lesson.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a good choice for children who love trains, machines, and maps. I’d pair it with a map of the railroad route and some additional information about the workers who built it, including Chinese railroad laborers and the effects of railroad expansion on Indigenous communities.

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart

Best for: The Great Depression and everyday family life

Not every history book needs to be about a war or a famous person.

The Gardener tells the story of Lydia Grace Finch, a young girl who goes to live with her uncle in the city during the Great Depression because her family is struggling financially.

Her uncle runs a bakery, and Lydia Grace begins growing flowers wherever she can find room.

The story is told through letters, with lovely illustrations by David Small. It’s a much gentler introduction to the Depression than some of the longer novels I’d choose for older students.

I also like that it focuses on an ordinary family. Children learn that the Depression wasn’t just about banks closing and businesses failing. It changed where people lived, how families worked, and what they could afford.

Why I’d choose it: This would be a particularly good read-aloud for younger elementary students. I’d consider pairing it with photographs of American cities and families during the 1930s.

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

Best for: The Civil Rights Movement and school desegregation

Ruby Bridges was only six years old when she became the first Black child to attend the previously all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans.

The Story of Ruby Bridges follows her experience entering the school while angry crowds gathered outside.

One detail I particularly appreciate is the role Ruby’s faith played in helping her through such a frightening experience.

The book is short enough for younger children, but there’s quite a bit to discuss afterward.

Why were people protesting? Why did Ruby need federal marshals to accompany her? What would it feel like to go to school under those circumstances?

Why I’d choose it: It’s an accessible introduction to school desegregation and the Civil Rights Movement. I’d pair it with photographs of Ruby Bridges and, for older children, excerpts from her own accounts of the experience.

Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

Best for: The American Civil War and its effect on families

If I were choosing one substantial novel about the Civil War for an older elementary or middle school student, this would be a strong contender.

Across Five Aprils follows Jethro Creighton, a young boy growing up on an Illinois farm as the Civil War begins.

The war divides his family, with relatives fighting on different sides. While Jethro is too young to become a soldier, he still has to deal with the consequences of the conflict at home.

That’s what interests me most about this book. We often study the Civil War through generals, battles, and political decisions, but ordinary families had to live through those events, too.

The novel follows the war over several years, so it also helps children understand just how long the conflict lasted.

Why I’d choose it: This would be a good main novel for a Civil War study. The language is somewhat old-fashioned, and the story is more thoughtful than action-packed, so I’d save it for a child who’s comfortable with longer historical fiction.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Best for: The Great Depression, immigration, and migrant workers

Esperanza Rising follows a young girl whose comfortable life in Mexico changes dramatically after her father’s death.

Esperanza and her mother eventually travel to California, where they must adjust to life in a migrant labor camp during the Great Depression.

The novel covers quite a bit of history, including immigration, agricultural labor, poverty, and the difficulties Mexican families faced in the United States during the 1930s.

But it doesn’t feel like a collection of history lessons. It’s primarily a story about a girl learning to live in circumstances very different from those she grew up in.

I also appreciate that it introduces children to a part of Depression-era history they might not encounter in a typical American history curriculum.

Why I’d choose it: This would pair well with a study of the Great Depression, particularly if you’re already covering the Dust Bowl and the experiences of farming families. It’s also a good opportunity to look at maps of Mexico and California.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Best for: World War II Britain and the evacuation of children

This is one of the modern historical novels I’d be especially interested in using as a read-aloud.

Ada is a young girl whose mother has kept her hidden away because of her disabled foot. When children are evacuated from London at the beginning of World War II, Ada escapes with her younger brother.

The two children end up living with a woman named Susan Smith, and Ada slowly begins discovering what life outside her mother’s home can be like.

Although the war provides the setting, the story is just as much about Ada’s relationship with Susan, her growing independence, and learning to trust other people.

I think that’s part of what makes it appealing. Children get a picture of wartime Britain while becoming genuinely interested in what happens to the characters.

Why I’d choose it: I’d consider this for an older elementary student who’s ready for a substantial novel. There are difficult themes involving abuse and neglect, so I’d preview it before reading with a particularly sensitive child.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Best for: World War II, Denmark, and the Holocaust

If I wanted a shorter World War II novel that focuses more directly on the war, I’d consider Number the Stars.

The story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen, who lives in Copenhagen during the German occupation of Denmark.

When the Nazis begin targeting Denmark’s Jewish population, Annemarie’s family helps protect her Jewish friend Ellen.

The novel introduces children to the Danish resistance and the efforts to help Jewish families escape to safety in Sweden.

It’s a serious subject, but Lois Lowry writes for younger readers without making the story unnecessarily graphic.

Why I’d choose it: This would work well as a first novel about the Holocaust for a child who isn’t ready for more disturbing firsthand accounts. I’d pair it with maps of Denmark and Sweden and a brief explanation of the German occupation.

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Best for: The Cold War and the Berlin Wall

I think the Cold War is one of those periods that can become rather confusing when you’re only learning about it through a textbook.

There are competing political systems, divided countries, military alliances, and a lot of events happening in different places.

A Night Divided gives children a more personal way into that history.

Gerta is twelve years old when the construction of the Berlin Wall separates her family. She, her mother, and one brother are trapped in East Berlin, while her father and another brother are on the other side.

When Gerta realizes her father may be sending her instructions, she begins planning a dangerous escape.

It’s an exciting premise, but it also helps explain what living in a divided city could mean for ordinary families.

Why I’d choose it: This would be a good novel to read while studying the Cold War. I’d definitely use maps and historical photographs of Berlin alongside it, since the geography is important to understanding the story.

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Best for: Modern African history, refugees, and humanitarian work

I don’t want our modern history reading list to become entirely American and European, so I’d include at least one book that takes us somewhere else.

A Long Walk to Water follows two children living in Sudan during different periods.

Salva’s story begins in 1985, when civil war forces him to flee his home. Nya’s story takes place in 2008, when she spends hours each day collecting water for her family.

The stories eventually connect in a way that gives children a better understanding of both the effects of war and the importance of access to clean water.

Salva’s story is based on the experiences of Salva Dut, who later helped establish an organization providing wells in South Sudan.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a relatively short novel that introduces modern history outside the United States and Europe. I’d pair it with a map of Sudan and South Sudan, along with some historical background. The story includes war, death, and dangerous journeys.

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

Best for: World War I and the experiences of soldiers

By high school, I think students are ready to encounter more demanding historical literature, especially when studying the world wars.

All Quiet on the Western Front follows Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier fighting on the Western Front during World War I.

Rather than focusing on generals or military strategy, the novel describes the experiences of ordinary soldiers in the trenches.

It’s a difficult book, with graphic descriptions of violence, death, and the psychological effects of war. But it also provides a perspective students won’t necessarily get from reading about World War I entirely from the Allied side.

Why I’d choose it: I’d save this for a mature high school student and use it alongside a broader history of World War I. It isn’t a military overview, and I wouldn’t expect it to teach the causes of the war. Its value is in the experiences and questions it raises.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Best for: The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl

For a high school student who’s ready for adult literature, The Grapes of Wrath is worth considering.

The novel follows the Joad family, who leave their Oklahoma farm during the Dust Bowl and travel to California in search of work.

Their journey takes place during the Great Depression, when enormous numbers of Americans were struggling with unemployment, poverty, and uncertainty about the future.

I like the idea of pairing this with Esperanza Rising, although I wouldn’t necessarily assign both during the same year.

The books follow different families who end up working in California during the Depression, and they provide opportunities to compare the experiences of different groups of migrant workers.

Why I’d choose it: This would work well for an older high school student studying both American literature and history. It’s a long, emotionally difficult novel with mature themes and strong language, so I wouldn’t use it simply because a student has reached a particular grade.

Night by Elie Wiesel

Best for: The Holocaust and firsthand historical testimony

There comes a point when I think students need to move beyond historical fiction and read accounts written by people who actually experienced the events they’re studying.

Night is Elie Wiesel’s memoir of his experiences as a Jewish teenager imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz and Buchenwald.

It’s a relatively short book, but it’s an extremely difficult one.

Wiesel describes the cruelty he witnessed, the loss of members of his family, and the effect these experiences had on his faith and understanding of humanity.

I wouldn’t introduce this casually or assign it without discussion.

Why I’d choose it: For a mature high school student, it’s an important firsthand account of the Holocaust. I’d provide historical context beforehand and allow plenty of time afterward for questions and discussion. The descriptions of violence, starvation, and death are deeply disturbing.

March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell

Best for: The Civil Rights Movement and firsthand history

I think graphic novels can be particularly useful for studying history, especially when they’re created by people who actually participated in the events.

March is a three-volume graphic memoir about John Lewis and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.

The first book begins with his childhood in Alabama and follows his growing involvement in nonviolent protest, including the Nashville sit-ins.

The illustrations add a great deal to the storytelling, giving readers a picture of the places, people, and events Lewis describes.

I particularly like that this is a firsthand account rather than a fictional story set during the Civil Rights Movement.

Why I’d choose it: It’s a good addition to a high school American history course, especially alongside primary documents, photographs, and speeches from the period. The series includes depictions of racist violence, so I’d consider the student’s maturity before assigning it.