Kids > Book Center > Booklists > History for Kids in Fact and Fiction, Prehistory-19th Century

History for Kids in Fact and Fiction, Prehistory-19th Century

• Prehistoric and Ancient Times
• The Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Age of Exploration
• Colonial America
• The American Revolution and Revolutionary Times
• The Nineteenth Century, Frontier and Pioneer Fiction
• The Civil War and Slavery

Prehistoric and Ancient Times

Fiction

Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher

When Marjan, a 13-year-old crippled girl, joins the Sultan's harem in ancient Persia, she gathers for Shahrazad the stories which will save the queen's life. (gr. 5–9)

The Fire of Ares by Michael Ford

When slaves rebel in ancient Sparta, 12-year-old Lysander is caught between the Spartan ruling class, with whom he has been training as a warrior since his noble heritage was revealed, and those among whom he was recently laboring as a slave. (gr. 6–10)

The Warlord's Alarm by Virginia Walton Pilegard

While traveling to an important feast in ancient China, Chuan and his friend Jing Jing devise a water "alarm" clock to make sure their party reaches the emperor's palace before rival warlords. (gr. 1–4)

Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht by Richard Platt

In ancient Egypt, Nakht records his experiences as his family moves from small town Esna to the big, exciting city of Memphis. (gr. 3–6)

See You Later, Gladiator by Jon Scieszka

The Time Warp Trio is transported to ancient Rome and forced to fight as gladiators in the Colosseum. Part of The Time Warp Trio series. (gr. 2–5)

Nonfiction

Mysteries of the Mummy Kids by Kelly Milner Halls

Learn about child mummies from the Incas and other ancient civilizations around the world, plus a Civil War-era mummy from the United States. (gr. 4–8)

We're Sailing Down the Nile: A Journey Through Egypt by Laurie Krebs

As the riverboat sails down the Nile River, remnants of Egypt's long history and aspects of its present culture are revealed on its banks. (gr. K–3)

Elephants and Golden Thrones: Inside China's Forbidden City by Trish Marx

For 500 years, the Forbidden City was the seat of power of Chinese Emperors. Explore its secrets in this book of photographs and stories. (gr. 4–6)

Pharaoh's Boat by David Weitzman

The most skilled shipwrights in all of Egypt are building an enormous vessel that will transport Cheops, the mighty pharaoh, across the winding waterway and into a new world. (gr. 3–6)

The Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Age of Exploration

Fiction

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

Falsely accused of theft and murder, an orphaned peasant boy in 14th-century England flees his village and meets a larger-than-life juggler who holds a dangerous secret. (gr. 6–9)

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

In this fictional journal, a 13th-century English girl records the events of her life, including her efforts to avoid marriage. (gr. 6–9)

The Door in the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli

In 14th-century England, a disabled boy proves his courage and earns recognition from the king. (gr. 5–7)

Quest by Kathleen Benner Duble

Discover the events of explorer Henry Hudson's 1602 final voyage from four points of view: those of a son aboard the ship, a younger son left in London, a crewmember, and a young English woman acting as a spy in Holland. (gr. 7–9)

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

Tree-ear, a 13-year-old orphan in medieval Korea, lives under a bridge in a potters' village, and longs to learn how to throw the delicate celadon ceramics himself. (gr. 5–8)

Nonfiction

The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened & How It Changed the World by Marc Aronson

Describes how the discoveries made by the Europeans around the time of Columbus changed the world. (gr. 4–6)

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz

A collection of short one-person plays featuring characters 10 to 15 years old, who live in or near a 13th-century English manor. (gr. 4–8)

The Secret World of Hildegard by Jonah Winter

Meet Hildegard of Bingen, who lived in a time when women were expected only to obey—not to have visions or speak about them. Yet she did speak, and through her courage, became one of the greatest mystics and composers of the medieval age. (gr. 1–4)

Colonial America

Fiction

Raleigh's Page by Alan W. Armstrong

In the late 16th century, 15-year-old Andrew leaves school in England and must prove himself as a page to Sir Walter Raleigh before embarking for Virginia, where he helps to establish relations with the Indians. (gr. 4–7)

Anne Hutchinson's Way by Jeannine Atkins

Anne Hutchinson, who arrived with her family in Massachusetts in 1634, was soon banished for holding religious meetings and teaching ideas with which Puritan ministers disagreed. (gr. 2–5)

Our Strange New Land: Elizabeth's Diary by Patricia Hermes

9-year-old Elizabeth keeps a journal of her experiences in the New World. Part of the Dear America series. (gr. 3–5)

The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

Left alone to guard the family's wilderness home, Matt is hard-pressed to survive until local Indians teach him their skills. (gr. 4–7)

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Kit Tyler, an outsider in her aunt's Puritan household, suddenly finds herself standing trial for witchcraft. (gr. 5–8)

Nonfiction

Ben Franklin's Almanac by Candace Fleming

Fleming brings together 18th century etchings, artifacts, and quotations to create the effect of a scrapbook of the life of Benjamin Franklin. (gr. 5–8)

The Trailblazing Life of Daniel Boone and How Early Americans Took to the Road by Cheryl Harness

Profiles the life and adventures of Daniel Boone; chronicling his childhood in Pennsylvania, service in the French and Indian War, journey across the Appalachians, and settlement of Boonesboro, Kentucky. (gr. 5–8)

Pocahontas: Princess of the New World by Kathleen Krull

Learn about the life of the Indian princess Pocahontas and her contact with English settlers, especially John Smith. (gr. K–3)

The American Revolution and Revolutionary Times

Fiction

Chains: Seeds of America by Laurie Halse Anderson

After being sold to a cruel couple in New York City, a slave named Isabel spies for the rebels during the Revolutionary War. (gr. 6–10)

The Journal of William Thomas Emerson, a Revolutionary War Patriot by Barry Denenberg

William, a 12-year-old orphan, writes of his experiences in Boston where he joins the cause of the patriots who are opposed to the British rule. Part of the Dear America series. (gr. 4–8)

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

After injuring his hand, a silversmith's apprentice in Boston becomes a messenger for the Sons of Liberty. (gr. 5–8)

The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart by Kristiana Gregory

11-year-old Abigail presents a diary account of life in Valley Forge as General Washington prepares his troops to fight the British. (gr. 5–8)

Hannah Pritchard Pirate of the Revolution by Bonnie Pryor

After her parents and brother are killed by Loyalists, 14-year-old Hannah leaves their farm and eventually, disguised as a boy, joins a pirate ship that preys on other ships to get supplies for the American Revolution. (gr. 5–8)

John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith

A humorous look at five of our country's founding fathers. (gr. 2–5)

Nonfiction

Everybody's Revolution: A New Look at the People Who Won America's Freedom by Thomas J. Fleming

These are the compelling stories of courageous men and women who sensed the coming greatness of America, contributed significantly to its history, and fought for the concepts of liberty and equality. (gr. 4–6)

Washington at Valley Forge by Russell Freedman

The winter of 1777 to 1778 at Valley Forge was the turning point of the Revolutionary War. This is the story of how General Washington held his troops together despite cold, lack of food, clothing, and blankets to emerge in the spring tested, toughened and ready to fight. (gr. 4–8)

The Many Rides of Paul Revere by James Giblin

This biography follows Paul Revere's life from his childhood as a French immigrant's son to his work as a silversmith and a horse messenger at the beginning of the American Revolution. (gr. 4–7)

George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer

Explore how the characters and lives of King George III of England and George Washington affected the progress and outcome of the American Revolution. (gr. 3–6)

Our Liberty Bell by Henry Jonas Magaziner

This is the story of the Liberty Bell, from its creation, rescue and crack to its final placement across from Independence Hall in Philadelphia. (gr. 4–6)

The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr by Judith St. George

In this engrossing dual biography, the author reveals how these two men's lives were intertwined for some 25 years, culminating in the duel. (gr. 5–9)

The Nineteenth Century, Frontier and Pioneer Fiction

Fiction

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

In 1859, 11-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada, uses his wits and skills to try to bring to justice a lying preacher. (gr. 4–8)

The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich

Omakayas, a 7-year-old Native American girl of the Ojibwa tribe, lives through the joys of summer and the perils of winter on an island in Lake Superior in 1847. (gr. 4–6)

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

In central Texas in 1899, 11-year-old Callie Vee Tate is instructed to be a lady by her mother and studies the natural world with her grandfather, the latter of which leads to an important discovery. (gr. 5–8)

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

When their father invites a mail-order bride to come live with them in their prairie home, Caleb and Anna are captivated by their new mother and hope that she will stay. (gr. 3–6)

Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah Elizabeth Miller

At age 21, partially-blind, lonely but spirited Annie Sullivan travels from Massachusetts to Alabama to try and teach 6-year-old Helen Keller, deaf and blind since age 2, self-discipline and communication skills. (gr. 5–9)

Tucket's Travels by Gary Paulsen

In 1848, while on a wagon train headed for Oregon, 14-year-old Francis Tucket is kidnapped by Pawnee Indians and then falls in with a one-armed trapper who teaches him how to live in the wild. (gr. 5–8)

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

A year in the life of two young girls growing up on the Wisconsin frontier. (gr. 4–6)

Nonfiction

Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl by Tonya Bolden

Maritcha grew up in a hard working African American family. Her parents ran a boarding house for sailors in New York City and were operators for the Underground Railroad. (gr. 4–8)

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming

This fascinating historical resource uses a scrapbook format filled with historical photographs, newspaper clippings, letters, cartoons and timelines to bring readers right into the world of the Lincolns and their times. (gr. 6–8)

Rough, Tough Charley by Verla Kay

Charley Parkhurst was a famous stagecoach driver who disguised herself as a man all of her life. (gr. K–3)

Down the Colorado: John Wesley Powell, the One-Armed Explorer by Deborah Kogan Ray

John Wesley Powell dreamed of leading the first scientific expedition down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon. Braving treacherous rapids and perilous waterfalls, he surpassed all expectations and returned home a national hero. (gr. 3–5)

The Civil War and Slavery

Fiction

Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith

Jeff, a Union spy among Rebel troops, finds the enemy is much like himself, only fighting for a different cause. (gr. 6–8)

Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

A fictionalized account of how in 1849 a Virginia slave, Henry "Box" Brown, escapes to freedom by shipping himself in a wooden crate from Richmond to Philadelphia. (gr. 2–5)

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by W. R. Philbrick

12-year-old Homer, a poor but clever orphan, has extraordinary adventures after running away from his evil uncle to rescue his brother, who has been sold into service in the Civil War. (gr. 5–8)

Addy Learns a Lesson: A School Story by Connie Rose Porter

Addy and her mother escape from slavery to Philadelphia, where Addy attends school and learns a lesson in friendship. (gr. 3–5)

Night Boat to Freedom by Margot Theis Raven

At the request of his fellow slave Granny Judith, Christmas John risks his life to take runaways across a river from Kentucky to Ohio. Based on slave narratives recorded in the 1930s. (gr. 2–6)

Leigh Ann's Civil War by Ann Rinaldi

Recounts the experiences of a spunky young girl, just 11 when the Civil War breaks out, as she watches her brothers go to war, helps care for her mentally ill father, and falls in love with a boy determined to be a soldier. (gr. 7–9)

Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells

Brothers Willie and Taddie share stories about their father, Abraham Lincoln, from 1859 to 1865. (gr. 3–6)

Red Moon at Sharpsburg by Rosemary Wells

As the Civil War breaks out, a young Southern girl named India summons her sharp intelligence and the courage she didn't know she had to survive the war that threatens to destroy the only life she has ever known. (gr. 7–9)

Nonfiction

Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War by Thomas B. Allen

This exciting history lesson walks the reader through the American Civil War by way of the technologies that allowed Abraham Lincoln and the Union forces to triumph over the Confederacy. (gr. 5 and up)

When Harriet Met Sojourner by Catherine Clinton

This is the story of two important women who fought in different ways to help blacks become free and about the time in Boston when they met each other. (gr. 3–7)

5,000 Miles to Freedom: Ellen and William Craft's Flight from Slavery by Judith Bloom Fradin

Ellen and William Craft were two of the few slaves to ever escape from the Deep South. Their first escape took them to Philadelphia, then on to Boston pursued by slave hunters, and finally 5,000 miles across the ocean to England, where they were able to settle peacefully. (gr. 5–9)

United No More!: Stories of the Civil War by Doreen Rappaport

In the Civil War, the most violent war that America has ever experienced, brothers fought against brothers and millions of lives were changed forever. In this book you'll find seven stories of real people whose important acts made them a part of history. (gr. 4–7)

I'll Pass for Your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War by Anita Silvey

Sarah Emma Edmonds enlisted because she believed in the Union cause; Melverina Peppercorn joined to stay near her twin brother. Although women were not allowed to enlist as soldiers in the Civil War, many disguised themselves as men and fought anyway. (gr. 5–8)

Under Siege! Three Children at the Civil War Battle for Vicksburg by Andrea Warren

This detailed look at the Battle of Vicksburg views the siege through the eyes of three children who were eyewitnesses and left written records of their experiences. (gr. 6–8)