The BEST History Books for Your Holiday Shopping List
Are you looking for an educational gift that your student will ACTUALLY enjoy receiving this holiday season?
I’ve compiled a list of the BEST books for young historians! These recommendations come from my personal favorites growing up, as well as those that I have found to be popular in my classrooms.
The price range for these books ranges from $5 - $25! I’ve recommended age ranges for each book, but you know your students best; if they can challenge themselves, encourage them to!
This book is distinct in my memory from when I worked in a kindergarten classroom. I remember reading it with a small group of students and it prompted an onslaught of questions about race and fairness. It was such an important conversation, and I was SO impressed by my young students’ ability to not only engage in the conversation but initiate it! It was such a proud moment and a humble reminder that our students are so capable.
Age Group: Level 4 Readers (5-7)
When I tell you I still think about this American Folk Legend weekly…I’m not even kidding. I read this story when I was very young and something about it stuck with me. It’s a fascinating tale that teaches perseverance against a backdrop of an evolving American nation.
Also, I’m pretty sure this one comes FREE on audible with a Prime membership!
Age Group: 5-7
Oh man, in elementary school Emma lived for the Jack and Annie books. This one was always my favorite. I even dressed up as a Ninja for Halloween one year because of this book! Technically, this is book 5 in a series but you don’t really need to read all of the books to follow the story. (Think of them like episodes of a sitcom).
The Jack and Annie books cover soo many historical subjects - so if your student isn’t into Ninjas, check out some of the others. They are great starter novels to help your student grow independent with higher-level texts.
Age Group: 6-9
I LOVED these books growing up. The “Who Was” series covers a diverse array of historical figures, but this one was always my favorite. As a 4th grader, I remember the curriculum covering American Slavery and the Underground Railroad. This book was the perfect supplement to what we were learning in school.
This book also comes as an audiobook! Such a great learning tool for students who may have ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, or simply like to be doing something else while listening to a story!
Age Group: 7-9
The Eyewitness Books are the best! They don’t read like a typical storybook, instead they include little blurbs of information alongside numerous illustrations. These books will keep your student occupied for hours!
Age Group: 8-12
I LOVE this book because timelines are so so so SO important for understanding history. (Did I emphasize that enough?) A skill that I see students consistently struggle with, especially in high school, is the ability to orient historical events in time. It’s hard! The sooner your students can begin to understand the flow of time and eras, the stronger a historian they will be.
Age Group: 9 -12
This book is delightfully entertaining! For high schoolers, history quickly turns into dense textbooks that seem to dry up the best stories of humanity! This book covers some of the hottest ~ tea ~ in history and is sure to keep your high schooler curious.
Age group: 9th grade and up
Based on the famous Chinese military treatise originally published in the 5th century BC, the narrative of this graphic novel focuses on a teacher instructing a student on planning, tactics, maneuvering, and spying!
Age Group: 11th grade and up
I hope that these book recommendations provide joy for you this holiday season! Full disclaimer, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I also recommend checking these texts out at your local library (if you’re not looking for a gift)! Happy holidays and happy learning!
