History is such a broad topic with tons of amazing stories to tell. Events from the past contain lessons we can use to educate kids on what those before us have done and gone through. American history tells stories of hope, adventure, love, and loss we can read independently or use as a communal experience with family and friends.
Picture books are wonderful at portraying true accounts in a way young readers can understand and enjoy, so pick a few from this book list and travel back in time!
1. Oskar and the Eight Blessings
A story of hope when times seem hopeless, young refugee Oskar has made it to New York in search of his aunt who is the only family he has left. Fleeing from Nazi Germany was hard, and now he must find his way in this whole new world alone. Despite his fears, he is shown kindness that changes everything.
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2. The Golden Acorn
The first book in a 5-part historical fantasy series that will take young readers on a journey back in time into a magical world of legends. Jack Brenin is an ordinary boy that finds a golden acorn in the grass and begins an adventure that is anything but ordinary!
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3. Elizabeth Blackwell: Girl Doctor
A book in the Childhood of Famous Americans series that uses simple language and sentence structure to tell the early life stories of important figures in history. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first female doctor in the U.S. and contributed many amazing things to the medical field. A great book for children's learning!
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4. The Little Island
Set on an island in the middle of the big ocean many years ago, this beautiful story tells the account of a kitten who witnesses changing seasons, wild creatures, and new experiences she will never forget. Told in a whimsical and engaging narrative format your kids will get lost in.
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5. The Most Magnificent Thing
A young innovative girl and her dog set off on a mission to build the most magnificent thing. This amusing book teaches that if we do not succeed at first, we must try again! Life lessons from a dog and a walk to clear your mind are sure-fire ways to kick start any creative process!
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6. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
We all have special abilities and attributes that make us special and significant. Temple Grandin was a historical figure that used her unique gift of thinking in pictures to revolutionize science and pave the way for others with autism to do great things.
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7. The Big Umbrella
A wonderful book with stunning illustrations and an important message all kids should hear. No matter what you look like, your age, or your size, this big umbrella has room for everyone. A heartfelt story about inclusion, acceptance, and friendship.
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8. Mr. George Baker
Amy Hest tells the inspiring story of a young school boy and an old musician man who become friends while waiting for the bus. Even though it may appear that these two don't have anything in common, looks can be deceiving. From learning to read to life advice and jokes, this pair teaches readers the value of intergenerational friendship.
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9. Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights
A powerhouse historical figure who revolutionized women's rights and America overall with her efforts and tenacity to never stop fighting for what she felt was right. Susan B. Anthony played a key role in the 19th Amendment allowing women to vote, and her inspiring story is told in an easy-to-read format for kids!
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10. A Race Around the World: The True Story of Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland
A thrilling fictional story that takes readers on an adventure around the world with two determined historical women! Each trying to navigate around the known world in the fastest time by different means.
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11. Nowhere Boy
Not just a story about friendship, but is inspired by recent events and emotions regarding the conflict in Syria and all the families who have been uprooted and displaced into new worlds. Ahmed feels very alone in Belgium, where he fled with his father who died on the journey until he meets Max.
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12. The Story of George Washington
Written in an engaging format great for beginning readers, this United States novel shares the full story of George Washington from his birth in Virginia to his presidency and founding father's legacy.
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13. Talkin' About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman
Bessie Coleman is an incredible figure in American history. The true story of how she overcame racism, poverty, and sexism to become the first African-American female pilot is a testimony to perseverance your little ones will use to drive their own passions.
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14. The Sign of the Beaver
Set in the 18th century, this United States historical fiction picture book shares the story of how a young white boy named Matt meets a Native boy named Attean who explains the complicated relationship between Native Americans and the settlers taking their lands.
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15. How I Became a Spy: A Mystery of WWII London
Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson takes young readers on a secret mission with Bertie and his companions as they race around war-torn London solving clues to protect the Allied forces.
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16. The Bridge Home
A beautiful book with stunning illustrations about 4 young homeless kids who make a life with each other in the chaotic streets of India. The engaging narrative format touches on difficult subjects of poverty and violence in an accessible way young readers can process.
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17. Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief
Set in 1942 during the Great Patriotic War in Russia, this fictional story tells the heartbreaking tale of little Sasha as he loses his family and future to the chaos of war. All alone, he must find a way to survive and avenge those he loved and lost.
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18. A Place Where Sunflowers Grow
There have been many difficult chapters in American history, and this book brings to life the hardships many Japanese Americans had to face during WWII. In a United States internment camp, little Mari begins an art class, but she is uninspired. With collage-book illustrations and simple but captivating lines, this favorite book will educate and move young readers.
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19. Her Right Foot
What does the Statue of Liberty mean to you? What is the relevance of this iconic figure in American history and what can we learn from her? Read this educational and fun book to uncover the stories and emotions behind lady liberties' ever-watchful eyes.
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20. Ellis Island: An Interactive History Adventure
A book for children learning how to make choices or who are interested in United States history and what role Ellis Island played in the establishment of the New World. This is a "You Choose" adventure, so as kids read along they will be prompted to choose how the story will go.
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21. The War That Saved My Life
A favorite book from our list, this captivating tale about a young girl with a twisted foot will leave readers transported to WWII. Ada is not allowed to leave her house because her mother is ashamed of her deformed foot, but when Ada's brother is sent off to fight, Ada decides to sneak off and join him.
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22. The Street Beneath My Feet
Step back in time with amazing book illustrations and stories about the history lying beneath our feet! From bones and bricks to bugs and bags of trash; what can these layers tell us?
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23. If You Were a Kid During the American Revolution
A perfect pick for adventurous readers looking for stories of action and suspense while also learning about the American Revolution.
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24. I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900
A novel based on the true story of the Galveston Hurricane in Texas. This storm devastated the city, causing all sorts of damage and destruction, and amidst it all, one boy survived.
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25. John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy
American history reading about the Civil War, starring drummer boy John Lincoln Clem, and the true story of how he was the youngest person in the war. He survived starvation, violence, disease, and imprisonment to make it home alive!
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26. Eleven
In more recent history, the events of September 11th have impacted everyone in the United States to a certain degree. This beautiful story of Alex and his newly rescued dog Radar, will bring a new perspective to this historic day and put it in a context your young readers will understand and not want to put down.
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27. A Long Walk to Water
Two intertwining stories set in Sudan, a young refugee boy looking for his family, and a young girl who walks countless hours a day to retrieve water from a pond. Their childhoods are 23 years apart, but their journeys will be shared for a lifetime.
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28. Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
A powerful and beautiful book written by Barack Obama for his daughters. He talks about 13 historical figures from the United States and Black history that had admirable traits all kids should look up to and learn from.
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29. Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote
Elizabeth Cady Stanton grew up in a time when women did not have the right to vote. She was very bold and brave and decided to educate herself and find others to help her change the country for the better.
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30. Juneteenth for Mazie
A favorite picture book that celebrates liberty and freedom written by Floyd Cooper. He tells the beautiful story of little Mazie as she learns about Juneteenth and what the day signifies for her family and the United States.
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31. Dizzy
Little Dizzy Gillespie was a wiz at the trumpet since he was old enough to hold one! Jonah Winter tells the jazzy history of bebop through this amusing book about Dizzy and his journey to jazz fame.
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32. So Other People Would Be Also Free: The Real Story of Rosa Parks for Kids
Rosa Parks' life was anything but easy, from her early childhood to her historical moment on the bus, read and learn about this amazing woman who changed the United States for the better with her bravery.
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20 Five-Minute Story Books for Kids