10+ Best American History Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect American History Books for 10-Year-Olds that are both engaging and educational? You've come to the right place! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply looking to inspire a young history buff, our curated lists offer a variety of choices that will captivate curious young minds. Keep reading to discover our top picks that make learning about America's past a thrilling adventure for any 10-year-old!

Fun American History Books for 10-Year-Olds

• If You Were a Kid During the American Revolution by Wil Mara
  • Illustrator: Kelly Kennedy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book places young readers right in the middle of the American Revolution, showing what life was like for children during this pivotal time in history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a narrative style that makes historical events relatable and engaging for young readers, helping them to visualize and understand the significance of the American Revolution.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories that mix real history with relatable characters and scenarios.

• Who Was George Washington? by Roberta Edwards
  • Illustrator: True Kelley
  • Genre(s): Biography, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This accessible biography explores the life of America's first president, from his childhood to his role in the Revolutionary War and his presidency.
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents historical facts in a fun and easy-to-understand way, complete with illustrations that help bring the story to life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in learning about important figures in American history through a captivating narrative.

• The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman
  • Genre(s): History, Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book details the events leading up to, during, and after the Boston Tea Party, one of the key events that fueled the American Revolution.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a clear, concise account of a major historical event, making it easier for young readers to grasp and appreciate its importance.
  • Perfect for: Children who are curious about the causes and effects of significant historical events.

• You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Colonist! by Jacqueline Morley
  • Illustrator: David Antram
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book provides a humorous yet informative look at what life was really like for the early American colonists.
  • Why we recommend this book: The combination of fun facts, humorous illustrations, and engaging text makes learning about colonial America enjoyable and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy history with a side of humor and prefer learning through lively and interactive content.

• A Young People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn, adapted by Rebecca Stefoff
  • Genre(s): History, Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: Adapted from Howard Zinn’s original work, this version for younger readers covers key events and figures in American history from a critical perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and offers a different viewpoint on the traditional narratives often found in history books.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore a more complex view of history and engage with thought-provoking content.

Educational American History Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
  • Illustrator: George Ford
  • Genre(s): Biography, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the inspiring true story of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African American girl who played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement when she became the first to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, historical awareness, civil rights education
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a moving portrayal of courage and determination in the face of adversity, making significant historical events accessible and relatable to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in stories of resilience and historical figures who have made a difference.

• What Was the Underground Railroad? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
  • Illustrator: Lauren Mortimer
  • Genre(s): History, Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides a detailed look at the Underground Railroad, explaining how it helped thousands of enslaved African Americans escape to freedom and the risks involved for everyone who participated.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the antebellum period, empathy, critical thinking about ethics and justice
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on a crucial part of American history with engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations, helping young readers grasp the complexities of slavery and resistance.
  • Perfect for: Students and young readers curious about the history of slavery and civil rights in America.

• The Children's Book of American Presidents by David C. Whitney
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Biography, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book offers concise biographies of every American president from George Washington to the present, highlighting their achievements, challenges, and legacies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, comprehension of presidential roles and impacts, civic understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It serves as a great reference tool for young readers, providing a snapshot of each president's contribution to the country in an easy-to-understand format.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in learning more about the leaders of the United States and their roles in shaping the nation's history.

• Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters by Andrea Davis Pinkney
  • Illustrator: Stephen Alcorn
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: The book profiles ten African American women whose courageous actions helped shape the course of American history, including Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of civil rights history, understanding of women's roles in history, inspirational stories of leadership
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of African American women to the nation's history through engaging narratives and beautiful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for powerful role models and stories of significant historical impact by women.

• The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This engaging biography details the life and achievements of James Madison, focusing on his role in drafting the U.S. Constitution and his time as president.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the constitutional history, political science, leadership qualities
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a detailed look into the mind of one of America's key Founding Fathers, presented in a way that is accessible and intriguing for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Students interested in American politics and the foundational figures of the United States.

Challenging American History Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History by Jennifer Armstrong
  • Illustrator: Roger Roth
  • Genre(s): History, Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This collection of short stories captures pivotal moments in American history, featuring well-known and lesser-known figures and events.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of historical events and figures, requiring readers to grasp diverse aspects of America's past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a broad view of American history through engaging stories, making it an excellent resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the country's heritage.
  • Perfect for: Young historians who enjoy learning through stories and want a broad overview of American history.

• Iron Rails, Iron Men, and the Race to Link the Nation: The Story of the Transcontinental Railroad by Martin W. Sandler
  • Genre(s): History, Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book details the incredible engineering feat and human effort that created the Transcontinental Railroad, which linked the United States from coast to coast.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed technical descriptions of the railroad's construction and the intense labor challenges, providing a deep dive into a complex topic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures a monumental period in American history, emphasizing the blend of innovation, courage, and determination involved.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in engineering, American expansion, and the real-life adventures of historical figures.

• The Voice that Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights by Russell Freedman
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This biography explores the life of Marian Anderson, an African American singer who became a powerful figure in the struggle for civil rights through her music and personal courage.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex themes of racial discrimination and civil rights, woven through the personal and professional life of Anderson.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anderson's story is inspirational, highlighting the impact of art on social change and the fight for equality.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in music, civil rights, and powerful personal stories of overcoming adversity.

• Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This book provides a detailed account of Abraham Lincoln's life, including his rise from humble beginnings to the presidency during one of America's most tumultuous periods.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines text with historical photographs, requiring readers to engage with both visual and textual sources to gain a full understanding of Lincoln's impact.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive look at one of America's most revered presidents, using a mix of narrative and images to bring historical events to life.
  • Perfect for: Students who are visual learners and those interested in the life of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era.

• The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin
  • Genre(s): History, Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of 50 African American sailors who were charged with mutiny during World War II for refusing to work in unsafe conditions after a deadly explosion at Port Chicago.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex legal and racial issues and requires readers to consider the broader implications of justice and equality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on a lesser-known event in American history, emphasizing themes of courage, injustice, and the fight for civil rights.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in military history, civil rights, and stories of resistance and bravery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some awesome American History books, here are a few exercises that can make your reading journey even more engaging and fruitful. These activities are designed specifically for 10-year-olds to help develop good reading habits while exploring history.

• Create a Timeline
  • What it is: Draw a timeline and add events as you read through the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the sequence of historical events and their relationships.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different types of events or time periods for easier recall.

• Character Mapping
  • What it is: Make a chart of the historical figures mentioned in the book and note down key facts about them.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of each historical figure's role and significance.
  • Tips: Include interesting trivia or quotes by these figures to make the chart more engaging.

• Question Corners
  • What it is: Write down questions that come to mind while reading and research the answers afterwards.
  • How it helps: Encourages curiosity and deeper learning about historical contexts and facts.
  • Tips: Share your questions and findings with friends or family to make it a fun discussion.

• Summary Sketches
  • What it is: Draw or sketch scenes or events from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing and remembering historical events more vividly.
  • Tips: Try to depict emotions or conflicts to deepen your understanding of the event.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out important scenes or debates from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of historical events and perspectives.
  • Tips: Use props or costumes to make the role play more realistic and fun.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making history come alive in your mind and imagination. Grab your American History book, pick one of these activities, and start exploring the past in a whole new way. Happy reading!