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

Are you on the hunt for engaging historical books for 10-year-olds that will transport them back in time? You're in the right place! Whether your young reader is a budding historian or just curious about the past, we've curated a variety of captivating reads that make history come alive. Keep reading to discover our top picks of historical books for 10-year-olds, perfect for diving into the adventures and lessons of yesteryears!

Fun Historical Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of the Ingalls family as they move to the Kansas prairie and set up their new home amidst challenges and adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating glimpse into pioneer life, encouraging resilience and family values. The narrative is engaging and filled with details that paint a vivid picture of the past.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in American history and stories of adventure and family.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this novel follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an accessible introduction to the history of the Holocaust, emphasizing bravery, friendship, and the importance of standing against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Children who are curious about history and stories of courage and solidarity.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, tending to the clocks and trying to repair an automaton left by his father.
  • Why we recommend this book: The blend of text and beautiful illustrations pulls readers into a magical and mysterious world, making it a fun and immersive reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and visually driven storytelling.

• Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During the Great Depression, ten-year-old Bud Caldwell sets off on a journey to find his father, guided by a few clues left by his late mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming adventure that teaches about the struggles of the past while highlighting the importance of hope and determination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy adventures and stories about quests and discovering one’s roots.

• Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sarah Wheaton answers an ad to be a mail-order bride and travels from Maine to the prairie to meet her future family, changing their lives forever.
  • Why we recommend this book: This tender story of family and adaptation is told in simple yet poignant prose, ideal for encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate stories about family dynamics and historical settings.

Educational Historical Books for 10-Year-Olds

• George Washington's Socks by Elvira Woodruff
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of kids are transported back in time to the American Revolutionary War where they experience historical events firsthand and meet George Washington himself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge of the American Revolution, empathy, and perspective-taking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a significant historical context, making it a thrilling and educational read for kids.
  • Perfect for: Young history buffs and adventure seekers.

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The Watson family travels from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama, where they find themselves caught up in the tragic events of the civil rights movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of civil rights history, racial issues, and family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant, sometimes humorous, and eye-opening story that brings to life a critical period in American history.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in social justice and historical events.

• Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the segregated South during the Great Depression, Stella and her community must contend with the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and the fight for equality.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of segregation and racial inequality, resilience, and community strength
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses complex issues through the eyes of a courageous young girl, offering both historical insight and inspiration.
  • Perfect for: Those who are looking to understand more about American history and the struggles for civil rights.

• The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds, illustrated by Paul Lantz
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1756 New York, young Edward must protect his family with an ancient Spanish gun when his father is called away to guard the settlements from French and Native American attacks.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of colonial American history, bravery, and responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: This exciting tale provides a glimpse into the dangers and responsibilities faced by early American settlers.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in early American history and tales of bravery.

• Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The diary of Catherine gives insight into medieval England as she describes her daily life, the societal expectations for women, and her desires to break free from them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of medieval society, gender roles, and diary writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and sharp-eyed look at the life of a spirited young girl challenging the norms of her time.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy strong female characters and learning about different historical periods.

Challenging Historical Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Johnny Tremain, a young apprentice silversmith in Boston before the American Revolution, whose life changes dramatically after a disfiguring accident.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book delves into complex themes of freedom, war, and coming of age under historical circumstances, and it includes archaic language and historical references that require higher comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a rich, immersive experience into the American Revolution, blending historical facts with the personal growth of a young boy.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in American history and stories of personal triumph.

• The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young orphan, Widge, is hired to steal Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" from The Globe Theatre but becomes torn between his mission and his growing love for the theatre.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features Elizabethan language and complex plot twists that challenge the reader's understanding of morality and identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating look into Elizabethan England and the world of Shakespeare, encouraging a deeper appreciation for literature and history.
  • Perfect for: Young Shakespeare enthusiasts and readers who love intrigue and drama.

• The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of a homeless girl in medieval England who becomes an apprentice to a tough midwife and learns about resilience, identity, and self-worth.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes detailed depictions of medieval life and the challenging language of the time, as well as themes of social status and survival.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling tale of empowerment and historical insight, showing how a young girl overcomes adversity and finds her place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of personal growth and historical settings.

• Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in thirteenth-century England, this novel follows the adventures of a young boy, Adam, and his minstrel father as they travel the country, living a life filled with freedom and excitement.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses Middle English terms and detailed historical context which require advanced reading skills and understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the spirit of medieval England and offers lessons on independence and the importance of relationships.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and those fascinated by medieval history and culture.

• The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In 1832, thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle embarks on a transatlantic voyage and becomes embroiled in a deadly feud among the ship's crew, leading her to question her loyalties and her own identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel presents intricate plot developments, moral dilemmas, and a complex protagonist, along with rich maritime vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling maritime adventure that also explores themes of justice, gender roles, and personal transformation.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love high seas adventures and stories with strong female leads.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the fascinating world of historical books, it's great to pair that adventure with some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises specifically tailored for 10-year-olds that will not only enhance their reading experience but also help them retain and understand more about the historical contexts they explore. Let’s get started!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps manage reading time efficiently and creates a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Create a Timeline
  • What it is: Draw a timeline and add major events or chapters from the book as you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of historical sequence and context.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different types of events or characters to make the timeline more engaging and easier to understand.

• Discuss With Others
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or classmates who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and provides different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to discuss the book regularly, perhaps once a week, to keep the details fresh in your mind.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Create maps based on the settings of the story.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the geography and can link to historical events or movements.
  • Tips: You can use online tools or plain paper and markers to draw your maps.

• Character Charts
  • What it is: Make a chart listing the main characters and their traits, motivations, and relationships.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the characters and their development throughout the book.
  • Tips: Update your chart as you read more about the characters.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, write down predictions about what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the plot.
  • Tips: Compare your predictions with the actual events in the chapter once you've finished to see how closely they matched.

Wrapping up, these exercises are designed to make your journey through historical books not only more educational but also a lot of fun. By setting goals, visualizing information, and engaging with others, you'll gain a deeper understanding of history and improve your reading skills at the same time. Happy reading!