10+ Best History Books for 10-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the past to your young reader? Look no further! Our curated selection of history books for 10-12-year-olds is designed to captivate and educate, bringing the pages of history to life in a way that's both fun and engaging. Whether your child is a budding historian or just getting started, these books are sure to ignite a love for history. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will transport your child back in time and open up a world of adventure and learning.

Fun History Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• You Wouldn't Want to Be a Roman Gladiator! by John Malam
  • Illustrator: David Antram
  • Genre(s): History, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides a humorous yet informative look into the life of a Roman gladiator. It covers their training, fights, and daily challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its engaging and interactive style, complete with humorous illustrations, makes history accessible and fun for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love history with a twist of humor and those fascinated by ancient civilizations.

• Horrible Histories: The Awesome Egyptians by Terry Deary
  • Illustrator: Martin Brown
  • Genre(s): History, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book uncovers the more gruesome and hilarious aspects of ancient Egyptian life, from pharaohs and mummies to daily life and beliefs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines facts with fun, ensuring that readers remember historical details through laughter and engagement.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy learning through humor and those curious about the quirky side of history.

• A Young People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn, adapted by Rebecca Stefoff
  • Genre(s): History, Politics
  • Synopsis: This adaptation of Howard Zinn’s original work offers a different perspective on U.S. history, focusing on the stories of people often left out of traditional textbooks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and provides a broader, more inclusive view of American history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in understanding history from multiple viewpoints and those who appreciate depth in storytelling.

• The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child by Susan Wise Bauer
  • Genre(s): History, Educational
  • Synopsis: This four-volume series covers the ancient times through the modern age, telling history in a narrative form that appeals to younger audiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms historical events into engaging stories, making it easier for kids to remember and enjoy the lessons.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories and those new to historical subjects, making it a great starting point for a lifelong interest in history.

• Guts & Glory: The Vikings by Ben Thompson
  • Genre(s): History, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book offers a thrilling look at the lives of Vikings, their explorations, and their culture, with a focus on their daring exploits.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and adventure, ideal for keeping young readers hooked while they learn about Viking history.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who thrive on excitement and are interested in learning about different cultures through their daring deeds.

Educational History Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This inspiring true story follows William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi, who builds a wind turbine to save his village from drought and famine.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science and technology, problem-solving, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of ingenuity and perseverance against all odds, providing a real-life hero for kids to admire.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and any child interested in science and engineering.

• The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, History, War
  • Synopsis: The personal diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, writing and expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an intimate and poignant perspective of the Holocaust through the eyes of a young girl, enhancing understanding and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and personal stories of resilience and courage.

• The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
  • Illustrator: George Ford
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Civil Rights
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Civil rights history, racial equality, courage
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the strength and bravery of a young girl in the face of intense adversity, offering a powerful lesson in courage and the fight for justice.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about civil rights and those inspired by stories of young activists.

• Who Was Sacagawea? by Judith Bloom Fradin and Dennis Brindell Fradin
  • Illustrator: Val Paul Taylor
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Exploration
  • Synopsis: This book explores the life of Sacagawea, the Native American woman who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Exploration history, understanding of Native American history
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of a young Native American woman to one of the most important exploratory missions in the U.S.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and readers interested in the contributions of indigenous peoples to American history.

• National Geographic Kids: Everything Ancient Egypt by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): History, Culture, Ancient Civilizations
  • Synopsis: Dive into the world of ancient Egypt with this visually stunning book that covers everything from the great pharaohs to day-to-day life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural understanding, historical facts, visual learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines engaging facts with vivid photography and graphics, making ancient history appealing and accessible to kids.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are visually oriented and those fascinated by ancient cultures and mysteries.

Challenging History Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan
  • Illustrator: Neil Packer
  • Genre(s): History, Culture, Geography
  • Synopsis: This book re-examines the history of the world through the lens of the Silk Roads, the ancient trade routes that linked East and West.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a complex and interconnected history that spans continents and centuries, requiring readers to think about history in a global context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh perspective on historical events, emphasizing the importance of trade and cultural exchange. This broader viewpoint helps young readers understand the interconnectedness of global history.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and geographers interested in a comprehensive and interconnected view of world history.

• The History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor
  • Genre(s): History, Art, Culture
  • Synopsis: The book explores world history through 100 objects from the British Museum, each representing a moment in human civilization.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires readers to understand and appreciate how objects can represent and encapsulate broader historical and cultural movements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of how everyday objects can have significant historical value, enhancing a child’s appreciation for museums and historical artifacts.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy museums and learning about history through physical artifacts.

• Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
  • Genre(s): History, Science, War
  • Synopsis: This book details the gripping history of the atomic bomb, focusing on the scientific discoveries, the espionage, and the key figures involved in its creation during World War II.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex scientific principles and moral questions, making readers consider both the technological and ethical dimensions of scientific advancements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It not only teaches about a pivotal moment in history but also sparks discussions about the role of science in society and the moral implications of technological progress.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and historians who are interested in the intersections of science, ethics, and history.

• King Tutankhamun: The Treasures of the Tomb by Zahi Hawass
  • Illustrator: Sandro Vannini
  • Genre(s): History, Archaeology, Ancient Civilizations
  • Synopsis: The book explores the life and death of King Tutankhamun by examining the treasures found in his tomb, with insights from Egyptologist Zahi Hawass.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides an in-depth look at archaeological practices and theories, requiring readers to understand complex processes and historical contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It brings to life the excitement of archaeological discovery while providing educational content about ancient Egypt, encouraging a deeper interest in history and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young archaeologists and anyone fascinated by ancient Egypt and the mysteries of the past.

• Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This biography details the life, achievements, and mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart, one of the most famous aviators in history.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the complexities of historical research and the challenges of aviation, all while exploring the unresolved mystery of Earhart’s disappearance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the spirit of adventure and the importance of pursuing one's dreams, even in the face of great challenges, and encourages critical thinking about historical mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers and young historians interested in aviation and unsolved mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of history books, you're about to embark on some thrilling time-traveling adventures without leaving your room! To make this journey even more engaging for 10-12-year-olds, here are a few exercises that can help develop good reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make your reading sessions more productive and fun.

• Create a Timeline
  • What it is: Draw a timeline and add major events or chapters from the book as you read.
  • How it helps: Visualizing the events chronologically can improve your understanding of historical sequences and contexts.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different events or periods to make the timeline more interesting and easier to remember.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Discuss the book with friends who are also reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: This promotes critical thinking and helps reinforce your memory of what you've read.
  • Tips: Try to bring up different viewpoints or questions about the book to make the discussion more engaging.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Draw maps related to the settings or events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding the geographical context and significance of historical events.
  • Tips: You can use online tools or atlases to find accurate maps and then add your own notes or drawings.

• Character Charts
  • What it is: Create charts that list the main characters and their roles in the historical events.
  • How it helps: This helps in keeping track of who is who, especially in books with many characters or complex plots.
  • Tips: Include small pictures or symbols next to each character’s name to make the chart more visual and easier to remember.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: After each chapter, write down what you think will happen next before reading on.
  • How it helps: Enhances imaginative thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Keep your predictions brief and discuss them with others to see different perspectives.

These exercises are designed to make your reading experience more interactive and enriching. By applying these strategies, you'll not only enjoy your history books more, but you'll also retain more information and develop a deeper understanding of historical events. Happy reading!