10+ Best History Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for engaging history books for 14-year-olds that will captivate their minds and transport them through time? Whether they're history buffs or just getting started, finding the right book can spark a lifelong interest in the past. Keep reading as we explore a variety of history books perfect for young teens, each offering a unique window into the events and people who shaped our world.

Fun History Books for 14-Year-Olds

• A Young People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn, adapted by Rebecca Stefoff
  • Genre(s): History, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book presents American history through the eyes of common people and movements, rather than from the perspective of political leaders.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a different perspective on American history, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of societal issues.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in understanding the broader narratives of American history and those who enjoy stories of social justice and activism.

• Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
  • Genre(s): History, Non-Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This gripping narrative tells the story of the development of the atomic bomb, combining espionage, scientific discovery, and real-life thriller elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It reads like a spy thriller, making it an engaging way to learn about a crucial period in history.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love suspense and science, and are curious about the interplay between technology and ethics.

• The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming
  • Genre(s): History, Biography
  • Synopsis: An intimate look at the lives of the last Romanov family, their rule over Russia, and the revolution that ended their dynasty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a personal look into the lives of the tsar's family intertwined with the socio-political upheaval of the time, making it both educational and deeply moving.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and those fascinated by stories of royalty and revolution.

• Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale
  • Genre(s): History, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: A graphic novel that details the life of Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, using humor and adventure to bring historical events to life.
  • Why we recommend this book: The combination of humor, history, and graphic novel format makes it incredibly accessible and entertaining for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who might be more visually oriented and enjoy a humorous twist to their learning.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This true story follows William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from drought.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of innovation and resilience that shows how determination can change communities.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and anyone interested in stories about overcoming adversity with ingenuity and courage.

Educational History Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Guts & Glory: The Vikings by Ben Thompson
  • Genre(s): History, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book delivers a thrilling narrative of Viking history, exploring their culture, conquests, and legacy in an engaging and dynamic style.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural understanding, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes history come alive with exciting storytelling and vivid descriptions, perfect for keeping young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love adventure and are fascinated by ancient civilizations and warrior cultures.

• March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell
  • Genre(s): History, Graphic Novel, Biography
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a first-hand account of Congressman John Lewis's lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating deeply on the modern civil rights movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of civil rights history, graphic literature comprehension, empathy and ethical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful and personal perspective on historical events through the graphic novel medium, making it both educational and emotionally impactful.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in social justice, history, and graphic storytelling.

• The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers by Jonathan W. Stokes
  • Genre(s): History, Humor, Travel
  • Synopsis: Presented as a travel guide for time travelers, this book offers a humorous yet informative look at what it would be like to visit ancient Rome.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural insight, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and unique approach to history that engages young readers with humor and inventive scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a mix of comedy and learning, and those curious about ancient civilizations in a fun and interactive way.

• Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
  • Genre(s): History, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This book highlights the contributions of fifty notable women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of scientific history, gender studies, inspiration for STEM exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the achievements of women in science, providing role models for young girls and boys alike, and encouraging interest in STEM fields.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists, especially girls, who are interested in science and history, and looking for inspiration and role models.

• The Story of World War II: Revised, Expanded & Updated from the Original Text by Henry Steele Commager by Donald L. Miller
  • Genre(s): History, Military History
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive account of World War II provides detailed narratives of the battles, strategies, and leaders that shaped the war, along with personal stories from the front lines.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of WWII, critical thinking, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an in-depth exploration of the events and impacts of WWII, making it suitable for a deeper understanding of one of history's most pivotal periods.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in military history, strategy, and the complexities of global conflicts.

Challenging History Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford
  • Genre(s): History, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book explores the life and legacy of Genghis Khan, detailing how his innovative leadership and strategies transformed Mongol tribes into one of the most powerful empires in history.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex socio-political dynamics and intricate historical narratives that require advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an insightful look into how a single leader's vision can impact the world, offering lessons on leadership and strategy that are applicable even today.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring historians and strategists interested in leadership and empire building.

• The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan
  • Genre(s): History, Global Studies
  • Synopsis: This book re-examines the history of the world from the perspective of the Silk Roads, the ancient trade routes that linked the East and West.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges traditional Eurocentric narratives and introduces a complex array of cultural, economic, and political exchanges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It broadens perspectives on global history and highlights the importance of Asia in the shaping of the world, encouraging a more inclusive view of historical events.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in a global perspective of history and the interconnectedness of different cultures.

• Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen
  • Genre(s): History, Educational Critique
  • Synopsis: This book critically examines the inaccuracies and omissions in American high school history textbooks, offering a more truthful version of U.S. history.
  • Why this book is challenging: It confronts established historical narratives, requiring readers to question and think critically about the information they are taught.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters critical thinking and encourages readers to question conventional wisdom, promoting a more nuanced understanding of history.
  • Perfect for: Critical thinkers and those interested in a deeper, more accurate understanding of American history.

• The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome by Susan Wise Bauer
  • Genre(s): History, Ancient Civilizations
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide covers the history of ancient civilizations across the globe, from the first records of history to the fall of the Roman Empire.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a vast amount of information across different civilizations, requiring sustained concentration and an ability to connect diverse historical events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a sweeping overview of ancient history, providing a foundational understanding of how ancient societies shaped the modern world.
  • Perfect for: Students who are passionate about ancient history and seeking a comprehensive understanding of the world’s earliest civilizations.

• King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild
  • Genre(s): History, Colonialism
  • Synopsis: This book details the exploitation and atrocities committed in the Congo Free State under the rule of King Leopold II of Belgium in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of colonialism, exploitation, and human rights abuses, requiring a mature understanding of historical and ethical issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on a lesser-known part of history, emphasizing the importance of human rights and the impact of colonialism.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in human rights and colonial history, and those who value learning from the past to understand and improve the future.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of history books, it's not just about reading through the pages—it's about making the most out of what you read. Here are some exercises designed for 14-year-olds to develop good reading habits while exploring historical narratives. These will help you retain more information and enjoy the process a bit more!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in completing the book systematically.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and focus on the key events or ideas.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Provides deeper insights and different perspectives on the same material.
  • Tips: Try to bring up specific aspects or chapters to make the discussion more fruitful.

• Create a Timeline
  • What it is: Draw a timeline and add major events or figures as you read about them.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the sequence of events and their historical context.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different types of events or themes.

• Connect to Current Events
  • What it is: Relate historical events or figures to current news or issues.
  • How it helps: Makes the material more relevant and easier to remember.
  • Tips: Keep an eye on the news or discuss these connections with a teacher or mentor.

• Keep a Vocabulary Notebook
  • What it is: Write down new words and their meanings as you come across them.
  • How it helps: Improves your vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Review this notebook regularly to reinforce new words.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down questions that arise while reading and research or ask them.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the content.
  • Tips: Don't hesitate to seek answers from teachers, peers, or through additional reading.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only enhance your understanding of history books but also make your reading sessions more productive and enjoyable. Give them a try and see how much more you can learn and retain from each book. Happy reading!