10+ Best History Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for engaging history books for 7-year-olds that will transport your little one back in time? You’ve landed in the right spot! Whether you're aiming to spark curiosity or provide a fun learning experience, we've curated a selection of must-read books that are perfect for young historians. Keep reading to discover our top picks of history books for 7-year-olds that are both educational and captivating!

Fun History Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that can transport them through time. Their first adventure takes them to the age of dinosaurs where they encounter prehistoric creatures and face thrilling challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces history through a magical, engaging narrative that captivates young readers' imaginations and encourages a love for reading and learning about the past.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love magic and dinosaurs.

• You Wouldn't Want to Be a Roman Gladiator! by John Malam, illustrated by David Antram
  • Genre(s): Historical, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a humorous yet informative look into the life of a Roman gladiator, detailing the harsh conditions and challenges they faced.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its interactive approach and comical illustrations make learning about ancient Rome entertaining and accessible for children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy learning about history with a fun twist.

• National Geographic Kids: Everything Ancient Egypt by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This visually stimulating book delves into the world of Ancient Egypt, exploring everything from the great pharaohs to the mysteries of mummies and pyramids.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fascinating facts and vibrant photographs that make learning about ancient civilizations exciting and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds fascinated by ancient cultures and mysteries.

• The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford
  • Genre(s): Biography, Historical
  • Synopsis: This true story follows six-year-old Ruby Bridges who, in 1960, became the first African American student to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about courage, resilience, and the impact of standing up against racial segregation at a level that's comprehensible for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about civil rights and the power of determination.

• Horrible Histories: Rotten Romans by Terry Deary, illustrated by Martin Brown
  • Genre(s): Historical, Humorous
  • Synopsis: This book offers a hilarious yet educational look at the Roman Empire, revealing the less glamorous side of its history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses humor and engaging storytelling to make historical learning enjoyable and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who prefer their history lessons with a side of laughter.

Educational History Books for 7-Year-Olds

• If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement by Gwendolyn Hooks, illustrated by Kelly Kennedy
  • Genre(s): Historical, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book transports readers back to the 1960s to experience the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of a child participating in some of its key events.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of civil rights history, empathy, social awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a relatable and accessible perspective for young readers to grasp the significance of the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in American history and social justice.

• The Pop-Up Book of Ships by David Hawcock and Eric Kentley, illustrated by Claire Bampton
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This engaging pop-up book explores the history of maritime adventures with detailed pop-up illustrations of famous ships throughout history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of maritime history, mechanical understanding through interactive elements
  • Why we recommend this book: The pop-up feature makes learning about historical ships and their journeys both fun and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by boats and the adventures of the high seas.

• Let's Read About... Rosa Parks by Courtney Baker, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
  • Genre(s): Biography, Historical
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to Rosa Parks and her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, highlighting her courage and determination.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of civil rights movements, biographical knowledge, inspiration from historical figures
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents the story of Rosa Parks in a manner that is easy for young children to understand and admire.
  • Perfect for: Early readers learning about influential figures in American history.

• DK Find Out! Vikings by Philip Steele
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a detailed look into the lives of Vikings, covering their culture, conquests, and crafts with vivid illustrations and facts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of Viking history, cultural understanding, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses clear, engaging visuals and texts that make the Viking age accessible and intriguing for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about explorers and ancient civilizations.

• The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle: And Other Surprising Stories about Inventions by Don L. Wulffson, illustrated by Laurie Keller
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History of Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the stories behind various everyday inventions, revealing the often unexpected and humorous origins of items like the popsicle.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the invention process, creativity, historical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It uncovers the fascinating and sometimes funny stories behind common inventions in a way that captivates young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and curious minds interested in how things came to be.

Challenging History Books for 7-Year-Olds

• A Child's History of the World by V. M. Hillyer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide takes young readers on a journey through the history of the world, from ancient to modern times, exploring the major events and figures that have shaped our planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of historical events and concepts that require a higher level of reading comprehension and retention.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a broad, global perspective on history, encouraging a deeper understanding of how historical events are interconnected.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore a more detailed and extensive view of world history.

• The Usborne Book of Famous Women by Richard Dungworth and Phillip Clarke
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book profiles influential women throughout history, from Cleopatra to modern leaders, highlighting their contributions to their fields and the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of gender equality, resilience, and innovation, which are advanced for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers inspirational stories of women's achievements, fostering a sense of empowerment and possibility.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in biographies and stories of successful women who have made significant impacts on society.

• The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer
  • Genre(s): Historical, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This unique book provides a detailed look at what life was really like in Medieval England, structured as a guide for "time travelers" to the 14th century.
  • Why this book is challenging: The immersive, detailed descriptions of medieval life require a sophisticated level of understanding and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It brings history to life in a vivid and engaging way, making it feel accessible and real.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy immersive historical details and want to experience life in a different era.

• Children's Encyclopedia of American History by David C. King
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This encyclopedia covers American history from the earliest settlements to the present day, with illustrations, photographs, and maps to help explain complex topics.
  • Why this book is challenging: It demands a higher level of reading ability and the capacity to understand and connect historical events and figures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive overview of American history with rich visuals that enhance understanding and retention.
  • Perfect for: Students who are keen on mastering a more sophisticated understanding of American history.

• Story of the World, Vol. 1: Ancient Times by Susan Wise Bauer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Historical
  • Synopsis: This book is the first in a series that narrates the history of the ancient world, from the earliest nomads to the last Roman emperor, in a storytelling format.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex historical narratives and a wide range of ancient cultures, requiring advanced reading skills and cognitive abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents ancient history in a narrative style that is engaging and easier to digest, making complex subjects approachable.
  • Perfect for: Young historians eager to dive deep into the stories of ancient civilizations.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your 7-year-old to the fascinating world of history through books, it's a great idea to pair their reading with some fun and engaging exercises. These activities not only enhance their learning experience but also help develop good reading habits early on. Here’s a list of exercises tailored just for young history buffs:

• Create a Timeline
  • What it is: Draw a timeline based on the historical events read in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the sequence of events and their chronology.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different events or periods to make the timeline more engaging and easier to understand.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character or historical figure from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper connection with the characters and historical context.
  • Tips: Try to reenact a scene from the book as the character to make the experience more immersive.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Create a map of the geographical area where the story takes place.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the setting and its significance in historical events.
  • Tips: Use simple symbols or drawings to represent different landmarks or features mentioned in the book.

• Storytelling Sessions
  • What it is: Narrate a part of the book or a summary to family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and comprehension of the read material.
  • Tips: Encourage listeners to ask questions to make the session interactive.

• Fact or Fiction
  • What it is: Identify which parts of the book are historical facts and which are fictional.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking by distinguishing between reality and imagination.
  • Tips: Use a notebook to list down facts and check them with a reliable source or discuss with an adult.

By incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine, not only will they enjoy learning about history, but they'll also develop a stronger grasp of reading and comprehension skills. Remember, the key is to keep the activities fun and engaging, so your little historian remains curious and motivated. Happy reading and exploring!