10 Reviews: Best History Books for Middle Schoolers (Dec 2023)

This book is about a group of teenagers who stand up for what’s right. It was based on the true story of French community members who saved countless Jews during World War II. One Jewish boy learns how to fake data that can help his mother. With his new skills, he saves hundreds of people. Another boy gets people into Switzerland illegally.  In this inspiring story of courage and strength, each kid faces very real danger as they try to keep everyone else secure and fight the Gestapo.

"... Despite the heavy sounding description of the plot, Preus tells this story with levity, love, and youthful hopefulness. I think messages of doing what is right when it is difficult, not sanctioned, or even illegal are important reminders for all of us."

by Diane Y.

This book is talking about how African American Langston, 11, and his father leave Alabama in 1946 and settle in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood when Langston’s mother dies. His family, friends, and the comfort of home are all things he cherishes. One glimmer of hope in Langston’s new, solitary existence is the library, which was open to all children during the period of segregation, even if Langston’s new school was racially separated.

"I liked it because the people that are in it are very vivid in my imagination, and some are kind and some are not."

by Jess Ryan

The best history books for students in middle school and elementary school are those that connect to their favorite subjects. This culinary history of the world will transfer your tween to a different era through their sense of taste. Famous food editor and author Tanya Steel has penned a book that delves into the strangest and least-known aspects of human history’s hunt for food, its acquisition, and its continued influence on human events throughout time.

"This book is great! My 9-year old is mesmerized by all the fun info and the colorful pages. So much going on, in a good alway. Worth every penny. ..."

by Barbara H.

Against Lee Sedol, the reigning Go world champion, AlphaGo used artificial intelligence (AI) to play five rounds of the popular board game. To overcome the European champion with deep learning, AlphaGo first had to defeat a computer program trained to spot patterns. So, who’s going to win? Is this a human or a robot? This engrossing book teaches kids about AI ideas and piques their curiosity in technology, computing, and gaming while keeping them entertained.

"... this book is a great thought provoking introduction to A.I. Short bios of the man, the team, and the machine, a timeline, and an A.I. activity make this a really fascinating STEM picture book. "

by Maria Marshall

This best history book for middle schoolers is talking about race war and survival. Elsinore, California, in 1935, during the Great Depression. Joseph McCoy, 11, shines shoes to help his family survive. Joseph, one of the few Black persons in a predominantly white community, gets by with hard work and his sister. An all-Black CCC work camp causes racial conflict and prejudice. Joseph must save the camp for his family’s future.

"... This is a great and quick read. Your school age children will love this book. ..."

by Debbie Payne

This World War II graphic comic depicts Maurice’s dangerous journey to freedom and education. His family left their house, journeys through Europe, and sails to Jamaica. He finds a lecturer to help him become a lawyer. He earns his high school diploma and attends a Canadian university. During the chaotic trip, he takes his English dictionary as a symbol of optimism. This touching and funny story demonstrates the power of courage and resilience. This can be a nice novel that talks about the condition in the middle of the war.

"... This is a heartwarming story about resilience, persistence, and the value of education. Cary Fagan did a great job adapting the story for a middle-grade audience in the form of a graphic novel. ..."

by Mile Long TBR

Bring some of history’s most perplexing puzzles to life for your child. For example, how did the Mayan civilization come to be extinct? These questions are answered in this first volume of the fascinating National Geographic series. These are just a few of the jaw-dropping revelations in this book. “History’s Mysteries” is a fascinating book for curious kids since it’s packed with photographs and information on some of history’s greatest mysteries.

"This book is fantastic! Well organized, very informative and fun. Contents in the front of the book state the category, but if you want to search for something specific, there is also an index in the back."

by Z

The Battle of Gettysburg shifted the balance of power in the American Civil War forever. Gabe, an eleven-year-old bugle boy, tells the narrative of the Battle of Gettysburg from the perspective of a young soldier. At Gettysburg, Gabe is torn between his duty as a soldier and his desire to defend the people he cares about. In this extended picture book, you’ll get a unique and wonderfully illustrated look at this tumultuous moment in American history.

"Great portrayal of Civil War for younger child, beautiful illustrations!"

by Mary O

When he was 11 years old and given a wild horse, a Native American kid called Curly saw a horse dancing in a rain. When his tribe and nearby settlers get into a fight, he changes into the prudent and courageous Tashunka Witco (Crazy Horse). With this new name, he is able to protect his people. Today, he is known as a military genius who was brave and kind. This heartfelt Read-To-Me book tells the real story of this famous Lakota warrior. It is filled with beautiful pictures.

"I bought this for my grandson who had to do a report on Crazy Horse. Very good and very factual"

by James Parker

The Seeds of America is a trilogy that has been praised by critics. It is set at the start of the Revolutionary War. Isabel, a 13-year-old slave, is the main character in this story about her fight for freedom. Even though she was told she would be free when her owner died, things don’t work out that way. Instead, she and her sister Ruth are taken in by the Lockton’s, who don’t feel bad about the rebellion or how cruelly they treat the sisters. This is a history book covered with fiction that is best for middle schoolers.

"Laurie Halse Anderson does an outstanding job in this one. The language feels authentic, historical references are well placed, the prose is beautiful, and the story moves at a great pace."

by Amazon Customer