10 Best American History Books for Kids in 2022 (Lane Smith, Vashti Harrison, and More)

As its title suggests, this book features 100 chronological short stories. The beautiful watercolor illustrations enhance the tales of triumph and tragedy that shaped our nation.

It can be read cover-to-cover or just one story at a time since every story is written as a stand-alone piece. Some of them have references to other related tales in the same book, so you get to pick the order in which you read it.

Some reviewers found a few factual mistakes that don't affect the big picture, but they are mistakes nonetheless.

Other reviewers adored how engaging the book is for their children. They said that it spurs kids to ask insightful questions and that prepares them for learning about history in school. Home-schooling parents loved this book just as much!

This is not a regular book - these are the notes of the smartest kid in class! It has the layout of a notebook with hand-written notes, colorful drawings, and even jokes that a middle schooler would have written.

American history is so synthesized and straight to the point that your teenager will find their next test easy and fun. It includes maps to pinpoint exactly where in the country each event took place, too.

Some reviewers mentioned that the book is really good, but it lacks some details that they consider important. Others loved how even teenagers who struggle with history got to get a good grasp of it with this book. Parents appreciated how it manages to be incredibly comprehensive and still fun. The book has been wildly used by homeschoolers as part of their main curriculum, as well.

Who said there's an age to start learning history? This book tells the story of four little lads that happen to be the founding fathers. It portrays the historical figures as children, which makes it very relatable. 

The book features fun illustrations and a sense of humor that is highly appreciated by children. It mentions, for example, Paul Revere's XL underwear!

Some reviewers claim that the book is not historically accurate and that the real facts only come as side notes at the end. However, others thought this is a great first approach to history.

Though the age group advised for infants and toddlers, a lot of second and third graders' parents highly recommend it for children that age. They also say that it's hilarious for kids and adults alike!

Can you count the number of black women featured in the last history textbook you read? Well, this one contains the information that you missed out on! With 40 one-page biographies paired with an equally adorable picture, this book tells the story of the black women who have made this country what it is today.

From artists to abolitionists and scientists, your kids will not only learn history, but they will also find inspirational role models. 

This book got overwhelmingly positive reviews. Readers adored how sweet and educational it is. The only negative reviews were from people who got a defective product. A lot of the readers mentioned that they had to buy extra ones for gifts because they think everyone should read it!

Did you know that the American victory at Yorktown in largely thanks to the contributions of James Armistead Lafayette, a slave and spy, who told George Washington about General Cornwallis' plans? Neither did we!

This activity book tells the story of the African American men and women that are important founding members of the United States. You likely won't find their stories in regular textbooks!

Some other reviewers mentioned that they wish the book had more teacher resources. Overall, however, reviewers adored how informational and fun this book is. 

They mention that they don't feel like they're just teaching their kids - they're learning alongside them. They also report that their children spend hours of fun doing the activities in the book. 

Through eye-popping graphics, photographs, and masterful storytelling, the author will take your kid on a journey to discover mummies, pyramids, and landscapes that were part of the American life way before Europeans stepped foot in the New World. 

The book is a children's adaptation of the novel by the same author, and it raises thoughtful questions, like "was the New World really new?" Some reviewers didn't like that the book speaks a lot about Native Americans after Columbus arrived and say the title is misleading.

Other reviewers were thrilled with how engaging and educational this book is. They mentioned how their kids get excited when it's reading time. Some teachers have developed a special curriculum for their students based on this book. Even adults learned a lot from this title!

"Remember the ladies", said Abigail Adams. This book honors her words by celebrating the achievements of American women throughout history. 

Each letter stands represents a specific name of a woman or as a theme to explore, such as "education." A is for Abigail honors scientists, artists, activists, politicians, writers, and entrepreneurs to inspire girls, women, boys, and men everywhere. 

Some readers found the book a little confusing since a lot of women are featured under one letter without any kind of chronological order.

Other reviewers loved how inspirational this book has been to their children, and they were pleased with the diverse choice of women. Some of them mentioned that it can also be great for younger kids if you only read the headers.

This flipbook is not just one book - it's two! On one side you will find the story of the American Revolution. Flip the book and you will find a completely different story of the American Revolution from the British Perspective!

This book is great for middle schoolers since they are at a point in their education where learning perspective is crucial to get a deeper understanding of the conflict. 

Some reviewers found the language a little complicated for middle schoolers. Others were big fans of how the book stimulates their children to ask themselves questions. They also loved how good the graphics are. 

If you want to engage a middle schooler by learning about a courageous girl near their age, look no further! Based on the journals of Lewis and Clark and with a sensitive touch by the author, this biography will inspire children and teens alike. It also contains illustrations to reinforce the text. 

Some concerned parents didn't like that (spoiler alert) Lewis shoots himself at the end. So if you wouldn't like your children to read this content, go with another book. 

Reviews written by the young readers themselves affirm that they found it very engaging. They say that they weren't into history before, but this book made them change their mind.

If you can't get your child to read a biography, you can offer this one about the guy who inspired a Broadway blockbuster!

This encouraging story is about a Caribbean immigrant with big aspirations who turned into the first Secretary of Treasury. It's an inspirational tale about dreaming big and working hard towards your goals. 

Some reviewers say that the book resonates a lot with the famous musical and that it doesn't provide any new information or insights. 

Other reviewers loved the extra graphics in this book, such as timelines and maps. They mention that their children enjoyed the section "Jump in the Think Tank" that encourages them to think about what would they have done if they were in the characters' situation.