Middle Grade Non-Fiction Books About History

This leveled reader introduces kids to the fascinating history of the Navajo code talkers. These specially trained Marines used their native language to develop an unbreakable code, safeguarding critical information during World War II. The book is packed with illustrations, photographs, sidebars, and quizzes to help support reading comprehension. Kids will also love deciphering the “secret codes” throughout the book.

This graphic novel acts as a ‘time machine,’ transporting readers back to the introduction of wild mustangs in North America. It traces their history to the present and includes interesting asides about equine anatomy, diet, social behavior, and more. The comic-style illustrations of wild and working horses will be especially appealing to young horse lovers.

Abridged and adapted from “A Short History of Nearly Everything,” this beautifully illustrated reference book covers everything from the Big Bang to the rise of modern civilization. Author Bill Bryson’s engaging storytelling makes the history–and mystery—of science entertaining and accessible for curious young readers everywhere.

This graphic novel series “smashes” history by delivering the truth behind historically significant events. While most people think of the Underground Railroad as an organized, cohesive effort to help enslaved people escape to freedom, the truth is more complicated. Authors Kate Messner and Gwendolyn Hooks use accessible language, engaging illustrations, and graphic panels to communicate the entire story behind abolition and the Underground Railroad.

The Astrochimps tells the remarkable story of how six chimpanzees – Ham, Minnie, Enos, Roscoe, Tiger, and Rocky – made invaluable contributions to the United States’ success in the space race. Despite not being engineers or scientists, these extraordinary animals played a pivotal role. This captivating narrative is brought to life through historical photographs and in-depth interviews, offering a fascinating glimpse into this lesser-known chapter of 20th-century space exploration. The book also aims to inspire young readers to advocate for the ethical and humane treatment of chimpanzees in the present day.

This new edition to the popular What Was? series details the panic-filled summer of 1916, when shark attacks along the New Jersey shoreline–and the freshwater Matawan Creek–prompted the White House to declare a “War on Sharks.”  This volume of the popular series features 16 pages of photographs, timelines, and information about the two possible culprits of the 1916 attacks: the great white and the bull shark. 

These eight nonfiction books are perfect for young historians who are fascinated by famous disasters. Readers learn all about the impact of several huge catastrophes: the Titanic, Pompeii, the San Francisco Earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, the Hindenburg, the Great Chicago Fire, and Pearl Harbor. Each book is heavily illustrated, and while shocking, the information is age-appropriate for older elementary school readers.

The fantastic Race to the Truth series tells the history of the United States from the viewpoint of marginalized communities, correcting misconceptions and celebrating overlooked heroes. This specific book delves into Indigenous history, focusing on the Wampanoag and southern New England tribes. The introduction stresses the importance of learning the truth, making it clear that the book’s purpose is to understand the past and inspire a brighter future–not to make readers feel guilty or bad.

Tasty highlights the history of our favorite foods in a colorful graphic novel format. Guided by four food sprites, this book answers questions about the origins of foods like cheese, pickles, soda, and pizza . Much like its predecessor Yummy: A History of Desserts, this book is simultaneously lighthearted and informative, perfect for readers who might not enjoy traditional history books. In addition to exploring food origins, science, and cultural influences, the sprites share tasty recipes for kids to try at home.

History Comics is a newer nonfiction series from the publishers of Science Comics. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of a father and daughter as they explore the vibrant streets of the Bronx. Filled with meticulously researched content, the book employs comic-style artwork that makes the large amount of information less overwhelming. This is a great introduction to the history of hip-hop for older elementary-aged readers.

The great Chicago fire of 1871 was one of the largest disasters in United States history. The fire started late at night, and within a few hours, flames devoured the entire city. The damage was so severe that many people thought Chicago would never recover. In The Great Fire, the author combines personal accounts, interviews, photographs, maps, and newspaper articles with a narrative style that brings immediacy to the disaster. The book also explores the many factors that contributed to the destruction of a major city. Middle grade readers will love this fascinating account. 

This narrative nonfiction book follows the Mona Lisa’s creation and, centuries later, the theft and recovery that made this previously insignificant painting the most famous artwork in the world. In alternating sections, readers learn about Leonardo DiVinci’s interesting life and the 1911 theft, which is full of conspiracy theories and well-known suspects, including J.P. Morgan and Pablo Picasso. The author highlights how the public has always been drawn to scandal, even when the truth is evident. After all, he says, “We’re all suckers for a better story.”

The Enigma Girls tells the relatively unknown story of the young women who deciphered coded messages during World War II. These remarkable teenagers were chosen for their mathematical and linguistic skills, and their contributions helped the Allies gain control–and eventually win–the war. The author presents their stories in an accessible manner for younger readers, and the book contains historical photos to bring the era to life. Readers will particularly enjoy the “top secret” sections that provide a closer look at codes and ciphers.

Adapted from “The Making of Asian America,” this book uses short, accessibly written chapters to explore the history of Asian experience in America. Through individual accounts, diagrams, and photographs the authors emphasize that Asian American history is not a single, linear narrative, but rather a complex tapestry of interconnected stories. The book confronts the tragedies and injustices experienced by Asian people while maintaining an uplifting and hopeful tone for the future.  An engaging, informative, and powerful history that deserves a spot in any middle school social studies classroom.

“Book Bans. No-Hire Lists. Widespread Paranoia”. Witch Hunt examines a dark era of American history in the mid-twentieth century.  Written in a screenplay format, the authors tell the story of Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare through the words of the people directly involved. “Fly on the Wall” commentary gives context and clarification to the quotations, helping create a connected narrative. Witch Hunt is a unique read for young history buffs.

This short biography presents Abraham Lincoln in a unique light: as the country’s first media-savvy president. President Lincoln loved inventions, including the camera–he sat for over 100 portraits in his relatively short life. The book focuses on the iconic portraits taken on the afternoon of February 9, 1965, and how those photographs became deeply ingrained in U.S. history—one of the portraits from that day became the image on the penny; another depicts Lincoln and his son Tad. Middle school readers interested in photography will be especially drawn to the historic pictures on almost every page.

Have you ever wondered how we know the name William Shakespeare today? After all, 400 years ago, no one wrote down the exact words of stage plays. They were too afraid of the competition stealing their work. Instead, they scribbled down the character’s lines on individual strips of paper. Shortly after Shakespeare’s death, a group of people decided to preserve his work, grouping his plays into a collection for the first time– and the “First Folio” was born. While the writing and illustrations make this book accessible to younger readers, older middle school students and beyond will find this hilarious history the perfect introduction to Shakespeare and his work.

The Great Influenza, adapted for young readers from the #1 New York Times bestseller, is the definitive account of the deadliest pandemic in history. The book takes readers through the timeline of the tragedy, showing how the “Spanish” flu likely began in an army camp in Kansas before ripping through the country, killing millions of people in only two years. This well-researched and information-packed book is perfect for older middle school readers.

Rising from the Ashes is a comprehensive account of what happened before, during, and after the 1992 Los Angeles riots. It explores the impact of racism on disadvantaged neighborhoods and the tensions between minority groups. The book highlights three important stories: that of Rodney King, Latasha Harlins, and Edward Jae Song Lee. The book also includes compelling accounts from firefighters, firefighters, police officers, journalists, business owners, and more,providing a variety of perspectives on this pivotal historical moment. Rising from the Ashes is incredibly well-researched and suitable for teen readers. 

Doomed is the powerful story of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, two Italian immigrants wrongfully executed for murder in 1927. As the Red Scare gripped America, the country was rife with prejudice toward immigrants. When two men were robbed and murdered on a Massachusets street, Sacco and Vanzetti were quickly accused. In a trial that relied on flimsy evidence and eyewitness accounts that were later recanted, the men were convicted and sentenced to death, sparking outrage and mass protest. Letters written by Sacco and Bartolemo humanize them and draw readers closer to the story. A compelling examination of how bias can corrupt the justice system; teens will find this book impossible to put down.