History Books for Kids
Children’s picture book biographies are not just good reading—they’re an experience. They give children a glimpse into how big the world really is, and the possibilities that exist. Although biographical selections featuring women have increased in recent years, there are still many stories that haven’t been told. But children’s books can help mend the gap. Affiliate links used.
Historical Women
“When you think about a child’s world, it can actually be very small—especially in the last few years—there’s home, there’s school, there’s family. Books give children a window into a wider world, and invite them to consider other possibilities…It’s not until recently that we see more children’s books featuring women from diverse worlds having great adventures or doing less conventional things," says children's author Jennifer Harris.
Historical Men
Children’s literature has always been more than a good story—it’s a glimpse into the shaping influences of culture and what we hold most dear, past and present. We asked Yale-educated author Leonard S. Marcus to share his favorite children’s history books with us. He obliged, giving us a cultural history of children’s literature and publishing, how they’ve changed over time, and why it matters.
Historical Events
Beyond reading in textbooks, these stories on historical events make history come to life in dynamic ways with lush illustrations.