12 Powerful History Books For Teens

Colbert’s book examines one of the most horrifying and oft-ignored breakouts of racial violence in the United States. Black Birds in the Sky provides a deeply contextualized retelling of the Tulsa Race Massacre, during which a white mob decimated Greenwood, a prosperous Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Colbert explores how Greenwood was built by Black entrepreneurs, educators, and professionals into a prosperous and self-sufficient neighborhood. This success made Greenwood a target of resentment, culminating in an explosive act of racial terrorism that left hundreds of Black residents dead or displaced and the neighborhood in ruins.

Fleischer’s work profiles 50 historical figures who changed the world through acts of resistance, rebellion, and revolutionary thinking. Rockin’ the Boat highlights a diverse group of leaders, thinkers, and activists from around the globe, spanning centuries and cultures.

The revolutionaries range from well-known figures like Joan of Arc, Nelson Mandela, and Malcolm X to lesser-known yet equally influential individuals such as Nanny of the Maroons and Sophie Scholl. Each profile offers a concise yet vivid history of the subject’s life, the injustices they challenged, and the legacy they left behind. 

Whoppers digs into some of the boldest lies ever told—and the people who told them. Seifort examines how deception has impacted politics, science, media, and society.

This book runs through a series of fascinating historical instances, each centered on a particularly outrageous lie. From phony scientific claims to elaborate political hoaxes and media fabrications, Whoppers uncovers the stories behind well-known frauds like the Trojan Horse, the Piltdown Man, the Great Moon Hoax, and the Loch Ness Monster (though that last one is real…right?).

History vs. Women highlights 25 extraordinary women whose stories have often been overlooked, erased, or diminished by history. It reexamines these narratives by showcasing the immense contributions women have made across centuries in science, politics, art, activism, and more.

History vs Women brings to life trailblazers like Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer; Wangari Maathai, an environmentalist and Nobel Prize winner; and Rosa Parks, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement—just to name a few.

Mack-Jackson’s book breaks down the vast scope of World War II into an accessible framework that cover the causes, key battles, major figures, and consequences of the war in a way that is digestible and compelling.

World War II History for Teens lays out the geopolitical tensions and economic factors that led to the outbreak of war, helping young readers understand the rise of fascism in Europe and Japan’s imperial ambitions. It covers the major fronts of the war, including Europe, the Pacific, North Africa, and the Eastern Front, providing clear overviews of battles such as D-Day, Stalingrad, and Midway. 

Galileo and the Magic Numbers introduces readers to the groundbreaking scientific discoveries of Galileo Galilei, one of history’s most influential figures in science and mathematics. Rosen combines storytelling with practical explanations to reveal how Galileo used observation, experimentation, and mathematics to challenge long-held beliefs about the universe. 

Galileo transformed science into a discipline based on evidence rather than superstition or authority. Rosen also explores Galileo’s discoveries about the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and the laws of motion, illustrating how these findings challenged the dominant geocentric model of the cosmos upheld by the Catholic Church and many scholars of the time. 

Davis uncovers the often-overlooked story of the 1918 Spanish Flu. It’s widely considered to be the deadliest pandemic in human history, and was inextricably tied to the events of World War I. 

More Deadly Than War sets the scene with the chaos and brutality of World War I, then shifts focus to the global health crisis that followed. As soldiers fought in trenches, the virus quietly spread around the globe, killing an estimated 50 million people and infecting nearly a third of the world’s population. 

Bartoletti chronicles the life of Mary Mallon, better known as “Typhoid Mary,” who became infamous as the first asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever in the United States. Bartoletti brings to life the tragic and fascinating story of a woman who unknowingly spread disease during a public health crisis in the early 20th century.

Bartoletti examines Mary’s background as an Irish immigrant working as a cook in New York City, tracing how her profession and lifestyle contributed to the spread of typhoid fever, a deadly and highly contagious illness at the time. Terrible Typhoid Mary also explores the medical and social realities of the era, highlighting how the understanding of germs and disease transmission was still developing, and how public health officials struggled to control outbreaks.

A Thousand Sisters is an account of the little-known yet extraordinary story of the Soviet Union’s all-female air force units during World War II. Wein brings to light the bravery, resilience, and groundbreaking service of the women who defied tradition and helped change the course of history.

During World War II, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin authorized the formation of three women-only air regiments. These women, some of whom were still in their teens, trained as pilots, navigators, and mechanics. As if the brutal realities of combat weren’t enough, they also faced skepticism from their male counterparts, harsh weather conditions, and outdated equipment. 

Black Potatoes is a thorough examination of the Great Irish Famine, which led to mass starvation, disease, and emigration in Ireland. Bartoletti paints a vivid picture of the famine’s causes, effects, and lasting impact on Irish society and the wider world.

Bartoletti also explores the social, economic, and political factors that exacerbated the crisis, including British government policies that worsened the famine’s effects. Through firsthand accounts, letters, and diaries, she brings to life the voices of those who suffered, offering readers an intimate perspective on this period of Irish history. 

Unlikely Warrior is an eye-opening memoir that recounts the author’s harrowing journey in Nazi Germany. Rauch recounts his life as an Austrian teenager of mixed heritage who opposed the Nazi regime—and yet was forced to fight for it.

Unlike many war memoirs, Unlikely Warrior presents a rare perspective: that of a reluctant soldier serving in the very military machine that persecuted his family. After being wounded and captured by Russian forces, Rauch’s survival depended on quick thinking, compassion from strangers, and a determination to make it back home. 

Tasting the Sky is a poignant memoir that chronicles the author’s childhood growing up as a Palestinian in the West Bank in the 60s. 

Barakat recounts experiences living amidst checkpoints, curfews, and military violence while maintaining her family’s traditions and dreams. Despite the constant tension and danger, Barakat also recalls moments of warmth, humor, and the simple joys of childhood, such as school, family gatherings, and learning the Arabic alphabet.