Best Children's Ancient Civilization Fiction Books of 2025

Escape This Book! Tombs of Egypt is an interactive activity book that combines adventure with education. The book presents the reader with three different paths to choose from, each with a unique perspective: Pharaoh, Pyramid worker, or Archaeologist. The reader must doodle, decide and demolish their way out of an ancient Egyptian tomb. The book is perfect for summer reading, and a great way to keep kids entertained and educated. The illustrations by Sarah Sax are excellent and complement the story well. Overall, Escape This Book! Tombs of Egypt is a fun and engaging read that will keep children entertained and educated.

The "Legacy of the Inventor: A Timmi Tobbson Adventure" is a perfect book for children aged 9-12 who love to solve puzzles and mysteries. The book takes readers on a journey with Timmi, Lilli, and Marvin as they try to uncover the well-hidden secret of a world-famous inventor who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. This book is not only a great story about friendship and exploration but also a challenge for the mind. The 31 concise chapters, each ending with a puzzle to be solved, engage young readers and keep them off screens. The book's high-quality visuals merge the visual appeal of a graphic novel with text-based storytelling's power to spark imagination, making it an excellent addition to any child's bookshelf.

"I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79" is a captivating children's book that tells the story of Marcus, a young boy who must escape the epic destruction of Pompeii caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The book is part of the New York Times bestselling "I Survived" series by Lauren Tarshis, which explores the resilience and strength of young people in the midst of unimaginable disasters. The author's exhaustive research and signature warmth make this book a must-read for children and adults alike. "I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79" is a unique and informative addition to the series, and will keep readers turning the pages until the very end."

Egyptology: Search for the Tomb of Osiris is an eye-catching children's book that takes readers on a journey to ancient Egypt in search of the tomb of the god Osiris. Written as a travel journal from 1926, the book is filled with factual information and the author's chatty asides, making it a fun and engaging read. The book features a variety of novelty elements on every spread, including a playable game of Senet, a souvenir booklet on how to read simple hieroglyphs, and a facsimile of the gilded mummy mask of King Tut. Overall, this book is a unique and entertaining way for children to learn about ancient history and the wonders of Egypt.

Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas is a thrilling adventure story perfect for fans of Indiana Jones and Percy Jackson. The book follows twelve-year-old Addison and his friends as they race against a shadowy organization to decipher ancient clues and find lost treasure, all while trying to save his kidnapped aunt and uncle. With nonstop action, danger, and laugh-out-loud moments, this book is sure to keep middle-grade readers entertained. Overall, this is a fun and exciting read that is perfect for kids who love action-packed stories with a touch of humor.

Woven of the World is a beautifully crafted picture book that explores the ancient art of weaving through the eyes of a young girl learning to weave. The book celebrates the rich history and practice of weaving across different cultures and traditions, highlighting its importance as a technical skill, cultural practice, and a metaphor for life. The lush and eye-catching illustrations are filled with an abundance of decorative detail on every page, making it a rewarding read-aloud. The book also includes informative backmatter on the history of weaving and how it works. It is perfect for parents and grandparents looking for a multigenerational family life book.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library) by Jeanne Bendick is a remarkable book that brings to life the ancient Greek mathematician and his contributions to mathematics and science. The author discusses Archimedes' work, discoveries, and the knowledge based upon it against the backdrop of his life and culture. The simple illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text, making it a perfect read-aloud for ages 9 and up. The book is well-written, easily understood, and not too basic. Overall, it is a gem that makes difficult subjects interesting and comprehensible to the general reader.

The Hour of the Olympics is another exciting adventure in the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. In this book, Jack and Annie travel back to ancient Greece and witness the very first Olympic games. However, the rule of no girls allowed at the games threatens to ruin their adventure. The book is perfect for young readers who are just beginning chapter books and also has nonfiction companions to the series for more experienced readers. Overall, the book is a fun and educational read that transports young readers to different times and places.

The children's philosophy book "Annabelle & Aiden: OH MY GODS! A History of Belief" takes readers on a journey through the history of world religions. Tardigrade Tom leads the characters through the earliest beliefs of animism and shamanism to the development of organized religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The book explains how and why beliefs have evolved over time and what they say about human nature. The book's unique approach to exploring world religions and cultures chronologically makes it an excellent resource for young readers curious about the origins of belief systems.

Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble by Judith Byron Schachner is a thrilling children's book about the adventures of El Skippito and his doggy pals. They embark on a mission to visit the Under Mundo, where mummitos rest in peas. The group needs courage and wit to solve the riddle of the Finx and enter the mummy's tomb. Fans of the series will love this latest installment, and new readers will be entertained by the charming characters and exciting plot. Schachner's illustrations are delightful, and her writing style is engaging and fun. Overall, this book is a fantastic addition to any children's book collection.