Best Children's Western American Historical Fiction Books of 2025

By the Great Horn Spoon! is a thrilling adventure tale set in the days of the California Gold Rush. The story follows twelve-year-old Jack and his trusty butler, Praiseworthy, as they embark on a journey to find gold in San Francisco to help Jack's aunt pay off her debts. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and adventures. The book features illustrations by Brett Helquist and is recommended for children between the ages of 8 and 12. Overall, this book is a delightful read, with an original and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked until the very end.

A timeless American classic and one of the most beloved children’s books ever written, Old Yeller is a Newbery Honor Book that explores the poignant and unforgettable bond between a boy and the stray dog who becomes his loyal friend. When his father sets out on a cattle drive toward Kansas for the summer, fourteen-year-old Travis Coates is left to take care of his family and their farm. Living in Texas Hill Country during the 1860s, Travis comes to face new, unanticipated, and often perilous responsibilities in the frontier wilderness.A particular nuisance is a stray yellow dog that shows up one day and steals food from the family. But the big canine who Travis calls “Old Yeller” proves his worth by defending the family from danger. And Travis ultimately finds help and comfort in the courage and unwavering love of the dog who comes to be his very best friend. Fred Gipson’s novel is an eloquently simple story that is both exciting and deeply moving. It stands alongside works like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Where The Red Fern Grows, and Shiloh as a beloved and enduring classic of literature. Originally published in 1956 to instant acclaim, Old Yeller later inspired a hit film from Walt Disney. Just as Old Yeller inevitably makes his way into the Coates family’s hearts, this book will find its own special place in readers’ hearts.

Tales of an 8-Bit Kitten: Lost in the Nether is the first volume of a new series by Cube Kid, featuring a mischievous kitten named Eeebs who finds himself in the dangerous world of Minecraft's Nether. Alongside a ghast and a witch, Eeebs develops supernatural powers to fight against the Enderman and save his friends. The book is perfect for young readers who love Minecraft and adventure stories, with recognizable characters from the Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior series. The author's passion for gaming and fanfiction shines through in this exciting tale. Overall, this is a must-read for Minecraft enthusiasts and young readers alike.

Pony by R.J. Palacio is a heartwarming adventure story that follows the journey of a young boy named Silas as he sets out to rescue his father. With only a ghost named Mittenwool and a mysterious pony as his guide, Silas must face his fears and unlock the secrets of his past to find his father. This book is a perfect read for children who love horse books and stories of courage. The author's unique writing style and captivating storytelling make Pony a modern classic that readers of all ages will enjoy.

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume One is a spin-off series from Kate DiCamillo's New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books. In this story, Leroy Ninker falls in love with a horse named Maybelline and together they embark on funny and heartfelt adventures on Deckawoo Drive. The book is full of likable characters, unexpected plot twists, and humorous language that will appeal to both kids and adults. Chris Van Dusen's illustrations perfectly complement the writing, making this a very enjoyable read-aloud. DiCamillo effortlessly presents the good and bad in relationships between humans and animals, making this book a must-read for children's horse book lovers.

The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time, Magic Tree House, takes children on another time-travel adventure in Ghost Town at Sundown. Jack and Annie find themselves in the Wild West where they encounter horse thieves, rattlesnakes, and a cowboy named Slim. As they search for the answer to the second riddle, they wonder if the town is haunted. This book is perfect for readers aged 6-9 who are just beginning to read chapter books. The Magic Tree House series has been a classroom favorite for over 25 years and is sure to inspire a love of reading and adventure in every child who joins Jack and Annie on their journey.

Smoky the Cowhorse is a classic children's book about a wild horse named Smoky who knows only one way of life: freedom. The story takes place in the Wild West, where Smoky faces new challenges from an enemy he can't beat with his usual tactics. This book has won the Newbery Medal and is considered one of the finest horse stories ever told. The author, William Roderick James, is known for his numerous cowboy stories for adults and children. Smoky the Cowhorse is a must-read for any horse lover and a great addition to any child's library.

Buckaroo Beau Lives on a Ranch is a delightful children's book that follows the life of a young cowboy as he learns the value of hard work and caring for animals on his family's ranch. Through charming rhymes and sing-song storytelling, young readers will learn important life lessons about work ethic and responsibility. This book is a great way to introduce young children to the world of ranching and instill valuable lessons in them from a young age. Overall, Buckaroo Beau Lives on a Ranch is a heartwarming and educational read for children of all ages.

I Escaped The Gold Rush Fever: A California Gold Rush Survival Story is a thrilling children's book by SD Brown and Scott Peters. The story centers around 14-year-old Hudson, who searches for her father during the Gold Rush. The book is packed with adventure and danger as Hudson navigates the chaos of the Wild West era and battles to survive. The short chapters make it an easy read for children aged 8 and up, and the inclusion of black and white illustrations adds to its appeal. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to the I Escaped series and is sure to captivate young readers interested in American history.

Cowboy Small is a charming children's book that follows the adventures of a young cowboy and his trusty horse, Cactus. Together they work on the range, rounding up cattle and enjoying the simple life of the Wild West. With delightful illustrations and an engaging storyline, this book is perfect for young readers who love tales of cowboys and the great outdoors. Lois Lenski's talent for both writing and illustrating shines through in this timeless classic, making it a must-read for any child's bookshelf.