Best United States Civil War Period History Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

UP FROM SLAVERY (Annotated): AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY is the story of Booker T. Washington's life from slavery to freedom. The book includes an annotation at the beginning that provides historical context on slavery in America and the abolishment of slavery. Washington's autobiography is a simple and straightforward story that gives readers a glimpse into the realities of life as a slave. The book is a valuable addition to any collection of African-American and Black biographies.

The Mark Twain American History Workbook: Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction is an engaging and educational book that helps middle and high school students build proficiency in US history. With its focused lessons and practice activities, the book covers important topics such as slavery, the Civil War, and former President Abraham Lincoln. The workbook also includes research projects to test student knowledge and a helpful answer key to track progress. Sized at about 8 ¼” x 10 ¾”, the 128-page workbook provides ample space for completing each exercise. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for both classroom and homeschool curriculum success.

Up from Slavery is the 1901 autobiography of Booker T. Washington, an American educator who rose from the position of a slave child to establish vocational schools to help black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves up. The book describes his personal experience, the difficulties he overcame to get an education, and his educational philosophy that stresses combining academic subjects with learning a trade. Despite being a controversial figure in his lifetime, this book became a best-seller and remained the most popular African American autobiography until that of Malcolm X.

Two Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War by Steve Sheinkin is an engaging and informative read for young readers interested in American history. Sheinkin offers a fresh and unique perspective on the Civil War, uncovering lesser-known details and personal stories that shed light on the causes and consequences of this pivotal moment in American history. The book is well-researched and beautifully illustrated by Tim Robinson, making it an excellent addition to any young reader's library. Overall, Two Miserable Presidents is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Civil War and its impact on American society.

The Boys' War by Jim Murphy is a contemporary classic that explores the role of young boys who fought in the Civil War. Through firsthand accounts and personal letters, Murphy skillfully weaves together the historical context and the experiences of these young soldiers, who either sought escape from farm work or embraced fantasies of glory. The book follows them through the rigors of camp life, drilling, and into the chaos of the battlefield. The Boys' War offers a heartbreaking and enlightening look at America's most brutal and bloody war, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in history or biographies.

Courageous Women of the Civil War: Soldiers, Spies, Medics, and More is a captivating book that tells the stories of 16 women who defied societal expectations to take on unconventional roles during the Civil War. From medics and battlefield helpers to spies and soldiers, these women played a crucial role in the war effort. The book provides a clear overview of the era and the war, including primary source documents and contextualizing sidebars. With historic photos, source notes, and a bibliography, this book is an invaluable resource for any history buff or student. Overall, Courageous Women of the Civil War is a must-read for those interested in learning about the often-overlooked contributions of women to the war effort.

Hanged!: Mary Surratt and the Plot to Assassinate Abraham Lincoln is a thrilling YA nonfiction book that tells the story of Mary Surratt, the first woman to be executed by the US government for her alleged involvement in the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. The author, Sarah Miller, presents a thought-provoking and gripping account of Surratt's life, examining whether she was truly guilty of treason or the victim of a cruel coincidence. Miller's meticulous attention to detail and ability to engage young readers make this book an excellent addition to any collection of biographies for teens and young adults.

Harriet Jacobs' "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Written by Herself (Annotated)" is a powerful autobiographical narrative that sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery in America. The book is unabridged and includes an annotation that provides historical context on slavery and its abolishment. Through her own experiences as a slave girl, Jacobs exposes the inhumane treatment of slaves and the psychological trauma they endured. Her courage and resilience in the face of adversity are inspiring. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of slavery in America and the strength of the human spirit.

Dark Sky Rising: Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is an eye-opening and informative book that takes readers on a journey through America's past. The book explores Reconstruction, the Civil War's conclusion, and the rise of Jim Crow segregation. Through real-life accounts, Gates sheds light on this pivotal and misunderstood chapter in history and introduces young readers to the people and events of Reconstruction's noble democratic experiment. The book is well-written and engaging, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in learning more about this important period in American history.

This Mark Twain Media Publishing Company resource book provides an engaging and informative look at the Civil War for middle school students. It offers reading selections, photographs, and graphic organizers to help students understand the historical decisions of leaders and everyday people during this era. The book includes activities that develop reading comprehension skills and cover topics such as the causes of the war, the impact of slavery, the role of the U.S. government, and the leaders, battles, and outcomes of the U.S. Civil War. This book is a great addition to any middle school classroom studying American history.