Best United States Colonial & Revolutionary Periods History Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

King George: What Was His Problem? by Steve Sheinkin is a fun and funny book that tells the story of the American Revolution in a way that young readers will never forget. Rather than focusing on the causes of the Revolution, the book is filled with anecdotes and little-known details that bring the birth of our nation to life. From naked soldiers to salmon sandwiches, this book is packed with action and real facts that will leave readers eager to share what they've learned. Overall, this book is a great choice for middle-grade readers who want to learn about American history in a fun and engaging way.

A Young People's History of the United States is an exceptional book that sheds light on the stories of workers, slaves, immigrants, women, Native Americans, and other marginalized groups that are often left out of traditional history books. Howard Zinn's approach to history is radical, and he tells the untold stories of the oppressed and the poor. This book is a must-read for young adults who want to have a better understanding of America's history. The book is precise enough to satisfy specialists but also accessible to any adult reader. Overall, this book is an excellent antidote to establishment history and a reminder that America's true greatness is shaped by its dissident voices.

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy is a thrilling account of a brave woman who disguised herself as a man to fight for the Union Army. The book follows Emma's journey as she uses her wit and cunning to infiltrate Confederate lines, risking everything for her beliefs. The story is fast-paced and captivating, making it a great read for history buffs and reluctant readers alike. Author Seymour Reit's experience as an animated cartoonist shines through in his vivid descriptions of Emma's various disguises. Overall, this book is a unique and inspiring tale of courage and loyalty.

Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem is a Sibert Honor book for young readers that tells the gripping story of the infamous witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The book features scratchboard illustrations, primary source material, and a powerful narrative that brings to life the victims, accused witches, crooked officials, and mass hysteria that led to the tragic events. This book is not only informative but also hauntingly resonant, and it has been honored with many prestigious awards, including the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor Book. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in history and the human psyche.

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.

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.

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery by Steve Sheinkin is an accessible biography that introduces young readers to the real Benedict Arnold. The book presents both the heroism and treachery of one of the Revolutionary War's most infamous players. Sheinkin's writing style, packed with first-person accounts, astonishing American Revolution battle scenes, and surprising twists, reads like an adventure novel. The author's mastery of the material, lively prose, and abundant use of eyewitness accounts make this one of the most exciting biographies young readers will find. Overall, The Notorious Benedict Arnold is an excellent addition to any historical biographies collection.

The Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano is a spellbinding historical biography book for teens and young adults. This book narrates the life of Olaudah Equiano, who was kidnapped from his home in Benin, Africa, at the age of 11 and spent the next 11 years of his life as a slave in England, the U.S., and the West Indies. His autobiography, published in 1789, was a bestseller in its own time. Cameron has modernized and shortened it while remaining true to the spirit of the original. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history and writing.

The Making of America: The Substance and Meaning of the Constitution is a comprehensive compilation of the Founding Father's intentions when drafting the American Constitution. This book provides a wealth of material on the Constitution clause by clause, offering resources on the Founder's intent of each clause. The National Center for Constitutional Studies has done an excellent job of reviving the original American concepts that made Americans the first free people in modern times. The Making of America is a must-read for anyone who has a serious concern for the general welfare of not only America but all mankind.

The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World is an adaptation of the New York Times bestseller Mayflower, specifically for younger readers. It tells the story of the Mayflower's dangerous journey across the Atlantic and the Pilgrims' relationship with the Natives of the Plymouth region. This elegant, absorbing account of the first two generations of Pilgrims sets the record straight about the first Thanksgiving and the following five decades. The book includes additional maps, artwork, and archival photos. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for young readers interested in the history of exploration and discovery, and it provides a unique perspective on the relationship between Pilgrims and Native Americans.