Best United States State & Local History Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

This book is an excellent guide for those interested in foraging for wild edible plants and medicinal herbs in the Great Lakes region. It provides valuable insights into the indigenous people's foraging traditions, ethical and sustainable foraging practices, and how to identify, harvest, prepare, and store wild foods and healing herbs and plants. The book also includes a comprehensive list of 45 edible and medicinal herbs, their health benefits, and how to consume them. The full-color illustrations make identification a breeze. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in self-sufficiency and a healthy lifestyle.

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.

The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Texas History: Student Edition 2016 is a great read for teenagers and young adults interested in United States State & Local History. This book is published by Holt McDougal and covers the history of Texas in a detailed manner. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn about the state's diverse culture, economy, and geography. The book is well-organized and written in an engaging manner, making it easy to understand and absorb the information presented. Overall, this book is a must-read for those who want to expand their knowledge of Texas's history and culture.

"Black Pioneers of Science and Invention" is an insightful book that highlights the lives of fourteen gifted innovators who have made significant contributions to scientific and industrial progress. The achievements of these African-American pioneers, including Benjamin Banneker, Granville T. Woods, and George Washington Carver, have shaped history and made jobs easier while saving countless lives. The book includes a bibliography and an index, making it an excellent resource for further research. The author, Dr. Louis Haber, provides an auspicious roster of pioneers, decrying injustice while communicating the interest and significance of each field of study. Overall, this book is a must-read for those interested in African-American history and the contributions of underrepresented groups to science and invention."

You Call This Democracy? by Elizabeth Rusch is a 2021 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction finalist that explores the problematic aspects of the American government and offers solutions for young people to fix them. The book delves into issues such as gerrymandering, voter suppression, and a lack of representation in leadership. Each chapter breaks down a different problem, offering possible solutions and real-life examples of teens working towards change. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics, as it provides a roadmap for how citizens can use their power to fix its flaws.

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans by Don Brown is a powerful and deeply affecting portrayal of one of the worst natural disasters in American history. Through dynamic sketches and a gripping narrative, the author captures the tragedy and triumph of Hurricane Katrina, showcasing both selflessness and heroism as well as incompetence, racism, and criminality. The book also highlights the many failures of government officials and the heroism of ordinary people. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans.

Attucks! by Phil Hoose is a well-researched and skillfully written true story of the all-black high school basketball team that broke the color barrier in segregated 1950s Indiana. The book follows the Crispus Attucks Tigers, anchored by the astonishing Oscar Robertson, as they win the state high school basketball championship in 1955, becoming the first all-black team in U.S. history to win a racially open championship tournament. Hoose masterfully tells the story of a team up against impossible odds, making a difference when it mattered most. This book is a must-read for basketball fans and history enthusiasts alike.

When Can We Go Back to America?: Voices of Japanese American Incarceration during WWII by Susan H. Kamei is a powerful and moving narrative history of the Japanese American experience before, during, and after their World War II incarceration. The author weaves together the voices of over 130 individuals who lived through this tragic episode, giving readers a thoroughly detailed and meticulously researched historical account of what was happening within the country and government at the time. It’s a landmark book that sheds light on racial identity, immigration, and citizenship. This book is a must-read and a reminder of the importance of learning from our past to create a better future.

Absurdly Strange But True is a fascinating book that explores some of the most bizarre and unbelievable incidents, people, places, and things in the world. The book is divided into six chapters covering various topics, including history, science, literature, geography, and the unexplained. Each chapter features eight stories with an additional ten "Strange but True" facts at the end. The book is an entertaining and educational read that will make you scratch your head, laugh, and wonder. Overall, Absurdly Strange But True is a unique and enjoyable trivia and fun facts book that is perfect for anyone who loves learning about the weird and wonderful things in our world.

The Harcourt School Publishers Reflections: Homework & Practice Book Lif Reflections 07 Grade 4 is a comprehensive guide for California State's history for young adults and teens. The book provides a detailed account of the state's history, including important events and people who shaped it. It also includes homework and practice exercises to help students retain the information and apply it to real-life situations. The book is an excellent resource for students and teachers alike, as it covers the state's history in a clear and concise manner. Overall, the Harcourt School Publishers Reflections: Homework & Practice Book Lif Reflections 07 Grade 4 is a must-have for anyone interested in learning more about California's rich history.