Check out these books on famous Americans for kids!
Independence Day is just around the corner, so what better time to pique your kid’s curiosity about the lives of some of U.S. history’s most influential people? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite books to get them interested in historical figures that have helped shape America. Check ’em out!
Books on Famous Americans for Kids on Epic
John, Paul, George, and Ben (Audiobook)
Written by: Lane Smith
Narrated by: James Earl Jones
Ages: 3-8
Dive into the story of the “five lads” who became our founding fathers in this hilarious kids’ audiobook. From New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Honor recipient Lane Smith, comes a peek into the early lives of John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and of course… the troublesome young Thomas “Tom” Jefferson.
This witty book about the childhood of famous Americans will make American history relatable and fun for your young reader.
Little People, BIG DREAMS: Wilma Rudolph
Written by: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by: Amelia Flower
Ages: 4-7
In this uplifting book from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, kids can learn about the life of Olympic champion sprinter Wilma Rudolph.
Born into a family with 22 brothers and sisters in the segregated South, Wilma suffered from polio as a child and was told she would never walk again. But she eventually recovered and excelled at sports like basketball, earning the nickname “Skeeter” (mosquito) for her amazing speed.
With quirky illustrations, fun facts and photos, this empowering biographical story will inspire your young reader.
National Geographic Readers: Abraham Lincoln
Written by: Caroline Crosson Gilpin
Ages: 5-9
Immerse your kid in the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln in this vivid Read-To-Me biography. With colorful illustrations and timetables, this book explores the details of our 16th president’s life, his historic decision to abolish slavery and of the ensuing Civil War. It includes informative text and helpful sidebars, making complex concepts easy for young readers to understand.
Amazing Young People: Sacagawea
By: Martha London
Illustrated by: Rivera, Addy
Ages: 7-11
This easy-to-read illustrated chapter book introduces readers to the courageous Native American woman Sacagawea. Using vivid photos and a wealth of fun facts, it details how she became a hero for one of America’s most famous expeditions. Your kid will learn a ton from helpful features like sidebars, infographics, a glossary and index, and more.
What To Do About Alice? (Audiobook)
Written by: Barbara Kerley
Ages: 8-11
This book is about the lively, peculiar daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, Alice. “Hungry to go places, meet people, do things,” she has a penchant for adventure, world travel and even snakes!
This witty biographical audiobook gives readers a glimpse into this first daughter’s life, as well as life inside the White House at the time.
A Picture Book of Daniel Boone
Written by: David A. Adler, Michael S. Alder
Illustrated by: Matt Collins
Ages: 8-11
In colonial North America, a young adventurer starts trekking across the continent, blazing trails westward. This explorer was a boy named Daniel Boone. This biographical picture book tells kids the story of his life, from his early years living among the forests and Allegheny Mountains, through his journey to Kentucky, his capture by the Shawnee, and how he ultimately became a leader in his community.
All About Amelia Earhart
Written by: Lew Freedman
Illustrated by: Kristen Cella
Ages: 9-12
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, and throughout this fascinating Read-To-Me chapter book, kids can learn her exciting story as she gained world fame for her piloting prowess.
Earheart was known as one of the most skilled and courageous aviators of her time, but there’s a lot most people don’t know, too. Like her pursuits as a social worker, author and educator. She even did a stint as a clothing designer. Most importantly, though, she worked to promote women’s equality, proving that female pilots can be just as capable as men.
Neil Armstrong Walks on the Moon
By: Nel Yomtov
Ages: 10-12
Neil Armstrong made a big leap for mankind when he took the first step on the moon in 1969. This graphic novel for older kids tells the story of Armstrong’s history-making journey through space, as well as the events and obstacles he faced along the way.
With thrilling illustrations and narration, real historical quotes and a glossary in the back, “Neil Armstrong Walks on the Moon” takes kids on an exciting and educational ride.
Star-Spangled
By: Tim Grove
Ages: 10-12
Check out the little-known story behind the U.S. national anthem: “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Based on the poem by Francis Scott Key, the song describes the American flag as it waved in the night during the War of 1812 (not, as many believe, during the American Revolution).
But what else is there to the story? What was this battle about? Why were rockets glaring? When did Betsy Ross sew those broad stripes and bright stars? This detailed chapter book will tell your kid all about it, filled to the brim with actual historical facts, including a glossary and timeline.
Other Recommendations
Check out a few more of our favorite books on famous Americans for kids that are available off our platform, all of which are available on Amazon.
Who Was Helen Keller?
Written by: Gare Thompson
This illustrated biography is an inspiring and informative read for middle graders. After suffering from an illness at the age two, Helen Keller became deaf and blind. She spent much of her childhood struggling to express herself and understand the world around her. But her life was transformed when young teacher Anne Sullivan Macy came into her life and taught her how to read, write, and helped her go on and accomplish extraordinary things.
The Story of Hariett Tubman: A Biography Book for New Readers
Written by: Christine Platt
This book follows the life of Harriet Tubman and her courageous fight to help free people from slavery. It includes a visual timeline of her life, from her childhood as a determined young girl living as a slave on a plantation, to her famous use of the Underground Railroad―a network of secret routes and safe houses―to free herself and many others. This is a great read for 6-9 year olds who admire African American civil rights heroes like Rosa Parks and abolitionists like Sojourner Truth.
Clara Barton: Angel of the Battlefield
Written by: Allison Lassieur
This dynamic graphic biography tells the story of Civil War nurse Clara Barton, her life and how she went on to start the American Red Cross. It begins with her childhood in Massachusetts and shows how caring for her brother during a years-long illness inspired her to become a nurse. It then follows her through her career as a teacher, and eventually her service on the battlefield, caring for soldiers from both the North and the South.
The Undefeated
Written by: Kwame Alexander
Written in the form of a poem , this powerfully illustrated book is a love letter to Black life in the U.S. With lyrics and lines from some of the most celebrated heroes in Black history, it highlights the trauma of slavery, the spirit of the civil rights movement and some of the world’s greatest heroes. The text includes references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others.
Those are our picks for the top books on famous Americans for kids! In addition to being fascinating and fun, these are super valuable resources for social studies, class assignments and worksheets, as well as homeschool projects.
Are they interested in other historical topics, like weird facts about Presidents Thomas Jefferson, Ronald Reagan and the rest? A day in the life of being a kid in ancient Egypt? Check out our post, “Best History Books for Kids of All Ages.” You can also explore books on a diverse range of prominent figures like Abigail Adams, Susan B. Anthony, Cesar Chavez, Eleanor Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, Jackie Robinson, Albert Einstein and many others on Epic!