My Favorite History Books for Boys
I am sharing today a list of My Favorite History Books for Boys! So if you are like me, who is homeschooling a major history buff who devours books, this list is perfect!
He is my sensitive, warmonger if that even makes sense. He does not want to read books about murder, killing, or crime but he will speak endlessly about any war, battle, or ruler that he’s read about.
Below are my son’s favorite history books, I credit them with creating and nurturing his love of history. We have never used a history textbook, and I don’t want to either but as we get into the older grades, it becomes more difficult.
Make certain to check out my Our Ancient History Reading List and a Lego Pyramid blog post. Your history lover will surely like these books, too!
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Choosing the Best History Books for Kids
History can be a bore, particularly when presented in the typical textbook format. But history doesn’t have to be dull and boring; it can actually be quite interesting and engaging—especially when you find the right book.
If you’re looking for history books for boys, you’ve come to the right place. The list below will introduce you to some of my favorite history books that I use with my homeschooled sons.
Recommended Homeschooling Books for Moms
If you need some ideas and encouragement about homeschooling, you have to get these homeschooling books! Discover why you should continue this journey and find out ways to strengthen the bond between you and your children.
Homeschool Planning Guide for the Unorganized Mom: An easy-to-follow plan for successful homeschooling when you don’t even know where to startThe Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and LifeThe Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your KidsThe Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at HomeA Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of LearningThe Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child’s Education
Recommended Homeschool Planning Must-haves
Need more help getting your homeschool plans together? Grab the Homeschool Planning Guide for the Unorganized Mom or The Unorganized Mom Printable Homeschool Planner to go from chaos to calm.
My Favorite History Books for Boys
For your son who is a history lover, this reading list is what you need!
We read A Child’s History of the World (Hillyer) in the 2nd grade because I liked the living book concept of teaching history. I didn’t want to use a textbook and this worked great for us. We read one chapter each day and he did an oral narration of what he heard. I miss those early elementary years.
I loved how we did history so we continued onto the Story of the World series going from the middle ages on and now we’re back to the ancient time period. I always purchase the digital version of the activity guide so that I can print out the coloring pages in smaller sizes since we notebook with them.
The first chapter book M1 read was the Magic Tree House series. Jack and Annie travel to different periods and get immersed in the period, M2 is now listening to audiobooks as well.
Horrible Histories is a gruesome set of books that focus on the gross and bloody aspects of history. Did you know there’s also a tv series?
Adventures of Tintin is a graphic novel that my son adores. Tintin travels to different countries solving mysteries, it was written in the ’60s so there are some remarks about race that are not agreeable.
Adventures in Ancient China, Greece, or Egypt (Bailey) is a great and humorous series of books where a group of siblings travels through time, I really wish there are more in the works.
You Wouldn’t Want to be a series ie. You Wouldn’t Want to be a Pyramid Builder: A Hazardous Job You’d Rather Not Have is another great find for boys who like the bloody, gruesome aspect of history and they’re really funny as well.
Tell me what are your children’s favorite history books, we’re always looking for more. One of my son’s favorite books is Rifle’s for Watie about the Civil War.
Every child learns differently, so take some time to explore different options until you find one that works best for your child’s learning style and interests.
Once you have found the perfect book(s), get ready to embark on a journey into fascinating history! With these resources at your disposal, it won’t be long before your son is discovering all sorts of amazing things about our past—and enjoying every minute!
More Reading Lists
Best Books to Read Aloud to Early Elementary Kids
Books Every High Schooler Should Read
Books Every Middle Schooler Should Read
More Homeschool Curricula
Homeschool Math Curriculum You Have to Try
The Best Homeschool Reading Comprehension Curriculum by The Natural Homeschool
Homeschooling with Five in a Row Curriculum by School Time Snippets
I have a history buff here too! I will have to check these out. Thanks!
Great!
Nice list. My bys love The You wouldn’t want to be series too.
I know, they think they’re hilarious.
we loved the Magic Tree house series as well… Thanks for sharing your post..
Thanks!
We like Mary Pope Osbourne’s Tales from the Odyssey series (based on the original, but cleaned up for children ;). Definitely worth a look (and may be available as an audiobook from your library).
Thanks Susan, that’s already on my reading list.
What ages would you recommend for these books? I will be starting history with DS1 in the fall (1st grade but not yet 6) and was wondering if the Ancients ones would be appropriate for him? Thanks
Do you mean the Story of the World Ancients? We started ancient history with my son in grade 2 (I took him out of PS in grade 1) and it was the perfect age for him. I’m going to start it with my second son in the 2nd grade as well. It depends on your son if you think he has the attention span and how sensitive he is to battles and fighting and such. I prefer to wait and start later.
The Linda Bailey and You Wouldn’t want to… series are picture books, the Magic Tree House books are easy chapter books like grade 1/2 with the Horrible History books being more lengthy chapter books probably better for higher grades along with Rifles for Watie.
I loved the way you described your son’s reading preferences/personality. That describes my 13 year old son to a tee. He’s always been that way. Thanks for the list.