Best 19th Century United States History Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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19th Century United States History Books for Teens & Young Adults are a great way to introduce young readers to the fascinating world of American history. These books cover everything from the Civil War to the Wild West, and are written in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. With vivid descriptions of historical events and important figures, these books are perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the past. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a good read, these books are sure to captivate and educate.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Chasing Lincoln's Killer Cover#TOP 1
Chasing Lincoln's Killer
ftb score rating icon9.8
A Young People's History of the United States (For Young People Series) Cover#TOP 2
A Young People's History of the United States (For Young People Series)
ftb score rating icon9.7
Mark Twain American History Textbooks, Grades 6-12, The Dust Bowl, Roaring 20s, Henry Ford, and Industrialization Through the Great Depression ... (Volume 5) (American History Series) Cover#TOP 3
Mark Twain American History Textbooks, Grades 6-12, The Dust Bowl, Roaring 20s, Henry Ford, and Industrialization Through the Great Depression ... (Volume 5) (American History Series)
ftb score rating icon9.5

Top 10 19th Century United States History Books for Teens & Young Adults

Swanson, James L.
Scholastic Press
Feb 1, 2009
Chasing Lincoln's Killer Cover
Chasing Lincoln's Killer
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson is a gripping account of the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin who killed President Abraham Lincoln. Swanson's retelling of the twelve-day chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., the swamps of Maryland, and the forests of Virginia is based on rare archival material, obscure trial manuscripts, and interviews with relatives of the conspirators and the manhunters. This book is an excellent addition to the Children's American History of 1800s Books category and is published by Scholastic Press. Overall, it is a thrilling and informative read that sheds light on one of America's most infamous historical events.

Zinn, Howard
Stefoff, Rebecca
Triangle Square
Jun 2, 2009
A Young People's History of the United States (For Young People Series) Cover
A Young People's History of the United States (For Young People Series)
ftb score rating icon9.7
FTB Score

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.

#TOP 3

Mark Twain American History Textbooks, Grades 6-12, The Dust Bowl, Roaring 20s, Henry Ford, and Industrialization Through the Great Depression ... (Volume 5) (American History Series)

Barden, Cindy
Backus, Maria
Mark Twain Media
Jan 3, 2011
Mark Twain American History Textbooks, Grades 6-12, The Dust Bowl, Roaring 20s, Henry Ford, and Industrialization Through the Great Depression ... (Volume 5) (American History Series) Cover
Mark Twain American History Textbooks, Grades 6-12, The Dust Bowl, Roaring 20s, Henry Ford, and Industrialization Through the Great Depression ... (Volume 5) (American History Series)
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

The Mark Twain American History Textbooks, Grades 6-12, Volume 5 covers a range of topics from the Dust Bowl to Industrialization through the Great Depression. This American History Workbook is a great resource for middle or high school children who want to build their proficiency in US history. The book contains engaging lessons, activities, and graphic organizers that make learning fun and interactive. The workbook is also practically sized, making it easy for children to complete each exercise. Overall, this book is a great addition to any homeschool or classroom curriculum.

A Young People's History of the United States: Revised and Updated (For Young People Series)

Stefoff, Rebecca
Zinn, Howard
Morales, Ed
Jan 3, 2023
A Young People's History of the United States: Revised and Updated (For Young People Series) Cover
A Young People's History of the United States: Revised and Updated (For Young People Series)
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

A Young People's History of the United States: Revised and Updated (For Young People Series) by Howard Zinn brings a fresh perspective to US history by including the viewpoints of marginalized groups, such as workers, enslaved people, immigrants, women, Black people, Latino Americans, Asian Americans, and American Indians. The book covers the struggles for civil rights during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and ends with the current protests against American imperialism. Zinn reminds readers that America's greatness is shaped by dissident voices, not military generals. This book is a valuable addition to the Civil & Human Rights Books for Young Adults category.

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie (On My Own History)

Roop, Connie
Roop, Peter
Hanson, Peter E.
First Avenue Editions ™
Aug 1, 1985
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie (On My Own History) Cover
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie (On My Own History)
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is a captivating book that tells the true story of Abbie Burgess, a young girl who kept the lighthouse lamps lit during a huge storm off the coast of Maine in 1856. The book presents an exciting and inspiring tale of bravery and responsibility. The simple language used by the authors, Roops, and the beautiful watercolors by Hanson create a perfect combination for young readers. This book is a perfect choice for parents who want to introduce their kids to history through an engaging story. Overall, Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is an outstanding book that will keep readers entertained from start to finish.

Freedman, Russell
Clarion Books
Sep 25, 1989
Lincoln: A Newbery Award Winner Cover
Lincoln: A Newbery Award Winner
ftb score rating icon9.3
FTB Score

"Lincoln: A Newbery Award Winner" by Russell Freedman is a gripping biography that covers the boyhood, marriage, and young professional life of Abraham Lincoln, as well as his presidential years and scholarly thoughts during the Civil War. The book is warm, appealing, and illustrated with carefully chosen photographs and prints. The author skillfully explains the many complex issues Lincoln grappled with as he led a deeply divided nation through the Civil War. Additionally, the book includes a sampling of Lincoln's writings and a detailed list of Lincoln historical sites. Overall, this book is a superb and highly readable account of one of the nation's most fascinating and important figures, and it's perfect for teens and young adults interested in political biographies.

#TOP 7

They Called Themselves the K.k.k.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell
Clarion Books
Jun 10, 2014
They Called Themselves the K.k.k.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group Cover
They Called Themselves the K.k.k.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group
ftb score rating icon9.3
FTB Score

This book, They Called Themselves the K.k.k.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, tells the story of the Ku Klux Klan's rise to power in the aftermath of the Civil War. Bartoletti draws on personal accounts, congressional documents, and diaries to provide a vivid and chilling portrayal of the Klan's reign of terror. The book's use of first-person quotes gives it a personal touch, bringing the reader closer to the events that took place. Overall, this is an excellent book for young adults that provides a deeper understanding of the conditions that incubated the Klan's terrorism and its legacy that runs through our own time.

Murphy, Jim
Clarion Books
Mar 22, 1993
The Boys' War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War Cover
The Boys' War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

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.

#TOP 9

The Girl in the Thistles: A Novel of the Dakota Homeland, Inspired by Actual Events

Sandvig, S.K.
Jan 16, 2023
The Girl in the Thistles: A Novel of the Dakota Homeland, Inspired by Actual Events Cover
The Girl in the Thistles: A Novel of the Dakota Homeland, Inspired by Actual Events
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

The Girl in the Thistles is a captivating historical fiction novel for young adults that tells the story of Emilie, a young woman who embarks on a perilous journey to find her missing father and reunite her family during the US-Dakota War of 1862. Author, Barbara Britton, inspired by actual events, weaves a compelling narrative of love, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of the Dakota homeland. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the lesser-known aspects of American history.

#TOP 10

I Could Not Do Otherwise: The Remarkable Life of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

Latta, Sara
Oct 4, 2022
I Could Not Do Otherwise: The Remarkable Life of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Cover
I Could Not Do Otherwise: The Remarkable Life of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker
ftb score rating icon8.9
FTB Score

I Could Not Do Otherwise by Sara Latta is a compelling biography of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the first woman to earn a degree in medicine and the only female Medal of Honor winner. Latta's writing style is engaging, and readers will be fascinated by Walker's determination and strength of conviction. The book highlights Walker's fight for women's rights, social justice, and access to healthcare during a time when women were expected to conform to societal norms. Overall, I Could Not Do Otherwise is a must-read for anyone interested in social activist biographies, especially for teens and young adults.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the best selling book of the 19th century in the United States?

Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) This best-selling novel of the nineteenth century was extremely influential in fueling antislavery sentiment during the decade preceding the Civil War.

2. What is the most famous teen book?

Beloved by readers of all generations, The Outsiders is widely considered a groundbreaking piece of literature that paved the way for the entire YA genre—and spawned one of literature's most famous lines of dialogue: “Stay gold, Ponyboy.”

3. What book was the best seller of the 19th century?

Best Sellers: 19th Century U.S. History. Empire of Cotton. ... In the Kingdom of Ice. Hampton Sides.12 Years a Slave (Movie Tie-In) Solomon Northup.Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power. Jon Meacham.Twelve Years a Slave. Solomon Northup.Island of Vice. Richard Zacks.On Gold Mountain. Lisa See.Destiny of the Republic. Candice Millard.

Editor's Notes

During our 19th century united states history book for teens & young adults research, we found 719 19th century united states history book for teens & young adults products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 10,707 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 19th century united states history books for teens & young adults list. We found that most customers choose 19th century united states history books for teens & young adults with an average price of $9.71.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.