School curriculums often provide only what’s cold the tip of the iceberg. Students loose interest due to the fact that history is kind of boring, and many stories are left untold. Fairly enough, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” If you want to know more about the world around you, getting out of the box and spending time with a good history book is an unmatched experience.
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Contrary to what some may think, history is many things, but dull. With the right book, it can be a thorough look through time, filled with intrigue, drama, and insight. To help you get started, we’ve gathered a list of 20 books that are perfect for both students, beginners, and basically all who are new to American history.
Whether you’re a student looking for proper sources or just searching for a way to broaden your knowledge; a foreigner interested in American history and politics; or just a beginner history fiend with a taste for excellent literature – these books will deliver. So, grab one and let the adventure begin!
TLDR
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Best American history books for students (no order):
·”A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn |
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Best American history books for beginners (also no order):
·”A Short History of the United States” by Robert V. Remini |
Top 10 American History Books for Students
Dates, names, dates again, and then names… Does it ever end? Sometimes, history class can be so exhausting, that no motivation is left for even reading the material. However, history can be fun just like your favorite movie or podcast episode, when you get your hands on a good book. Below you can find some of them!
A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
This book offers a different perspective on American history, with focus on the experiences of ordinary people rather than political leaders (eat the rich). Zinn presents an alternative narrative filled with the voices of women, African Americans, Native Americans, and laborers. If you want to get a more inclusive view of the nation’s past, this thought-provoking read will definitely challenge your traditional historical narratives.
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
This biography discovers in details the Lincoln’s leadership during one of America’s most difficult periods, the Civil War. Goodwin describes and analyzes how Lincoln’s ability to work with his political rivals was key to his success as a leader. The book gives you insights into his strategic thinking and the circumstances of his presidency.
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
Wilkerson’s book outlines chronicles the migration of Black Americans from the South to the North and West, from the early 20th century through the 1970s. It’s a bit of a hard read, but also a deeply moving narrative that tells us about on the struggles and triumphs of those who sought a better life away from the oppressive Jim Crow laws.
1776 by David McCullough
This book with many different accounts in it focuses on the year of 1776, during the American Revolution. McCullough brings to life the challenges faced by George Washington and his troops as they fought for independence. It’s a detailed retelling of one of many turning points in American history.
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James M. McPherson
McPherson’s creats overview of the Civil War era which is a must-read for anyone interested in this period of American history. The book covers the political, social, and military aspects of the war, and leaves you with a well-rounded understanding of the causes and outcomes of the conflict.
The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
This classic work by Du Bois is a collection of essays that look into the African American experience at the turn of the 20th century. Du Bois вуискшіуи the challenges of racism, the quest for identity, and the struggle for civil rights. It is truly a seminal work in American literature and history.
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
This book tells the fascinating story of President James A. Garfield’s assassination and its impact on American citizens and political discourse. Millard details the medical practices of the time and the political conflicts surrounding Garfield’s presidency, and it give this lesser-known chapter of American history a unique glimpse.
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches by S.C. Gwynne
Gwynne’s book tells the story of the rise and fall of the Comanche tribe, one of the most powerful Native American tribes in history. The book focuses on the life of Quanah Parker, the last Comanche chief, and the clash between the Comanches and European settlers. A must read!
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
This biography of Orville and Wilbur Wright offers an inspiring look at the lives of the brothers who invented the first successful airplane. You have surely heard of them, but have you ever wondered how they got to that point? McCullough details their perseverance, ingenuity, and the troubles they faced in their mission to achieve powered flight.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Skloot’s book tells the remarkable story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor Black woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge and used to create the first immortal human cell line. The book raises controversial but important questions about ethics, race, and scientific research in general.
Top 10 American History Books for Beginners
It’s never too late to start learning history! Whether you’re a beginner, dipping your toes in the subject, or someone from outside the US looking to learn more, reading is a fantastic way to get the basics of American history. Here’s a list of 10 books that are perfect for those just starting out.
A Short History of the United States by Robert V. Remini
This book is like a crash course in American history. It’s perfect for beginners as it covers all the major events and figures in a ‘bullet point’ and easy-to-understand manner. It’s your go-to guide for getting a quick overview without getting bogged down in details (and we know, American history got plenty).
Don’t Know Much About History: Everything You Need to Know About American History but Never Learned by Kenneth C. Davis
Think of this book as the fun uncle of history books. It gives you history facts in a conversational and entertaining way, which makes it ideal for those who want to learn without feeling like they’re studying. Rather, just talking to a wise friend or like getting a history lesson without the homework.
Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen
Ever heard of “Mythbusters”? This book is like one but for American history. It’s great for people who want to get a different perspective on what they might have learned in school. For some, it might even be a wake-up call to question and explore history with not a grain, but a pint of salt.
American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodard
This book read into the different “personalities” of each region, and is perfect for those who want to thoroughly explore the cultural diversity of the country. If you were looking for a road trip through American history, this might be the one.
The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians by David M. Rubenstein
This book is like a VIP pass to a history conference, because it features interviews with famous historians discussing various American presidents and historical events. It’s a great way to get introduced to different viewpoints and topics in a digestible format and get exclusive statements.
Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J. Ellis
What if the history of founding fathers was told like a plot of “The Real Housewives” episode? Well, you might get this when you decide to pick up this book. It’s perfect for beginners who want to understand the personal relationships and conflicts that shaped the early years of the United States.
The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People by Alan Brinkley
This book is a well-organized history museum of books. It provides readers with a clear overview of American history. For those, who are looking to get a solid grounding in the subject, it should be high on the checklist.
These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore
Lepore’s book is best described as a panoramic photograph of American history. It tells a story that covers political, social, and cultural aspects, and caprivates the reader from the first pages, so we highly advise you to check it out.
America’s Hidden History: Untold Tales of the First Pilgrims, Fighting Women, and Forgotten Founders Who Shaped a Nation by Kenneth C. Davis
This book shines a spotlight on the lesser-known stories and characters of American history. It’s perfect for people who are curious about the untold tales that don’t always make it into textbooks (or better to say, never). The history is practically built on untold stories, so better learn them now than not at all.
Revolutionary Mothers: Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence by Carol Berkin
Berkin’s book gives a voice to the women who played underestimated but important roles in the American Revolution. It’s an great read for those who are interested in looking into the contributions of women to the nation’s history. In some way, the women mentioned were not the mothers of a fimaly, but the whole nation.
Here you go. Did you make it until the end? We hope that after looking through our list, your ‘to-read’ note gained a few new points. Learning history can be enjoyable easily, if you pay attention to the right reads.
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