Imagining History's Top 10 Children's History Books of 2022
2022 has proven to be an eyeball achingly awesome year for books! In fact, there are so many must-read books out there, that it can be difficult to figure out which must-read must be read. So, dear reader, let us guide you in your book-buying antics. Since we launched Author Interviews and Book Reviews on our Blog earlier this year, we've read more books than you can shake a Kindle at (note: please don't try shaking your Kindle. I have learned through bitter experience that they do not take well to being flung with wanton abandon).
Allow us to guide you then, to the must-read of the must be read, the cream of the crop, the top dogs, the numero unos, the best of the best; in short, the greatest history books for children in 2022. Our love for these books cannot be ranked, so you'll find them listed in no particular order. Just know that each and every one of them is page flippin' marvellous!
Top 10 Children's History Books of 2022
The Ministry of Unladylike Activity by Robin Stevens
"The Ministry of Unladylike Activity is a fast-paced, action-packed murder-mystery thrill-ride that will have you addicted from the very first page. Stevens has created an electrifying storyline with a vivid historic setting, courageous characters, and a brain-scratcher of a mystery to solve. Highly Recommended."
Loki: A Bad God's Guide to being Good by Louie Stowell
Viking mythology is marvellous. It also makes for brilliant modern retellings, as proven by Louie Stowell's hilarious book, Loki: A Bad God's Guide to being Good. After one too many tricks, Loki, the Viking God of Mischief, is banished to live a boring life on Earth as an almost average schoolchild. What follows is a wonderful tale that weaves myths with modern life to terrific effect.
Resist by Tom Palmer
"In Resist, Tom Palmer has captured the sensation of a nation’s oppression in stark relief, and while this is a book aimed at a younger audience it still presents the fear, starvation, and moment-to-moment danger of the Nazi occupation with searing clarity. You can’t help but read of Edda’s exploits without your heart attempting to somersault its way out of your chest, and I regularly found myself clutching at the pages waiting for some awful event to take a further toll on her or her family."
Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile by Dominic Sandbrook
"Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile is a must-read for fans of Ancient Egypt & the Romans. This book is well-researched, detailed, nicely paced, and engaging. It would be easy with what we know of Cleopatra from the Romans to paint her as a villain (as so many often do). Instead, Sandbrook’s Cleopatra is a well-rounded, inspirational figure with strengths, flaws, and true-to-life motivations – this book is a well-deserved fist-bump to this heroic female."
Medicine: A Magnificently Illustrated History by Briony Hudson
The history of medicine is a weird, wonderful, gross, yucky, kind of thing. It is also absolutely fascinating. Briony Hudson does a super job of making this history both accessible and entertaining in equal measure. Plus, thanks to the gorgeous pop art, Medicine: A Magnificently Illustrated History goes down like a spoonful of sugar.
Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy by Sufiya Ahmed
One of the best things about history is that, as historians discover more about a particular period or era, more and more new voices from the past emerge. Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy by Sufiya Ahmed is an excellent example of diverse historical fiction, telling a thrilling story whilst also being cram-packing with historical atmosphere and insights.
How to Spot a Dinosaur by Suzy Senior
Spotting amazing Dinosaur books for young children is tough, there are just so many of them!
For all the mini-Dino spotters out there, we can heartily recommend 'How to Spot a Dinosaur' as a brilliant bedtime read. Like all the best stories for young children, this Dinosaur tale is told in rhyme and filled with gorgeous illustrations.
Talking History by Dr. Joan Haig and Joan Lennon
The knowledge of important speeches is vital to any child's understanding of history. So, what better way to learn about them than in a fun illustrated history book for children? I don't think there is a better way, which is why our eyeballs were supremely impressed by 'Talking History - 150 Years of Speakers and Speeches'. Absolutely well worth a read.
Skandar and the Last Unicorn by Annabel Steadman
"Skandar and the Unicorn Thief' is a must-read for fans of Harry Potter. The fast-paced narrative follows 13-year-old Skandar, a misfit from Margate, as he seeks to throw off the shackles of his ordinary life for an extraordinary one and fulfil his dream of becoming a unicorn rider. Skandar is an authentic and instantly likeable character and I found myself invested in his story from the first page. A highlight of the book was its message of self-belief. It’s only by facing his fears, believing in himself, and learning to trust others that Skandar will be able to solve the puzzle of unicorn island."
The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown by Elizabeth Laird
"The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown is a poignant and amusing coming-of-age story about a pre-teen called Charity Brown. This is a warm and hopeful story of personal growth shared by an entire family."
