American Historical Chapter Books Set Between 1850-1900 (Non-Civil War)

When I was in middle school and high school, I never enjoyed history. Most of what I remember involved reading from a textbook, memorizing dates, cramming for lots of really long tests, and then forgetting most of what I learned.

I also never felt like I understood history cohesively. I learned about the Greeks or the Middle Ages or the Revolutionary War, but I didn’t really grasp how those fit together on a timeline of world history.

Ever since becoming a mom and reading lots of “living” historical books with my kids, I have finally started to grasp how the puzzle pieces of history fit together. As you study a historical time period, one of the best ways to really learn about it (and remember it!) is to experience it through historical literature set in that particular time period.

I wanted to offer some ideas for books that specifically do not have to do directly with the Civil War (that’s a post for another day!), but are set between 1850-1899 and offer great insight into American history during those years.

By The Great Horn Spoon (1848-1855)

This book is set during the California Gold Rush, which lasted from 1848-1855. It is the coming-of-age story of 12-year-old Jack, who travels west to look for gold himself when his Aunt Arabella loses all of her money. This is a wonderful book for studying the Gold Rush or just to use as a fun, tongue-in-cheek read-aloud.

Riding Freedom (1850s)

One of our absolute favorite audio books of all time, this book tells the story of Charlotte Parkhurst, a young girl who disguises herself as a boy and heads west to make a new life for herself. To this day she is the earliest female voter in the state of California (she registered and voted as Charlie Parkhurst in 1869), and her entire community was shocked upon her death to find out she was actually a woman. There is an abundance of action and friendship and adventure that keeps this story moving quickly.

Old Yeller (1860s)

This classic is set in 1860s Texas and tells the story of 14-year-old Travis and the stray dog he finds and loves. This is one installment in what I call the “Trilogy of Sad Dog Books,” which also includes Where the Red Fern Grows and Shiloh. Seriously, though, if you’re ready for a good cry, you can’t miss this one.

Caddie Woodlawn (1860s)

Read my thoughts on this book here in my roundup of Newbery reviews.

Locomotive (1869)

This Caldecott-winner is a beauitfully-illustrated fountain of knowledge about early railroads in America. The reader follows an 1869 train as it crosses the U.S. on the Transcontinental Railroad and experiences all of the sights, sounds, and smells of the trip. While this is a picture book, it’s actually more suitable for older elementary kids as it is long and very detailed.

One Came Home (1871)

It’s 1871 in Lake Placid, Wisconsin, and one day Georgie’s sister, Agatha, goes missing. While many assume that she is gone forever, Georgie is determined to find her sister and bring her back home amid the landscape of 1870’s America.

The Little House Series (1870s-1880s)

Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in 1867, and the Little House series spans her life from about age 5 until age 20. There are very few series’ that have meant as much to both my kids and me as this one has, and you can read more of my thoughts about it here. When it comes to combining historical accuracy with family values (plus quite a bit of adventure along the way), don’t miss reading through this whole series.

Prairie Lotus (1880)

Young Hanna, a half-Asian girl living in America’s heartland in 1880, seeks to find belonging and fulfill her dreams even when she doesn’t feel like she fits in. If you love the Little House books, this one will really resonate.

Summer of the Monkeys (1890s)

Set in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma, this book tells the story of 14-year-old Jay Berry. When he stumbles upon a tree full of monkeys, his grandfather encourages him to try and catch them and return them to the local circus from which they were lost. In the process, he learns about himself and the faith it takes to make miracles happen.

Serafina and the Black Cloak (1890s)

If you have ever visited the beautiful Biltmore Mansion in North Carolina, you can’t miss this book. Serafina lives secretly in the basement of the Biltmore with her maintenance-man father during the Gilded Age, and she must find and reveal the identity of the man in the black cloak, who is causing all of the children to mysteriously disappear. If you have a fantasy-lover, this has a wonderful blend of both history and magic that appeals to young listeners.

Sounder (very late 1800s)

A poor black sharecropping family who rarely has enough to eat relies on their beloved dog, Sounder, to help bring home meat. Yet when the father is unjustly arrested, the boy must find hope and justice with the help of his faithful dog.

Sarah, Plain and Tall (late 1800s)

Anna and Caleb’s mother has died, and so her father puts an advertisement out for a new wife. Sarah Wheaton responds to the request and moves out west from Maine, and together they decide if they can become a family. This is a short, wonderful read particularly for the younger listeners (ages 6 and up).

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (1899)

This coming-of-age story follows 11-year-old Calpurnia, whose love of nature and science leave her wrestling with what it looks like to be a young lady in 1899 Texas. Her mother is keen on having her grow up to be a proper lady since she is the only girl of seven children, while Calpurnia wants to follow her grandfather into a career in the sciences. Parent note: This book does explain evolution from a child’s perspective, so be prepared to have that discussion.

Our Only May Amelia (1899)

May Amelia is a young Washington girl navigating the challenges of pioneer life and of having seven older brothers. This is a meaningful story of family and adventure that was inspired by the real journal entries of the author’s aunt.

Do you have any other favorites from this time period?