Books About the U.S. Civil War

Last updated: May 8, 2019

There's plenty of drama to be found in the 19th-century conflict that erupted after seven Southern states seceded from the United States of America. From 1861 to 1865, the Union Army of the North fought the Confederate Army of the South to reunite the country and eventually abolish slavery. The books on this list -- fiction, nonfiction, classics, and recent releases -- can help kids understand the Civil War and its legacy. For more books about history, check out our lists of Historical Fiction and Graphic Novels That Teach History.

Filter by:
Sort by:
Abraham Poster Image
BOOK

Abraham

age 6+

Powerful bio of Abraham Lincoln uses his own words.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom Poster Image
BOOK

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom

age 6+

Poignant imagining of enslaved people learning of freedom.

Little Women Poster Image
BOOK

Little Women

age 10+

Classic still charms despite outdated gender roles.

The Civil War Poster Image
BOOK

The Civil War

age 10+

Brings Civil War to life; some gruesome photos.

The Red Badge of Courage Poster Image
BOOK

The Red Badge of Courage

age 11+

Compelling Civil War novel questions morality of battle.

The River Between Us Poster Image
BOOK

The River Between Us

age 11+

Civil War realism for young readers.

My Name Is Not Friday Poster Image
BOOK

My Name Is Not Friday

age 12+

Powerful tale of enslaved life near end of U.S. Civil War.

Crossing Ebenezer Creek Poster Image
BOOK

Crossing Ebenezer Creek

age 13+

Heartbreaking tale of newly freed folk on Sherman's March.

Common Sense Media

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.