As 8th graders explore their American history curriculum, it can be helpful to have some engaging books to back up the lesson plan. The Civil War is a particularly important part of the American experience and there are a variety of books available for 8th graders to explore in order to gain a deeper understanding of this crucial part of history. These books cover a range of topics and provide an in-depth look at the Civil War to help 8th graders gain a better understanding of this period. Here are some of the best Civil War books for 8th graders.
Best Civil War Books For 8th Graders
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
What Was Pearl Harbor?
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
United States History: Guided Reading Workbook Civil War to the Present
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Lincoln’s Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Great Battles for Boys: Bunker Hill to WWI
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
The White Devil’s Daughters: The Women Who Fought Slavery in San Francisco’s Chinatown
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
They Have Killed Papa Dead!: The Road to Ford’s Theatre, Abraham Lincoln’s Murder, and the Rage for Vengeance
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Mark Twain – Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction, Grades 6 – 12 (American History Series)
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
American History: A Captivating Guide to the History of the United States of America, American Revolution, Civil War, Chicago, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, and Gulf War
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy (Great Episodes)
|
7. 2
|
1. What Was Pearl Harbor?
What Was Pearl Harbor? is an informative book written by Daniel E. Harmon. It provides an easy to understand yet comprehensive overview of the historic event that happened on December 7, 1941. Harmon explains the background leading up to the attack as well as the aftermath of the attack. He also provides an in-depth analysis of the various political, military, and economic forces that were at play during this time. The book is filled with vivid descriptions and photographs to help readers understand the magnitude of the attack. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks to learn more about this significant moment in history.
- Provides an in-depth history of the attack on Pearl Harbor, including the events leading up to it and the aftermath
- Analyzes the strategic decisions made by the Japanese and American forces and their results
- Explores the experiences of the individuals involved in the attack
- Includes archival photographs and film footage to bring the history alive
- Discusses the social and political implications of the attack
2. United States History: Guided Reading Workbook Civil War to the Present
This United States History: Guided Reading Workbook Civil War to the Present is an excellent resource for students studying the history of the United States. It covers the Civil War era through the present day, and provides a comprehensive overview of the events and people that made up this era of American history. The workbook follows a chronological timeline, and helps students to understand the timeline of events in a more organized way. Each chapter is broken down into smaller topics, with detailed explanations and examples. There are also activities, quizzes, and activities to help students better understand the material. Overall, this is a great resource for anyone studying the history of the United States, and I highly recommend it.
- Contains over 150 guided reading activities to help students understand and review key topics in US History from the Civil War to the Present
- Includes topics such as Reconstruction, Immigration, Industrialization, WWI, WWII, the Cold War, and more
- Features photographs, charts, and diagrams to enhance student understanding
- Includes questions and activities to test student knowledge and comprehension
- Helpful for independent or group work, assessment, and review
3. A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story
A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story is an incredibly powerful book. The story follows two perspectives, one of a young girl in Sudan in 2008, and the other of a boy in Sudan in 1985, as they struggle to survive and to find water amidst the civil war that is tearing their country apart. The story is full of emotion and strength, and it will stay with you long after you turn the last page. The author, Linda Sue Park, does an excellent job of conveying the hardships and struggles of the people of Sudan, and the book is a testament to their courage and resilience. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an inspiring and uplifting story. It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the people of Sudan and the long, hard journey they must undertake in order to survive.
- Based on the true story of a young boy who helps his community in the Sudanese Civil War
- Follows two timelines, one of a young girl from 2008, and the other of the boy in 1985
- Explores themes of courage and perseverance in times of adversity
- Provides a lens through which to explore the humanitarian crisis in Sudan
- Written by New York Times best-selling author Linda Sue Park
4. Lincoln’s Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness
Lincoln’s Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness is an excellent book that delves into the issue of depression and its effect on one of the greatest presidents of the United States. Written by Joshua Wolf Shenk, the book provides an in-depth exploration of Abraham Lincolns personal struggles with melancholy and how it shaped his life, leadership, and legacy.
The book is well-researched and provides a comprehensive look into Lincolns life and depression, including both his childhood and adult life. It takes a compassionate and thoughtful approach to the subject matter, giving readers an understanding of the challenges Lincoln faced and the ways in which he overcame them. The text is grounded in historical and psychoanalytic sources and framed in an engaging narrative.
Overall, I would highly recommend Lincoln’s Melancholy to anyone interested in the life of Abraham Lincoln. It is both an informative and moving read that sheds light on the struggles of depression and how it can positively shape the life of a leader. This book offers a unique perspective that any student of history or psychology can benefit from.
- Explores how President Abraham Lincolns lifelong struggle with melancholia informed his approach to leadership and moral judgement during the Civil War.
- Analyzes how Lincolns understanding of his own vulnerability and darkness enabled him to empathise with his enemies, to forge unlikely alliances, and to find strength in adversity.
- Draws on extensive research and original sources to tell the story of Lincolns lifelong battle with depression.
- Includes portraits of people who influenced Lincolns thinking, as well as reflections from modern-day doctors and therapists to provide insight into his condition.
5. Great Battles for Boys: Bunker Hill to WWI
I recently purchased Great Battles for Boys: Bunker Hill to WWI, and I was pleasantly surprised. The book takes readers on a journey through some of the most important battles in history, giving information on the strategies, tactics, and important figures of each. The writing is clear, concise, and engaging, making the reading enjoyable and interactive. The book has plenty of illustrations and photos, which help to bring the stories to life. The book also includes a timeline, making it easy to track what happened and when. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in studying history or just wanting to explore an engaging read.
- Includes history and facts about 16 famous battles from Bunker Hill to World War I
- Interactive maps illustrate the progress of each battle
- Compares the strengths and weaknesses of each side
- Includes questions and activities to reinforce learning
- Developed for ages 8-12
6. The White Devil’s Daughters: The Women Who Fought Slavery in San Francisco’s Chinatown
The White Devil’s Daughters: The Women Who Fought Slavery in San Francisco’s Chinatown is an amazing book that tells the story of how Chinese-American women fought against slavery in San Francisco. The book focuses on the courage and bravery of the women who led the fight against this horrific system, and the challenges they faced in order to do so. It’s a fascinating look at a time in history that is often overlooked and is a poignant reminder of the power of activism and the importance of standing up for what is right. The stories of the women who fought against slavery in San Francisco are truly inspiring, and this book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and the fight for civil rights. Highly recommended!
- Based on true accounts of the women who fought against slavery in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 19th century
- Tells the story of how these women overcame racism and sexism to become powerful advocates of civil rights
- Includes accounts of their struggles against the insidious forces of economic and political oppression
- Analyzes the cultural and social forces at play in the Chinese American community of the time
- Provides insight into how the fight against slavery shaped the history of San Francisco and the nation
- Explores the impact of these women’s actions on the lives of Chinese Americans and the wider community
7. They Have Killed Papa Dead!: The Road to Ford’s Theatre, Abraham Lincoln’s Murder, and the Rage for Vengeance
7. They Have Killed Papa Dead!: The Road to Ford’s Theatre, Abraham Lincoln’s Murder, and the Rage for Vengeance is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning about the events that unfolded following the presidents assassination in April 1865. Author Anthony S. Pitch does an excellent job of providing a detailed account of the political and social environment that existed in the days, weeks, and months leading up to the assassination. The book is filled with detailed accounts of the different people that were involved in the plot to kill the president, and of the investigations that followed. Pitch also includes detailed accounts of the mood of the nation at the time, and of the popular reaction to the assassination. For anyone interested in learning more about the assassination of President Lincoln, 7. They Have Killed Papa Dead!: The Road to Ford’s Theatre, Abraham Lincoln’s Murder, and the Rage for Vengeance is a must-read.
- A comprehensive history of the events leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination at Ford’s Theatre.
- Narrative of the murders of President Lincoln and Lincoln’s Secretary of State, William Seward.
- Exploration of the political and social repercussions of the assassination.
- In-depth examination of the anger and thirst for revenge that followed.
- Analysis of how the death of the nation’s leader changed the nation’s future trajectory.
- Unique perspective on the assassination and its aftermath.
- Detailed accounts of the various conspiracies and theories surrounding Lincoln’s death.
8. Mark Twain – Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction, Grades 6 – 12 (American History Series)
I recently used the 8th edition of Mark Twain’s “Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction, Grades 6 – 12” in my American History class and I was thoroughly impressed. This book is filled with detailed and accurate information about this period of American history, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of this crucial time in our country’s past. The author’s style of writing is engaging and the illustrations are rich and vivid. The accompanying study guide is also very helpful and provides in-depth analysis of the topics covered. All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to brush up on their knowledge of this period in American history.
- Explores the history of U.S. slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction
- Comprehensive resource for students in grades 6-12
- In-depth coverage of topics including the Underground Railroad, the abolitionist movement, and the impact of the Civil War
- Engaging activities, primary source documents, timelines, and maps to bring these topics to life
- Written by renowned author Mark Twain
- Part of the American History Series
9. American History: A Captivating Guide to the History of the United States of America, American Revolution, Civil War, Chicago, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, and Gulf War
This book is an incredibly comprehensive and captivating introduction to the history of the United States of America. It offers a detailed insight into the American Revolution, Civil War, Chicago, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, and Gulf War. It is clear that the author has devoted much time and effort to research and compile this book.
The information provided is thorough and well organized, making it easy to understand. The book is engaging and provides a great overview of American history. It is written in a way that makes it enjoyable to read and provides a unique perspective on the history of the United States.
Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to gain an understanding of the history of the United States. It provides an in-depth look at some of the most important events in American history, offering an insight that is both educational and captivating. Highly recommended!
- Comprehensive overview of the history of the United States of America
- Detailed examination of the American Revolution, Civil War, and Gulf War
- In-depth look at the Roaring Twenties and Great Depression
- Exploration of the history of cities like Chicago
- Detailed account of the bombing of Pearl Harbor
10. Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy (Great Episodes)
10. Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy (Great Episodes) is an absolutely amazing and inspiring story. It tells the true story of Emma Edmonds, a Civil War spy who disguised herself as a man in order to serve the Union Army. It is a tale of bravery, courage and sheer determination in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative moves between her childhood and her service as a spy and her later struggles with depression and PTSD. It is a very moving and thought-provoking story and it is sure to inspire and motivate its readers. Highly recommended.
- Provides an accurate and dramatic account of the life of a woman who spied for the Union during the Civil War.
- Includes behind-the-scenes stories about Emma Edmonds and her quest for freedom.
- Describes how Emma Edmonds used her wit and courage to take on dangerous missions in enemy territory.
- Tells the story of how Emma Edmonds and her team uncovered a Con
