Favorite Modern Times History Books for Grades 4–6

I love sharing great book recommendations with other homeschoolers. Today I’ll be sharing my top picks for grades 4–6 who are studying modern times, about 1850 to the present. I already reviewed books that will give an overview of that time period for the whole family to enjoy together. Today I want to zero in on some additional titles that focus on specific people and events.









I’ll be sharing both American history and world history books, so you can give your 4th–6th grader a global perspective and help him understand that American history did not happen in a vacuum. Much of it affected other countries, and other countries’ people and events affected the U.S. too.



All of my favorite books for this time period are scheduled in the Modern Times and Epistles, Revelation lesson plan book. That will give you daily reading itineraries for all the grades, so you know which books to use on which days and how much to read each time.



American History



Abe Lincoln: Log Cabin to White House by Sterling North 



This one is from the fabulous Landmark book series. I’m so glad this one is still in print. (Word to the wise: if you find any used Landmark books, take a closer look. Most of them are great living history books.) Abe Lincoln: Log Cabin to White House focuses on the years leading up to Lincoln’s presidency. It traces the events that happened in his life and how those events both shaped his character and revealed his character. The final chapter summarizes his role in the Civil War and his assassination. Written by an excellent author, this book is a great biography of a great man for grades 4–6.



Always Inventing: A Photobiography of Alexander Graham Bell by Tom L. Matthew



I really like photobiographies. Looking at the actual photographs makes a lasting impact and helps that person’s life seem more real and personal. This biography covers Bell’s invention of the telephone, of course, but it also emphasizes his work with the deaf and his other inventions; such as, a metal detector that was used when President Garfield was shot and several different experiments he tried with flight. You will also discover his ties to National Geographic, which publishes this book. (By the way, there is a Landmark book called Mr. Bell Invents the Telephone that is really good but, sadly, out of print. If you can find a copy, it would make a great companion to this photobiography. With the story in that book and the photos in this book, it would make a winning combination. But then, this photobiography continues and tells more about his life after the telephone invention.)



I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin Luther King by Margaret Davidson 



I reviewed this book in my top picks for grades 1–3 on modern times. I like to recommend it for grades 4–6 also. It is appropriate and interesting for all the elementary grades. If you have children in both age groups, read it aloud to all of them together.



Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh