U.S. Presidents Aren’t Boring

Try these tween books on U.S. presidents to find out something you won't learn in school.

Two Miserable Presidents: Steve Sheinkin's guide to obscure Civil War history is well researched, yet thoroughly entertaining. It includes grisly details like Senator Charles Sumner's speech claiming the pro-slavery soldiers were "picked from the drunken spew and vomit," and how he was later beaten for his remarks.

The Smart Aleck's Guide to American History: This conversational guide includes some of the lesser-known quotes from American history ("What is the chief end of man?--to get rich. In what way?---dishonestly if we can; honestly if we must."--Mark Twain), multiple-choices quizzes ("Which Civil War guy had the best nickname?") and whole sidebars devoted to minor but fun ideas, like flapper slang.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer: In this fast-paced book, James L. Swanson adapts his adult book Manhunt for a younger audience. This exciting day-by-day account of Lincoln's final hours and the chase for John Wilkes Booth and his accomplices will have you on the edge of your seat. It's all wrapped in an attractive package, featuring cliffhanger chapters and sepia-toned photographs and primary documents.

Who says American history has to be boring?