History is full of puzzles waiting to be explored. These kids’ history books dive into some of the past’s most intriguing mysteries, from vanished civilizations and lost colonies to coded messages and famous disappearances. Some invite young readers to examine clues and weigh the evidence for themselves, while others reveal how historians, scientists, and detectives eventually cracked the case. Together, they show that asking questions, thinking critically, and following the evidence are at the heart of how we understand history.
The Disappearance of the Anasazi
A thriving civilization abandons its cities, and no one knows why
What Do We Know About the Nazca Lines?
Ancient, giant desert drawings pose a mystery only visible from above
What Do We Know About the Mystery of D. B. Cooper?
A hijacker vanishes midair, leaving only questions behind
Patient Zero: Solving the Mysteries of Deadly Epidemics
Tracking historical outbreaks to uncover how deadly diseases begin
History’s Mysteries: Curious Clues, Cold Cases, and Puzzles From the Past
Compilation of mysterious stories from across history