1837- 1901
Victorian England, during Queen Victoria’s reign, was a time of great change and progress. The era saw rapid industrialization and urbanization, which transformed cities and the economy. Social reforms attempted to address subpar working conditions, education, and public health. Driven by exploration, the British Empire expanded significantly, influencing global politics and trade. This period also experienced significant cultural developments, with advancements in literature, science, and the arts.
Picture books
Oliver Twist and Other Great Dickens Stories
Playful picture retelling of five Dickens stories
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The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London’s Poop Pollution Problem
Engaging true story of the engineer who fixed a stinky problem in London
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Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine
Fun true story about Queen Victoria
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The Tree of Life: A Book Depicting the Life of Charles Darwin- Naturalist, Geologist & Thinker
Gorgeous introduction to Darwin’s life and work
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A Boy Called Dickens
Engaging story of Dickens’ childhood
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Animals Robert Scott Saw: An Adventure in the Antarctic
Introduction to Robert Scott’s expedition through the animals he encountered
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Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations
Lively story of Dickens’ life and work
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Trapped by the Ice!: Shackleton’s Amazing Antarctic Adventure
Exciting story of Shackleton’s misadventure and rescue
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Animals Charles Darwin Saw
Introduction to Darwin’s expeditions through the animals he encountered
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What Darwin Saw: The Journey That Changed the World
Accessible introduction to Darwin’s first voyage, based on his diary
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Chapter books
Street Child
Fictionalized story of a real boy who lived on the streets of London
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History Spies: The Great Exhibition Mission
Time travel guide that teaches about 1851 London, during the Great Exhibition
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The Secret Diary of Jane Pinny, Victorian House Maid
A Victorian maid solves a mystery
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Victoria: May Blossom of Britannia, England, 1829
Fictional diary from a teenage Queen Victoria
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Non-fiction books
Eyewitness Victorians
Comprehensive reference with great photos
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A Visual Dictionary of Victorian Life
Accessible introduction to everyday life in Victorian England and America
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Horrible Histories: Vile Victorians
Playful overview of the Victorians
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You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Victorian Servant!:
Humorous guide to life as a Victorian servant
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Horrible Histories: Barmy British Empire
Playful overview of the British Empire
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The Illustrated World of the Victorians
Gentle introduction to everyday life in the Victorian era
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You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Victorian Miner!
Humorous guide to life as a Victorian miner
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Horrible Histories: Villainous Victorians
Playful overview of the Victorians, part 2
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Daily Life in a Victorian House
Introduction to daily domestic life for the Victorians
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This is History: The Impact of Empire
Thorough introduction to the British Empire and its legacy
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Biographies
Who Was Queen Victoria?
Excellent introduction to Queen Victoria
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Who Was Charles Darwin?
Excellent introduction to the explorer and scientist
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Who Was Lewis Carroll?
Excellent introduction to the author and mathematician
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Who Was Charles Dickens?
Excellent introduction to Charles Dickens
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Who Was Ernest Shackleton?
Excellent introduction to the explorer
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