Steve Sheinkin really has a knack for making history jump off the page. He writes non-fiction, but it reads with the speed of a thriller. Books like *Bomb* and *The Port Chicago 50* become totally immersive experiences.
If you enjoy authors who create a similar feeling, who take real events and make them read like a can’t-put-it-down story, then you might want to check out these writers.
If you enjoy Steve Sheinkin’s energetic blend of history, adventure, and humor, you might want to check out Nathan Hale. Hale’s series “Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales” brings vivid storytelling and lively illustrations to key moments in history.
For instance, his book “One Dead Spy” tells the story of the Revolutionary War through the eyes of Nathan Hale—yes, the author shares a name with the historical figure he writes about.
In the story, readers follow Hale’s daring missions behind enemy lines, encounters with spies and soldiers, and the tense drama leading up to his famous last words. Nathan Hale uses humor and detail to make history feel fresh and exciting.
If you’re a Steve Sheinkin fan, Hale’s books might quickly become favorites too.
Readers who enjoyed Steve Sheinkin’s talent for bringing historical events vividly to life may find Candace Fleming equally appealing. Fleming is known for her engaging nonfiction that captures real stories in a narrative and accessible style.
Her book “The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia” tells the true story of the last royal family of Russia.
She sets the stage for both drama and tragedy by painting a clear picture of the stark contrasts between the glamorous life of the royal Romanov family and the harsh realities faced by ordinary Russian citizens who eventually rise in rebellion.
Anyone fascinated by history—the personalities, events, and powerful consequences—will want to explore Fleming’s approach.
Readers who enjoy Steve Sheinkin’s lively approach to historical nonfiction might also appreciate Deborah Hopkinson. Hopkinson brings history to life through vivid storytelling and relatable characters.
Her book “Courage & Defiance” captures the bravery of ordinary Danish citizens during World War II. It portrays thoughtful teenagers and determined resistance fighters who stood up against Nazi occupation in remarkable, inspiring ways.
The narrative is fast-paced, full of secret missions, daring escapes, and courageous acts based on true events. Hopkinson combines careful research with an engaging writing style, making history accessible and exciting.
If you enjoy Steve Sheinkin’s vivid historical narratives and engaging true stories, consider exploring books by Phillip Hoose. His title “The Boys Who Challenged Hitler” tells the remarkable true tale of teenage resistance fighters during WW2.
This inspiring account follows Knud Pedersen and his group of Danish friends who bravely stood against Nazi occupation. Hoose skillfully captures their courage, fear, and determination as they secretly sabotage enemy operations.
It’s a real-life adventure highlighting young people’s powerful impact on history.
Books by Russell Freedman bring history into sharp focus with energetic storytelling and lively details. Freedman’s writing makes historical events and figures vivid and accessible, similar to how Steve Sheinkin approaches storytelling.
For example, in “Lincoln: A Photobiography,” Freedman paints a fascinating portrait of Abraham Lincoln that goes beyond the familiar narrative. He weaves Lincoln’s personal life, challenges, and triumphs together seamlessly through photographs and intimate anecdotes.
Readers encounter Lincoln not only as a great president but as a real person with fears, doubts, humor, and a strong sense of purpose. Freedman turns historical figures from distant names on a page into compelling human beings we can genuinely connect with.
Elizabeth Partridge is a nonfiction author who blends storytelling seamlessly with historical research.
Her book “Boots on the Ground: America’s War in Vietnam” presents the Vietnam War through the voices of those who experienced it directly—soldiers, medics, nurses, and refugees.
Partridge weaves together personal accounts and powerful photographs to provide an unflinching look at the harsh realities and complicated emotions surrounding the war.
Readers who appreciate Steve Sheinkin’s ability to humanize history and offer multiple points of view will likely connect with Partridge’s vivid approach and deep empathy for her subjects.
Marc Aronson writes history in a lively, detailed way that draws you into the story, similar to author Steve Sheinkin. His book “Trapped: How the World Rescued 33 Miners from 2,000 Feet Below the Chilean Desert” captures the real-life drama of the 2010 Chilean mining disaster.
Aronson vividly recreates the tense moments deep underground, where the miners faced darkness, hunger, and fear. Above ground, he shows the frantic rescue attempts led by people from around the globe.
The book is full of information but reads with energy and suspense, making readers feel a part of the incredible, true rescue mission.
Books by Tonya Bolden often explore lesser-known stories from American history in a fresh and engaging way. Like Steve Sheinkin, Bolden has a gift for making history accessible and exciting to readers.
Her book “Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass, a Monumental American Man” provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the famous abolitionist’s life beyond the surface.
Readers learn about Douglass’s difficult journey from slavery to becoming an influential voice for freedom and equality.
Bolden gives readers a personal view of Douglass’s strength, struggles, and achievements, and presents him as a complex and relatable figure rather than just a historical icon.
If you enjoy Sheinkin’s style and storytelling, Bolden’s thoughtful and thorough portrayal of historical figures could be an excellent next read.
Matt Phelan is an illustrator and graphic novelist known for vibrant storytelling and historical themes. Readers who enjoy Steve Sheinkin’s lively approach to history will find Phelan’s graphic novel “Bluffton” especially appealing.
In this book, Henry, a young boy from a quiet town, meets a talented performer called Buster Keaton during his summers spent at a nearby artists’ colony.
The novel captures the youthful adventures and friendship between the two boys while providing glimpses into the lively and intriguing world of Vaudeville. With expressive artwork and engaging characters, “Bluffton” immerses readers in a bygone era filled with charm and humor.
Don Brown is a talented author and illustrator known for making historical events come alive through graphic nonfiction. His book “The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees” captures the harsh reality faced by millions displaced by war.
Brown explores this humanitarian crisis with vivid illustrations and heartfelt storytelling. He puts readers face-to-face with real people affected by conflict, helping readers understand the human side of the headlines.
If you’ve enjoyed the narrative nonfiction and engaging style of Steve Sheinkin, then Brown’s visual storytelling might speak to you.
James L. Swanson writes history in a way that pulls readers right into the action. If you enjoy Steve Sheinkin’s fast-paced style of storytelling, you’ll appreciate Swanson’s “Chasing Lincoln’s Killer.”
This book tells the story of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and follows John Wilkes Booth’s dramatic escape as he tries to evade capture. Swanson includes fascinating details from firsthand accounts, police reports, and diary entries.
The blend of suspense and historical accuracy makes it feel personal—almost like being there as history unfolds.
M.T. Anderson is an author who blends history and storytelling in surprising ways. Readers who appreciate Steve Sheinkin’s detailed but lively historical accounts may enjoy Anderson’s book “Symphony for the City of the Dead.”
This book tells a true story set during World War II’s siege of Leningrad. Anderson follows composer Dmitri Shostakovich as he creates music amidst the chaos of war. Anderson brings history to life, combining art, war, courage, and resilience into a story you won’t soon forget.
If you enjoy Steve Sheinkin’s skill in turning complex historical events into thrilling nonfiction, Susan Campbell Bartoletti might also catch your interest.
Her book, “Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow,” reveals the stories of ordinary German children who became caught up in Nazi propaganda.
Bartoletti traces the lives of several adolescents as they face tough choices and become swept into the ideology and actions of Hitler’s regime. Through their personal experiences, readers see history unfold from a fresh, deeply human perspective.
Bartoletti’s clear, engaging style brings these young people’s stories to life in a way that encourages reflection and deeper understanding.
Books by Albert Marrin focus on fascinating historical events and the people behind them. Readers who appreciate Steve Sheinkin’s vivid storytelling and attention to historical detail will find Albert Marrin equally engaging.
In “Uprooted,” Marrin tells the story of the Japanese-American experience during World War II. He describes life before the war, examines the effects of prejudice after Pearl Harbor, and shows how families lived in internment camps.
Marrin builds a clear narrative that explores injustice, courage, and resilience. Readers interested in history from a personal and human perspective will find his work deeply informative and memorable.
Jill Lepore is a writer who brings history to life in ways that fans of Steve Sheinkin will appreciate. In her book “These Truths,” Lepore delivers an engaging and accessible history of the United States.
The book covers topics from the nation’s founding period to the struggles over civil rights and the tensions of modern politics.
Lepore skillfully weaves together stories of political figures, innovators, immigrants, and ordinary citizens to show how their lives shaped America’s journey.
She highlights lesser-known figures whose experiences offer surprising and thought-provoking perspectives, giving readers a deeper understanding of America’s past.
Readers who like Sheinkin’s style of lively, narrative-driven history will find plenty to enjoy in Lepore’s well-crafted storytelling.