📖 The Ancient Chinese World from Oxford University Press. This book in the World in Ancient Times series gives a fantastic in-depth overview of Ancient China. The authors use “primary sources—turtle shells, clay pots, an ancient wall, folk songs, poetry, and more—to construct a lively history of the politicians, farmers, warriors, and philosophers who created and shaped the ancient Chinese world.” – Middle

📖 China: Land of Dragons and Emperors by Adeline Yen Mah. If you’re looking to survey all of Chinese history, from the first emperor to the Communist Revolution, Land of Dragons and Emperors is a terrific choice. This 235-page chapter book covers the Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. The final chapter is entitled “No More Emperors?” A good read-aloud for upper elementary or independent read for a middle or high school student. – All

📖 At Home in Her Tomb: Lady Dai and the Ancient Chinese Treasures of Mawangdui by Christine Liu-Perkins. In 1972, a Han dynasty burial chamber was excavated to reveal a well-preserved mummy (identified as Lady Dai) and an incredible trove of artifacts that gave new insight into the lives of the Han ruling class. In this chapter book, Liu-Perkins details the excavation efforts and the discoveries made in the chamber. End materials include historic details and a timeline of the Qin and Early Han Dynasties. – Middle

🔗 Content Connection: Asia in the Middle Ages. Continue to follow the history of China into the Middle Ages.

📖 The Silk Route: 7000 Miles of History by John Major. Here’s an appealing picture book that follows the path of trade along the Silk Route, from Chang’an to Byzantium, in the year 700 AD. The colorful map helps orient the reader while the clear text and charming images make this book a must-read addition to a study of the Silk Route. End materials give a closer look at silk, caravan life, Buddhism, and more. – Elementary

📖 The Great Wall by Elizabeth Mann. Here is another fascinating, information-packed entry in Mann’s Wonders of the World Series: “This is the story of a people's struggle for absolute security in a violent and dangerous world. Needing defense against the Mongols whose empire encompassed most of the known world, the Chinese built the Great Wall of China over 200 years. Thousands of miles long, the Wall was guarded by over a million soldiers manning thousands of forts and towers.” Highly recommended. – Elementary • Middle

📖 Confucius: Great Teacher of China by Demi. From acclaimed author and illustrator Demi, this is a good picture book introduction to Confucius: “His sayings are repeated throughout the world. His teachings set the course of Chinese society for 2,500 years. But Confucius remains merely a name to many readers, rather than the central figure of world history that he deserves to be. – Elementary

📖 Confucius: The Golden Rule by Russell Freedman. Here’s an in-depth, really engaging biography of Confucius, who lived in China over 2500 years ago. The old-style paintings nicely complement the text. Perfect for upper elementary or middle school students. – Elementary • Middle

📖 The Legend of Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching by Demi. This is a nicely written and illustrated introduction to the (possibly legendary) ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, who is said to have founded Taoism and written the Tao Te Ching—“Way of Heaven.” – Elementary

📖 The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by Gabrielle Wang. Here is a lovely and simple picture book account of the traditional Chinese legend: “Long ago in ancient China, the Jade Emperor, ruler of heaven and earth, proclaimed a mighty race, saying that the first twelve animals to cross the river would have a year named after them. . . . But thirteen animals are racing for only twelve places on the Zodiac. Who will be honest, and who devious? Who will help friends along the way? Who will come first—and who will miss out?” – Preschool • Elementary

📖 The Empty Pot by Demi. Demi’s gentle retelling of this Chinese tale reveals the importance of character and honesty. “A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. Anything he planted burst into bloom. The Emperor loved flowers too. When it was time to choose an heir, he gave a flower seed to each child in the kingdom. ‘Whoever can show me their best in a year's time,’ he proclaimed, ‘shall succeed me to the throne!’ ” – Preschool • Elementary

📖 The Lost Horse by Ed Young. This is a nice version of the ancient Chinese proverb of the Lost Horse and his wise owner. Perfect for young children. – Preschool • Elementary