Best Genealogy Books for Every Family Historian – FamilyTreeDNA Gift Guide 2025

By: Courtney Eberhard

Explore the best genealogy books of 2025 and find thoughtful reads that make family history fun to explore and even more meaningful to share.

If you’ve ever wondered what to give the family historian who already has everything, we’ve got you covered. FamilyTreeDNA has been leading the way in genetic genealogy for over 25 years, offering trusted DNA testing kits that reveal the people and places behind every family story. Whether your loved one wants to explore both sides of their ancestry or dig deeper into their maternal or paternal lines, this guide will help you find the perfect match.

Whether you’re shopping for a curious beginner or a lifelong researcher, these FamilyTreeDNA gift ideas make it easy to find the right test for every story.

Note: Some of the websites linked in this post are affiliate partners of FamilyTreeDNA. While we do not earn any commission from book sales, the retailer may receive a commission if you purchase a FamilyTreeDNA test through their links.

Explore each reading category in our genealogy book gift guide.
Jump to a section:
DNA Detectives | History Buffs | Story Seekers

For the DNA Detectives

From beginners decoding their first test results to advanced researchers building complex genetic trees, these books help readers unlock the science behind family connections. Each one offers expert insights, clear guidance, and practical applications for genetic genealogy.

Roberta Estes, founder of the popular blog DNAeXplained, has been a leading educator in the genetic genealogy space for over a decade. Her newest book, The Complete Guide to FamilyTreeDNA, is both comprehensive and approachable—a one-stop resource for anyone who wants to make the most of their DNA results.

Best for:

Anyone with a FamilyTreeDNA test or wanting to understand our unique tools and reports.

Why it made our list:

Our team considers this the gold standard for navigating FamilyTreeDNA’s features. Roberta’s clear explanations, step-by-step walkthroughs, and real-world examples make complex concepts easy to understand. Whether you’re brand new to DNA testing or have years of experience, this book helps you connect the dots between your results and your family story.

Key features:

• Explains every DNA test in approachable, easy-to-understand language.
• Offers practical guidance for interpreting matches, using FamilyTreeDNA tools, and building your own DNA pedigree chart.
• Helps readers connect test results to family stories with clear next-step advice and real-world examples.

Dave Vance, Senior Vice President and General Manager at FamilyTreeDNA, is a leading voice in Y-DNA analysis and project management. Known for developing SAPP (Still Another Phylogeny Program), Dave distills years of hands-on expertise into this accessible and practical guide for genealogists who want to get more out of their Y-DNA results.

Best for:

Intermediate genealogists who have taken, or are interested in taking, a Y-DNA test and want to better understand their results.

Why it made our list:

This book is a direct reflection of Dave’s deep knowledge and passion for genetic genealogy. Our team values it as the most comprehensive yet approachable resource for learning how to organize, interpret, and expand Y-DNA data.

Key features:

• Introduces Y-DNA testing in plain language, making it easy for anyone to get started. No genetics background required.
• Explains how to read, interpret, and apply Y-DNA results to your own genealogy and surname projects.
• Connects the science behind Y-DNA to its real-world power for uncovering paternal origins and ancestral connections.

Diahan Southard has helped thousands of genealogists make sense of their DNA results through her courses, guides, and online workshops. In this updated 2025 edition of Your DNA Guide: The Book, she walks readers through the process of understanding and applying their results, using her signature conversational tone and simple, actionable steps.
Designed to pair with her Your DNA Guide: The Workbook, this edition turns the complexity of DNA testing into a series of clear, confidence-building discoveries.

Best for:

Beginners who want a clear, guided approach to using their DNA results to uncover family connections.

Why it made our list:

Our team loves Diahan’s gift for making science feel personal. Her resources include FamilyTreeDNA-specific guides and courses for Y-DNA, mtDNA, and Family Finder users—making her work one of the most accessible ways to dive deeper into genetic genealogy. This new edition expands on her proven method with updated visuals, interactive exercises, and friendly encouragement at every step.

Key features:

• Simplifies DNA interpretation through an easy-to-follow, step-by-step framework.
• Integrates exercises and visuals from the companion Your DNA Guide: The Workbook.
• Offers platform-specific tips, including tools and examples from FamilyTreeDNA.

DNA for Native American Genealogy is the most comprehensive guide available for using DNA to explore Indigenous ancestry. This in-depth reference explains how to interpret results, identify matches, and understand the genetic patterns connected to Native American heritage. With detailed charts, maps, and examples, Roberta Estes provides both scientific insight and actionable steps for tracing ancestry across the United States and Canada.

Best for:

Researchers seeking to identify or confirm Native American ancestry through DNA testing and family history research

Why it made our list:

Our team values this book for its clarity, depth, and respect for its subject matter. It’s widely recognized as the leading reference on DNA and Native American genealogy, offering a balanced, evidence-based approach. Estes, who has Native American ancestry herself, used the very methods outlined in this book to confirm her own lineage—bringing personal experience and proven expertise together in one trusted resource.

Key features:

• Step-by-step guidance for using DNA tools from the four major testing companies, including FamilyTreeDNA.
• Clear explanations of haplogroups, population genetics, and chromosome painting to uncover ancestral patterns.
• Detailed regional haplogroup charts, maps, and research checklists for exploring Native American ancestry.

The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy is one of the most trusted and top-rated introductions to DNA testing for family historians. Written in Blaine Bettinger’s signature plain-English style, this essential guide explains how to choose the right test, interpret your results, and use them to answer real family history questions. It’s a must-have for anyone beginning their journey into genetic genealogy.

Best for:

Beginners who want a clear, comprehensive overview of how DNA testing supports and enhances family history research.

Why it made our list:

Our team recommends this book as a foundation for every genetic genealogist’s library. Even though it was last updated in 2016, it remains a go-to reference in the genetic genealogy community. Its approachable language, practical examples, and detailed breakdowns help demystify DNA for readers at every level.

Key features:

• Provides clear, visual explanations of Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal testing.
• Includes diagrams, case studies, and step-by-step examples for interpreting DNA results.
• Though some science has advanced since publication, it remains the most widely recommended foundational guide for new testers.

Richard Hill’s Guide to DNA Testing remains one of the simplest introductions to the world of genetic genealogy. Drawing from his personal experience as an adoptee who successfully used DNA to uncover his family roots, Hill explains the major test types, what they’re used for, and how to avoid common pitfalls when choosing a test.

Best for:

Absolute beginners who want a quick, easy-to-understand overview before diving into more advanced DNA resources.

Why it made our list:

Our team appreciates this concise guide for what it is—a clear, affordable starting point for newcomers to DNA testing. Even though the field has evolved since its publication, it remains a trusted, approachable first step for anyone curious about how DNA can connect them to their ancestry.

Key features:

• Provides a broad overview of DNA testing options and basic concepts in plain English.
• Offers direct links to trusted resources and real-world examples based on the author’s experience.
• Budget-friendly: available for under $10 and often included with Kindle Unlimited.

Genetic Genealogy in Practice is more than a book. It’s a workbook designed to help genealogists actively learn and apply DNA analysis methods. Each chapter introduces new concepts, followed by hands-on exercises and answer keys to reinforce learning. Used in collegiate genealogy programs and published by the National Genealogical Society, it’s widely recognized as one of the most respected educational tools in the field.

Best for:

Intermediate genealogists or students who want structured, guided practice applying DNA techniques to real-world research.

Why it made our list:

Our team recommends this title for anyone ready to go beyond theory and start practicing genetic genealogy methods. It’s rigorous yet approachable, offering an academic-quality learning experience you can complete at your own pace. Many professional courses and institutes even list it as required reading—a testament to its credibility and value.

Key features:

• Structured as a self-paced workbook with exercises and answer keys.
• Covers Y-DNA, mtDNA, X-DNA, and autosomal DNA with practical examples.
• Published by the National Genealogical Society and used in formal genealogy education.

Edited by DNA educator Debbie Parker Wayne, Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies is a collection of essays from some of the field’s leading experts. Each chapter explores how real researchers use DNA analysis, alongside traditional records, to break through brick walls. It’s both a reference guide and an in-home masterclass for applying advanced methods to your own family projects.

Best for:

Intermediate and advanced genealogists ready to apply DNA evidence to complex family mysteries.

Why it made our list:

Our team considers this book an invaluable resource for learning how professionals think through DNA-based problems. Despite the “advanced” title, the material is written in digestible sections that build on a basic foundation of genetic genealogy. Whether you’re an experienced hobbyist or a professional researcher, it’s a must-have reference for deepening your analytical skills.

Key features:

• Features fourteen expert-written chapters covering applied DNA analysis and research methodology.
• Offers case studies that demonstrate how to correlate DNA with documentary evidence.
• Includes a glossary, recommended resources, and full-color visuals to guide readers through every concept.

Phylogenetic Trees Made Easy breaks down the science behind the branching diagrams that illustrate shared ancestry. Barry Hall guides readers step by step through building and interpreting these trees using protein or DNA sequence data. While phylogenetic trees aren’t required for family history research, understanding them can enhance your grasp of how genetic connections form and evolve over time.

Best for:

Advanced researchers or genealogists curious about the scientific side of genetic relationships.

Why it made our list:

Our team included this title for those who love to understand how DNA relationships are visualized. Barry’s book offers just enough theory to explain the concepts without overwhelming readers with complex math or code. It’s an approachable resource that connects the dots between laboratory science and the genetic trees used in Y-DNA and mtDNA research.

Key features:

• Walks readers through building and interpreting phylogenetic trees from genetic data.
• Explains core concepts clearly without heavy reliance on statistics or programming.
• Bridges molecular biology and genetic genealogy for those interested in the “why” behind DNA trees.

The Adoptee’s Guide to DNA Testing offers a compassionate and detailed roadmap for using DNA to uncover family connections. Author Tamar Weinberg breaks down complex testing strategies into simple, actionable steps that help readers interpret results, understand matches, and approach outreach with confidence and care. While written with adoptees in mind, many genealogists have found her techniques equally useful for confirming and strengthening existing family trees.

Best for:

Adoptees and individuals seeking structured strategies for identifying or verifying family connections through DNA.

Why it made our list:

Our team admires how Tamar blends technical know-how with empathy. Her approach demystifies a deeply personal process, offering both emotional insight and practical, data-driven strategies. Even for readers who aren’t adopted, her clear explanations of testing methods and communication templates make this a valuable resource for anyone navigating genetic matches.

Key features:

• Explains how to use mirror trees and other DNA tools to uncover potential family relationships.
• Provides message scripts and communication strategies for reaching out to DNA matches respectfully.
• Offers adaptable techniques useful for both adoptees and genealogists confirming established family trees.

Part step-by-step guide and part memoir, Living in the Know offers both the structure and emotional support adoptees need when beginning their DNA search. Genetic genealogy coach Geraldine Berger (aka “The Genetic Genealogy Coach”) shares the proven strategy she’s used to help hundreds of adoptees and birth families reconnect. Alongside clear testing instructions and platform walkthroughs, she weaves in her own decades-long journey to find her birth parents, offering readers insight and encouragement through every stage of their search.

Best for:

Adoptees and birth families looking for both practical direction and emotional perspective as they use DNA testing to reconnect.

Why it made our list:

Our team appreciates how this book serves as both a quick-start manual and a story of hope. The first half provides an easy-to-follow plan for using DNA tools, while the second half demonstrates what that journey can look like through real-life examples. Berger’s honesty and empathy make this a supportive companion for anyone beginning to explore their biological roots.

Key features:

• Combines a quick-start DNA testing guide with the author’s personal story.
• Outlines “The Berger Method”, a proven approach to solving cases of unknown parentage.
• Offers insight into the emotional side of outreach and connecting with newfound relatives.

For the History Buffs

For those who love to zoom out and see the bigger picture, these titles blend science, archaeology, and anthropology to explain how our ancestors shaped the world we know today. They connect population genetics, migration patterns, and ancient DNA research to the broader human story—perfect for readers who crave both data and depth.

Britain Begins explores the deep roots of the British and Irish peoples—from the end of the last Ice Age to the eve of the Norman Conquest. Drawing on archaeology, linguistics, mythology, and DNA evidence, archaeologist Barry Cunliffe reconstructs how the earliest inhabitants of the British Isles lived, moved, and interacted over millennia.

Best for:

Family historians interested in understanding the prehistoric context of British and Irish ancestry, especially those exploring Y-DNA and mtDNA results connected to ancient populations.

Why it made our list:

Understanding ancient population movements can give genealogists deeper insight into their genetic results. Britain Begins combines archaeological discoveries with emerging DNA research to trace how people first settled and spread across the British Isles, helping readers connect their own lineage to the larger story of human migration.

Key features:

• Reconstructs 10,000 years of settlement and migration across Britain and Ireland using archaeology and early DNA evidence.
• Explores the myths and stories ancient peoples used to explain their origins.
• Includes detailed maps, timelines, and accessible discussion of prehistoric cultures and seafaring networks.

The Origins of the Irish investigates how Ireland, and the Irish people, came to be. J. P. Mallory, a leading authority in European prehistory, combines archaeology, linguistics, mythology, and early DNA research to uncover the complex story of Ireland’s population history. Rather than tracing a single origin, Mallory reveals a layered ancestry shaped by millennia of migrations, technological innovations, and cultural exchanges.

Best for:

Researchers exploring Irish heritage who want to understand the ancient migrations and genetic influences that shaped Ireland’s earliest populations.

Why it made our list:

Mallory blends scientific rigor with an engaging narrative, helping readers contextualize modern Irish DNA results within deep-time history. His integration of archaeological and genetic evidence makes this an essential companion for anyone tracing Irish roots through Y-DNA or mtDNA connections.

Key features:

• Explores Ireland’s formation through archaeology, geology, linguistics, and genetics.
• Discusses how migration, metallurgy, and language shaped early Irish identity.
• Includes detailed maps, illustrations, and insights into how DNA research reframes the story of Irish origins.

Neanderthal Man offers a front-row seat to one of the most groundbreaking scientific discoveries of the century: the sequencing of the Neanderthal genome. Written by Svante Pääbo, the Nobel Prize–winning geneticist who founded the field of ancient DNA, this memoir-scientific hybrid takes readers through the decades-long journey to recover genetic material from ancient bones and reveal humanity’s shared ancestry with Neanderthals and Denisovans.

Best for:

Readers fascinated by human evolution, ancient DNA, or the scientific journey behind how modern genetics uncovered our connection to extinct relatives.

Why it made our list:

Pääbo’s pioneering research reshaped how scientists and genealogists alike understand ancestry. His work built the foundations of paleogenetics, the same science that underpins ancient DNA studies in genealogy today. This book is both a scientific odyssey and a personal story of perseverance, curiosity, and discovery — a must-read for anyone tracing their lineage beyond recorded history.

Key features:

• Chronicles the development of ancient DNA research from its inception to the sequencing of the Neanderthal genome.
• Explores what Neanderthal genes reveal about human evolution, language, and survival.
• Combines memoir and science writing from the Nobel Prize–winning founder of paleogenetics.

Ancestral Journeys blends archaeology, linguistics, and genetics to tell the evolving story of how Europe was settled and reshaped over thousands of years. Jean Manco draws on ancient DNA discoveries to reveal the waves of migration, adaptation, and innovation that forged the continent’s genetic and cultural identity—from early farmers and Bronze Age travelers to the Vikings.

Best for:

Readers fascinated by the intersection of history, archaeology, and genetics. Especially those tracing European roots through ancient DNA connections.

Why it made our list:

Manco’s work captures the excitement of discovery in a rapidly changing field. By weaving together scientific data and historical narrative, she makes complex genetic research accessible and engaging. This is one of the few books that connects the story of Europe’s first inhabitants directly to the DNA we still carry today.

Key features:

• Explains how modern Europeans emerged from multiple waves of migration across millennia.
• Uses ancient DNA evidence to illuminate connections between archaeology and genealogy.
• Richly illustrated with 59 maps and charts that visualize ancient movements and population shifts.

For the Story Seekers

Every genealogist has a spark—the moment a name, a record, or a DNA result becomes a story worth telling. These memoirs and narrative works explore identity, belonging, and discovery through deeply personal journeys. From unexpected DNA revelations to cultural rediscovery, each book reminds us that family history is, at its heart, a story of connection.

Meet Morton Farrier — forensic genealogist, detective, and the unluckiest man to ever open a family record. In Nathan Dylan Goodwin’s bestselling Forensic Genealogist series, readers follow Morton as he uses historical documents, DNA results, and good old-fashioned detective work to solve gripping family mysteries. Each novel blends modern crime-solving with ancestral research, showing just how much DNA and history can reveal when combined.

Best for:

Readers who love a good mystery, historical fiction fans, or anyone who’s ever gotten lost in their family tree and wondered what secrets it might hold.

Why it made our list:

Goodwin’s series practically invented the genetic genealogical mystery genre. His writing captures the thrill of discovery that every researcher knows — the moment when a clue clicks into place and generations of silence break open. From the cozy English countryside to WWII intrigue, this series offers page-turning suspense rooted in real genealogical methods.

Key features:

• Blends genealogy, DNA testing, and mystery into a unique, fast-paced genre.
• Features a recurring expert protagonist who uses realistic research techniques.
• Includes a free downloadable prequel (The Asylum) available on the author’s website to introduce new readers to the series.

When longtime genealogy enthusiast Bill Griffeth took a DNA test, he expected confirmation of the family history he’d carefully built. Instead, his results upended everything—revealing that the family tree he had spent years documenting wasn’t actually his own. In this gripping memoir, Griffeth recounts his emotional journey of discovery, identity, and acceptance as he works to uncover the truth of his origins and reconcile it with his past.

Best for:

Readers interested in personal stories of identity, adoption, or unexpected DNA results. Especially those curious about the emotional side of genetic genealogy.

Why it made our list:

Few books capture the human impact of genetic testing quite like this one. Griffeth’s honesty and humility make his story relatable to anyone who’s ever faced an unexpected truth in their family history. His journey offers both caution and comfort.

Key features:

• A deeply personal memoir that explores identity, family, and forgiveness through the lens of a DNA surprise.
• Balances emotional storytelling with genealogical detail, appealing to both readers and researchers.
• Offers perspective for those navigating their own NPE (Non-Paternal Event) discoveries.

When adoptee Richard Hill began searching for his biological parents, he didn’t expect his journey to spark a revolution in genetic genealogy. Finding Family follows his decades-long quest to uncover the truth hidden behind sealed adoption records — and how DNA testing finally broke through the walls that paper trails couldn’t. What began as a mystery evolved into a powerful story of determination, identity, and discovery.

Best for:

Anyone seeking inspiration from real DNA breakthroughs, especially adoptees, genealogists, or anyone who’s ever wondered where they truly come from.

Why it made our list:

Richard Hill’s pioneering use of DNA testing helped shape the way adoptees and genealogists approach unknown parentage cases today. His story blends emotional vulnerability with practical insight, showing how science and perseverance can reconnect families across generations.

Key features:

• A true story that reads like a detective novel, full of twists and emotional depth.
• Includes a step-by-step guide to DNA tools and genealogy networks for adoption research.
• Inspires hope for readers pursuing their own search for biological roots.

Journalist and filmmaker Raquel Cepeda uses ancestral DNA testing to explore her roots and reconcile her identity as a Dominican-American woman. Bird of Paradise is part memoir, part cultural reflection — tracing her family’s story from the streets of New York and Santo Domingo to the deeper history of how she “became Latina.” Through sharp storytelling and a hip-hop-infused lens, Cepeda reveals how DNA can be both a scientific and spiritual journey toward self-acceptance.

Best for:

Readers interested in cultural identity, heritage, and how DNA connects us to the histories we carry — especially within the Latino and Caribbean diaspora.

Why it made our list:

Cepeda’s memoir stands out for its honesty and heart. It shows how DNA testing can help answer questions of identity that go beyond family trees, blending science with story to explore what it really means to belong. Her personal narrative resonates with anyone seeking to understand how ancestry shapes the self.

Key features:

• Combines DNA exploration with themes of culture, race, and reconciliation.
• Vivid, emotional storytelling that ties genealogy to identity and personal growth.
• A groundbreaking perspective on Latina heritage, blending science and memoir seamlessly.

Award-winning journalist Carolyn Abraham takes readers on a global journey to uncover two family mysteries — and, in the process, examines the promise and pitfalls of using DNA to uncover the past. Her search for answers to her multi-racial family’s hidden history leads her across continents and generations, as she combines science, storytelling, and self-discovery in a deeply compelling narrative.

Best for:

Readers who enjoy true stories that balance personal discovery with thoughtful exploration of genetics and the human ties that connect us all.

Why it made our list:

Abraham’s book goes beyond tracing family lines — it asks what happens when science meets ancestry, and how DNA can both reveal and complicate the stories we tell about ourselves. It’s an essential read for anyone who’s ever wondered what it really means to “know” where you come from.

Key features:

• Combines DNA research with family mystery and travel writing.
• Explores how genetic connections can bridge time and geography.
• A moving, beautifully written journey of discovery and belonging.

When young Gianna sets out to uncover the truth about her father and ancestors, she embarks on a heartfelt journey that blends mystery, culture, and family. With guidance from a teacher and the encouragement of new friends, Gianna learns to trace her family roots—connecting her Hispanic and Choctaw heritage in a story that celebrates curiosity, resilience, and belonging.

Best for:

Young readers (ages 7–12) and families who want to spark an early love of genealogy and cultural discovery.

Why it made our list:

Winner of second place in the 2024 TxGS Awards for Books by Non-Professionals, Halito, Gianna! introduces genealogy in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and full of heart. It shows how exploring ancestry can bridge generations, cultures, and histories—all through the eyes of an inquisitive young girl.

Key features:

• Teaches children how to explore family roots and cultural identity.
• Introduces genealogy concepts through an inspiring, age-appropriate story.
• Part of Becky Villareal’s broader “Genealogy for Children” works.

Every page turned is another thread woven into your family’s tapestry. These books invite us to listen, remember, and share. Family history is more than names and dates; it’s connection, identity, and legacy.

This season, give a gift that celebrates the stories that made you who you are.