The American Revolution is one of my favorite time periods to teach kids about. There are so many amazing “living literature” options for books that help this period of our nation’s history come to life for kids! In this post, I’ll be sharing my favorite books about the American Revolution for early elementary aged children. Many of these books could also be used for preschool-aged kids or upper elementary.
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American Revolution Booklist
Books about George Washington
A Picture Book of George Washington by David Adler
This fun book covers George Washington’s life from birth to the end of his life – including his role in the Revolutionary War. This is a picture book with simple text that would work well for younger kids or those with a shorter attention-span.
George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz
Adorable picture book about a boy who sets out to discover what George Washington ate for breakfast every day. This book is more text-heavy so would work well for kids who are able to focus for longer periods of time and to follow a longer story. George Washington’s Breakfast is an engaging and fun story and helps kids to discover George Washington as a person – who ate breakfast just like they do!
Buttons for General Washington by Peter & Connie Roop
This picture book tells the story of a young boy completes a dangerous mission, carrying a message to General Washington in the buttons on his coat. This is a short, engaging story with colorful pictures!
Phoebe the Spy by Judith Griffin
Phoebe the Spy is the story of a young girl who is employed as a housekeeper and charged with protecting General Washington from attempts to take his life. It is an exciting story for kids about a young child who made a difference! This beautiful picture book has longer text on each page and requires a longer attention span.
General Books for Kids about the American Revolution
The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
Alice Dalgliesh does a beautiful job of telling the story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birthday of our country. She ties the whole story together by telling of the ringing of the Liberty Bell – a moving reminder of the fight for independence. This read-aloud has pages of text mixed in with beautiful illustrations by Marie Nonnast. I usually break the book into sections as it is a longer read.
Sam the Minuteman by Nathaniel Benchley
Sam and his father join the battle at Lexington and Concord at the start of the Revolutionary War. A picture book with shorter text on each page, this book is great for kids. One of Sam’s friends is injured in the battle, but this is handled in a very kid-friendly manner. The drawings of the battle are not gruesome and portray the reality of the battle without being disturbed for kids.
If You Lived in Colonial Times by Ann McGovern
What would your life look like if you lived in colonial times? Ann McGovern answers this question in a series of questions and answers about life in colonial days. While this book has pictures, it is text-heavy and would need to be read over several sittings. It could be fun to read a question and answer a day while studying this time-period.
Now & Ben by Gene Barretta
Cute picture book with colorful illustrations that is perfect for younger listeners. Now & Ben briefly goes through actions and inventions of Benjamin Franklin and their counterparts in the modern world!
Jean Fritz’ Books for Kids about the American Revolution
Jean Fritz writes about key figures in American history in a fun, kid-friendly manner. Wimsical illustrations make this series a good one for diving deeper on key figures and moments in the American Revolution. Because this series has a more text and dives deeper into the details, it would be best for readers who can follow a more detailed story.
Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? by Jean Fritz
Where was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? follows Patrick Henry through his entire life, highlighting where he was on his birthday, May 29. Great for a deep-dive on Patrick Henry, this book would be good for readers who can follow a more detailed story.
Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George? by Jean Fritz
Another wonderful book by Jean Fritz, Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George?, looks at the American Revolution from the perspective of England.
Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? by Jean Fritz
Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? follows John Hancock and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Like her other books, Jean Fritz, makes the people come alive and helps kids to see the founding fathers as real people like them.
Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz
Jean Fritz follows the writing of the constitution and all that surrounded the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? tells the story of Paul Revere and his ride through the night to warn the American colonists.
Why Don’t You Get a Horse, Sam Adams? by Jean Fritz
As one of the lesser-known founding fathers, Samuel Adams does not have many children’s books written about him. However, this story gives kids a look into the life and personality of Samuel Adams – and his refusal to ride a horse!
What’s the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz
Like her other books, Jean Fritz, makes history come alive in this book about the life and inventions of Benjamin Franklin.
Let’s Get Reading!
I love introducing early elementary kids to the American Revolution with these books. This is such an important event in the life of our nation and these books can help history come alive for parents and young listeners alike! Happy Reading!