Book List
Books about the American Revolution with Social History
These books teach children about how ordinary Americans lived
their lives during the Revolutionary War and the Colonial era.
George Washington’s Breakfast. By Jean Fritz
This book describes a fictional boy’s investigation into George
Washington’s personal life. The boy uses his local library to learn how
Washington lived and what he ate for breakfast each day.
If You Lived in Colonial Times By Ann McGovern
This book answers many questions regarding ordinary life in the
Revolutionary era. It examines the food, clothing, entertainment, and
laws of the times.
Meet Felicity: An American Girl By Valerie Tripp
The first in a series of books about the life and times of Felicity
Merrimen, a fictional girl living in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1774.
Growing Up in Felicity’s World By Catherine Gourley
This book provides readers of the American Girls Collection Felicity
series with a context of the times in which she lived. Great context
about the times for people who do not read the books as well.
Colonial Times, A-Z By Bobbie Kalman
This book uses a simple, alphabetic style to teach readers about
various aspects of life during Colonial times.
What People Wore in Colonial America By Allison Stark Draper
This book contains numerous illustrations of what people wore during
Colonial times. Part of a series entitled Clothing, Costumes, and
Uniforms Throughout American History.
Colonial Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects, Games, Activities, and
Recipes By David C. King
This book describes the daily activities of a fictional Colonial family
and provides directions on how to perform many of the activities.
Black Heroes of the American Revolution By Burke Davis
This book investigates the accomplishments of notable AfricanAmericans during the Revolutionary War.
A Multicultural Portrait of Colonial Life By Carolyn Kott Washburne
This book provides details on how Native Americans, European
settlers, and African-Americans lived their daily lives in Colonial times.
Charlotte By Janet Lunn
This book tells the story of a girl whose family sided with the British
during the American Revolution.
You were there in 1776 By Barbara Brenner
This book provides information on the daily lives of people in America
during the Revolutionary War. It details events from traditional history
and information regarding the lives of farmers, slaves, Native
Americans, and plantation owners.
A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy By Jim
Murphy
This book details the adventures of a fifteen-year-old boy fighting with
the Continental army. The book is based on a memoir the boy wrote
later in life.
Books for children about the American Revolution
These books provide information on many of the famous characters who
appear in Liberty’s Kids. They can help children understand more about the
historical events presented in the series.
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? By Jean Fritz
This book details the events surrounding Paul Revere’s famous ride to
Lexington using a storytelling style.
Boston Tea Party: Rebellion in the Colonies By James E. Knight
The story of the events of the Boston Tea Party, told from the
perspective of a Boston merchant.
The First Book of the American Revolution By Richard B. Morris
This book provides a traditional account of various events of the
American Revolution.
The Fourth of July Story By Alice Dalgliesh
This book describes the famous people and events surrounding the
Fourth of July. A great introduction for younger children.
George Washington By Cheryl Harness
This book is a very detailed biography of George Washington regarding
his revolutionary activities.
Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence By Russell
Freedman
A good retelling of the events leading up to writing the foundational
document of the Revolutionary War.
Shh! We’re writing the Constitution! By Jean Fritz
This book uses a fun, narrative style to provide children with a glimpse
into how the founding fathers wrote the Constitution.
What’s the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? By Jean Fritz
This book describes Benjamin Franklin’s life as an inventor.
Books set throughout American History that offer insight into Social
History
These books teach children about social history from a variety of historical
periods from American history. Some rely on fiction, others simply discuss
the lives of ordinary from different eras.
If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 By Ann McGovern
Aimed at younger readers, this book details what it was like to sail on
the Mayflower.
If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island By Ellen Levine
This book uses a question and answer style to simulate interviews of
Ellis Island immigrants. It answers many questions young readers may
have about how some immigrants came to this country.
On the Banks of Plum Creek By Laura Ingalls Wilder
This book describes the daily life of Laura Ingalls, a young pioneer girl
in Minnesota. Part of a nine-part series known as the Little House
books. Any of the Little House books are also highly recommended.
Ox-Cart Man By Donald Hall
This picture book tells the story of how a Nineteenth century Maine
farm family produces goods to sell at the market.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry By Mildred Taylor
This book tells the story of Cassie, a fictional African-American girl on
a sharecropping farm in the 1910s. Part of a three-part series
We Were There, Too: Young People in US History By Phillip M. Hoose
This book details how young people (18 years and younger) have done
great things throughout U.S. History. A very relevant book for preteens.
Where the Red Fern Grows By Wilson Rawls
Set in 1930s Oklahoma, this fictional story about a boy and his dogs
describes 1930s-farm life.