Revolutionary Reads for Kids
The Fourth of July is just behind us and we’re about halfway through America’s 250th. I thought it would be a good time to celebrate the semiquincentennial with some book recommendations for families and children on the Revolutionary War. Historical figures from this time period have been mentioned in my house as of late because I have an eleven-year-old daughter who loves the musical Hamilton. Books like the ones listed below are a great way to encourage further learning on a topic of interest and bring history to life in an engaging way.
“Lafayette!: A Revolutionary War Tale” by Nathan Hale
This action-packed and humorous graphic novel is part of the “Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales” series for young readers. It follows the life of the Marquis de Lafayette (aka Gilbert du Motier), the French nobleman and Revolutionary War hero. “Hazardous Tales” are nonfiction, comic-style books narrated by the war spy, Nathan Hale, an executioner, and a British general. The witty commentary provided by the series’ narrators makes these titles engaging and more accessible. Recommended for fourth through eighth grade.
“Aaron and Alexander: The Most Famous Duel in American History” by Don Brown
This picture book biography does a wonderful job introducing Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton to children. It draws parallels between the patriots, as well as cites the reasons there was such conflict between them. While it is a complicated and nuanced history, Brown writes with clarity and understanding for young readers. Recommended for second through sixth grade.
“Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider” by E.F. Abbott
Paul Revere wasn’t the only historical figure with a famous midnight ride. Do you know the story of Sybil Ludington? In 1777, Sybil is a 16-year-old girl living in New York. Her family wants American colonies to be freed from British rule and works as spies and codebreakers during the Revolutionary War. After British troops invade nearby Connecticut, Sybil takes a horse and rides for over eight hours (much longer than Revere rode), in the rain, to warn sleeping soldiers to wake and prepare for battle. This historical fiction book is fast-paced and introduces readers to a lesser-known figure from the revolution. Recommended for fourth through eighth grade.
“Revolutionary War on Wednesday” by Mary Pope Osborne
This is the 22nd book in the popular “Magic Tree House” series which follows siblings Jack and Annie throughout different periods in history. In this adventure, they travel back to colonial times and help General Washington and his troops cross the Delaware River. This book is perfect for students in second through fourth grade. A nonfiction companion is also available for this title.
“If You Lived During the American Revolution” by Chris Newell
Published just this year, this illustrated nonfiction picture book poses the question, “what if you lived in the time of the American Revolution?” In an engaging question and answer format, it provides information on daily life during the 18th century as well as a vast amount of historical context from the colonial period. It also discusses both sides of this time in history and includes information on indigenous peoples. The author is a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Recommended for third through eighth grade.
“Revolutionary War: The Founding Fathers Were Spies!” by Patricia Laken
This ready-to-read nonfiction book is a great offering for young readers. Part of the “Secrets of American History” series, this book is a captivating tale of secret messages, codes, and ciphers. Find out how invisible ink, shark repellent, and a clothesline all helped to thwart the British. Recommended for second through fourth grade.
Arielle McCune is the Youth Services Librarian at the Fergus Falls Public Library.