As the Fourth of July nears, I have been reading the kids several books related to the American Revolution. I want them to understand what the holiday means, to be introduced to the history of the United States of America, and to understand a bit about what it means to fight for what one believes in and for what one believe their rights to be. In conjunction with reading, I've helped the kids create play inspired by the American Revolution. Hopefully, this helps them to better imagine scenarios and to solidify some of what they are learning. Our reading and play activities are outlined below.
Kids' Play Related to The American Revolution
I found a relatively inexpensive American Revolutionary War toy soldier set at Hobby Lobby for just $10, which only cost me $6 with their weekly 40% off coupon (it has Colonial soldiers in blue, British soldiers in red, and German Hessians in black, as well as General George Washington and his white horse, General Charles Cornwallis, and French General Marquis De Lafeyette). To create more figures, I bought some round doll pins with flat ends; cut red, blue, white, and brown strips from felt rectangles; notched the strips in the center; pushed the strips over the doll pin "heads" to create clothing; and tied the felt "clothing" down with a small piece of crochet thread. These figures can be made to represent women of the time by making the felt strip a little longer to suggest a dress. For other projects, I've painted faces and hair on the doll pins with acrylic paint, and the same could be done here - however, I wanted to leave the option to use the doll pins for other projects once our Revolutionary War play has run its course. We've incorporated craft picket fences, miniature wooden pickle barrels, popsicle sticks (for whatever the mind can imagine), Lego ships, rocks, and a myriad of other toys and objects into our play. My kids have pretended to have a Boston Tea Party, fight the Battle of Bunker Hill, and re-enact other key events in the American Revolution, all with a great deal of liberty in the re-enactment, just as child's play is wont to do (who knew that a truck carried the soldiers to Breed's Hill and that there were Lego pirate ships sailing right next to the hill pulling barrels of ammunition through the water?). Ultimately, I want them to have fun with the topic and get an introduction, and I think we've achieved that.
Kids' Books Related to The American Revolution
There can be many accounts of history, with the story differing depending on who is doing the telling. This in itself can be a lesson on the importance of listening to different sides but being willing to question and seek the most accurate answers before forming one's own opinion - to not just consider those accounts that feel good or that reinforce what we want to believe to be true or have always accepted to be true. To be fair, the goal of some texts or verse is not so much historical accuracy, as it is to incite some sense of bravery or patriotism (example: The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow), and I think such writing has its place. However, I want to point this out to my kids, in the hope that they may grow to be discerning readers with an understanding of context. This is certainly not always easy to do, particularly when, in my opinion, historiography sometimes tends to be one-sided and neglectful of topics that don't best serve the majority or those with the most power. Historical accounts that are presented as strictly factual accounts (such as textbooks) may have an underlying agenda, such as instilling patriotism or casting historical figures as absolute embodiments of the particular values we want to transmit to our children...not to mention that the waters can be further muddied when there is legitimate disagreement over factual accuracy regarding what truly occurred in the distant past. In my selected readings for the kids, I tried to also find some texts that highlighted groups whose achievements are often overlooked in the retelling of history. In this case, I specifically sought texts that described the role of women, African Americans and Native Americans in the American Revolution. I had some luck with the first, very limited results for the second (and geared toward kids older than mine), and although I searched for books on the role of and impact on Native Americans in the American Revolution and found some texts for adult-level reading, I did not come across any for children. To me, this is indicative of the need for more inclusivity in children's literature. Below are several titles that we have checked out from our library and have been reading.
Joining the Boston Tea Party (The Time-Traveling Twins)
by Diane Stanley, illustrated by Holly Berry
Recommended for ages 5-10
This is a fun approach to learning about the Boston Tea Party, as it follows a pair of time-traveling twins as they go back in time to visit their ancestors.
by Diane Stanley, illustrated by Holly Berry
Recommended for ages 5-10
This is a fun approach to learning about the Boston Tea Party, as it follows a pair of time-traveling twins as they go back in time to visit their ancestors.
The Boston Tea Party
by Russell Freedman, illustrated by Peter Malone
Recommended for ages 8-11
This is written and illustrated in the style of a storybook, but is a somewhat lengthy, factual retelling of the Boston Tea Party.
by Russell Freedman, illustrated by Peter Malone
Recommended for ages 8-11
This is written and illustrated in the style of a storybook, but is a somewhat lengthy, factual retelling of the Boston Tea Party.
You Wouldn't Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party!: Wharf Water Tea You'd Rather Not Drink
by Peter Cook, illustrated by David Antram
Recommended for ages 8-10
This is a humorous, fun-loving, and sometimes silly approach to history. There are several books in this series, which can make learning about history attractive for many kids.
by Peter Cook, illustrated by David Antram
Recommended for ages 8-10
This is a humorous, fun-loving, and sometimes silly approach to history. There are several books in this series, which can make learning about history attractive for many kids.
Let It Begin Here! Lexington & Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution
by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illustrated by Larry Day
Recommended for ages 6-10
This book is a nice way to introduce younger children to the first battles of the American Revolution.
by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illustrated by Larry Day
Recommended for ages 6-10
This book is a nice way to introduce younger children to the first battles of the American Revolution.
Let It Begin Here! April 19, 1775: The Day the American Revolution Began
by Don Brown
Recommended for ages 7-10
This is similar to the above title, but is a longer story and is more appropriate for kids who can maintain attention levels a little longer.
by Don Brown
Recommended for ages 7-10
This is similar to the above title, but is a longer story and is more appropriate for kids who can maintain attention levels a little longer.
The Declaration of Independence (True Books: American History)
by Elaine Landau
Recommended for ages 7-9
This is an informational text, not a storybook, so may not be as appealing to some children. My kids tend to do well with these types of books, and enjoy the drawings, paintings and photographs.
by Elaine Landau
Recommended for ages 7-9
This is an informational text, not a storybook, so may not be as appealing to some children. My kids tend to do well with these types of books, and enjoy the drawings, paintings and photographs.
George vs. George: The American Revolution as seen from Both Sides
by Rosalyn Schanzer
Recommended for ages 9-12
This book is helpful in encouraging kids to try to see the perspective from the other side - or at least gain greater understanding of where they are coming from - regardless of whether you end up agreeing with it or not.
DK Eyewitness Books: American Revolution
by Stuart Murray
Recommended for ages 8-12
While this book is geared towards older kids, I find that it is still a nice way to show pictures of people and artifacts associated with the American Revolution. My kids find the pictures interesting, and we skip around the book reading tidbits of information as they see fit. The DK Eyewitness series is produced in association with The Smithsonian Institution and is reminiscent of a visit to a museum.
by Stuart Murray
Recommended for ages 8-12
While this book is geared towards older kids, I find that it is still a nice way to show pictures of people and artifacts associated with the American Revolution. My kids find the pictures interesting, and we skip around the book reading tidbits of information as they see fit. The DK Eyewitness series is produced in association with The Smithsonian Institution and is reminiscent of a visit to a museum.
Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution
by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Recommended for ages 6-10
This is a great book for exposing kids to the role women played in the American Revolution and introducing them to some of the more notable female figures of that time. The book provides quick snippets of information about several women, as well as a timeline of events during the Revolution.
by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Recommended for ages 6-10
This is a great book for exposing kids to the role women played in the American Revolution and introducing them to some of the more notable female figures of that time. The book provides quick snippets of information about several women, as well as a timeline of events during the Revolution.
Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies
by Cokie Roberts, illustrated by Diane Good
Recommended for ages 7-12
This book is more wordy and detailed than the above text, so may be better suited for older children, but is still a great way to quickly learn about the ladies of the American Revolution. I am able to skim over the text and provide my kids with a synopsis, but this is a book I plan to bring out again when they are older. For adult-level reading, I recommend Cokie Roberts book Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation.
by Cokie Roberts, illustrated by Diane Good
Recommended for ages 7-12
This book is more wordy and detailed than the above text, so may be better suited for older children, but is still a great way to quickly learn about the ladies of the American Revolution. I am able to skim over the text and provide my kids with a synopsis, but this is a book I plan to bring out again when they are older. For adult-level reading, I recommend Cokie Roberts book Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation.
America's Black Founders: Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders with 21 Activities
by Nancy I. Sanders
Recommended for ages 9-12
This book is really too advanced for the age of my children - it is primarily wordy text with some black and white pictures. However, there are some good suggestions for activities, nice synopses of several notable African Americans of the 1700's and early 1800's, and some good background on the role of and impact on African Americans around the time of the American Revolution. The information in the book can be used for general discussion with younger children.
by Nancy I. Sanders
Recommended for ages 9-12
This book is really too advanced for the age of my children - it is primarily wordy text with some black and white pictures. However, there are some good suggestions for activities, nice synopses of several notable African Americans of the 1700's and early 1800's, and some good background on the role of and impact on African Americans around the time of the American Revolution. The information in the book can be used for general discussion with younger children.
Sybil's Night Ride
by Karen B. Winnick
Recommended for ages 5-7
This is an enjoyable storybook relating the tale of Sybil Ludington, a 16-year old girl who rode through the night to warn her father's, Colonel Ludington's, militiamen of an oncoming British attack. Her nighttime ride was more than twice the distance of Paul Revere's famous ride.
by Karen B. Winnick
Recommended for ages 5-7
This is an enjoyable storybook relating the tale of Sybil Ludington, a 16-year old girl who rode through the night to warn her father's, Colonel Ludington's, militiamen of an oncoming British attack. Her nighttime ride was more than twice the distance of Paul Revere's famous ride.
Katie's Trunk
by Ann Turner, illustrated by Ronald Himler
Recommended for ages 5-8
This is a good storybook for younger children, and I appreciated how it humanized the people involved in the Revolution, both those loyal to Britain and those rebelling against Britain. The story is based on an actual incident with the author's ancestors, and is centered around a loyalist/Tory family. The book provided an opportunity to discuss with my kids how, regardless of how much our beliefs and ideology might differ from those around us - including our family and neighbors - we should not let that make us forget our and others' humanity.
by Ann Turner, illustrated by Ronald Himler
Recommended for ages 5-8
This is a good storybook for younger children, and I appreciated how it humanized the people involved in the Revolution, both those loyal to Britain and those rebelling against Britain. The story is based on an actual incident with the author's ancestors, and is centered around a loyalist/Tory family. The book provided an opportunity to discuss with my kids how, regardless of how much our beliefs and ideology might differ from those around us - including our family and neighbors - we should not let that make us forget our and others' humanity.
They Called Her Molly Pitcher
by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler
Recommended for ages 3-7
Many experts now believe Molly Pitcher was a mythical figure who was grounded in fact, a composite of camp followers. Though the author's note in this book indicates that Molly was a real person named Mary Hays McCauly, other texts insist that there is evidence to the contrary. Regardless, this is still an enjoyable story and one of the enduring legends of the American Revolution.
by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler
Recommended for ages 3-7
Many experts now believe Molly Pitcher was a mythical figure who was grounded in fact, a composite of camp followers. Though the author's note in this book indicates that Molly was a real person named Mary Hays McCauly, other texts insist that there is evidence to the contrary. Regardless, this is still an enjoyable story and one of the enduring legends of the American Revolution.
George Did It
by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain, illustrated by Larry Day
Recommended for ages 5-9
This book does a nice job of using light-hearted prose to create a more human portrait of George Washington, revealing his reluctance and nervousness about assuming the presidency.
by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain, illustrated by Larry Day
Recommended for ages 5-9
This book does a nice job of using light-hearted prose to create a more human portrait of George Washington, revealing his reluctance and nervousness about assuming the presidency.
Thomas Jefferson: Third President (Getting to Know the U.S. Presidents)
by Mike Veneza
Recommended for ages 6-9
As the title and series suggest, this is an informative book and not a storybook. The text is written in language understandable to younger children, so although a bit dry, some children may find the historical pictures and cartoon drawings enough to keep it interesting.
by Mike Veneza
Recommended for ages 6-9
As the title and series suggest, this is an informative book and not a storybook. The text is written in language understandable to younger children, so although a bit dry, some children may find the historical pictures and cartoon drawings enough to keep it interesting.
Benjamin Franklin from A to Z
by Laura Crawford, illustrated by Judith Hierstein
Recommended for ages 7-10
Though not as engaging as a storybook, this book does provide some interesting snippets of facts about Ben Franklin.
by Laura Crawford, illustrated by Judith Hierstein
Recommended for ages 7-10
Though not as engaging as a storybook, this book does provide some interesting snippets of facts about Ben Franklin.
A Picture Book of Paul Revere
by David A. Adler, illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner
Recommended for ages 6-9
Like David Adler's other picture books highlighting historical figures, the story is factual, but written well for younger children, and the illustrations maintain interest.
by David A. Adler, illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner
Recommended for ages 6-9
Like David Adler's other picture books highlighting historical figures, the story is factual, but written well for younger children, and the illustrations maintain interest.
Those Rebels, John & Tom
by Barbara Kerley, illusttrated by Edwin Fotheringham
Recommended for ages 7-10
This book, though a long read for young children, has fun illustrations and enjoyable writing. It juxtaposes John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two very different many who often disagreed but together "helped launch a new nation."
by Barbara Kerley, illusttrated by Edwin Fotheringham
Recommended for ages 7-10
This book, though a long read for young children, has fun illustrations and enjoyable writing. It juxtaposes John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two very different many who often disagreed but together "helped launch a new nation."
DVD: Liberty's Kids - The Complete Series
Rated G
This is not a book, but rather a DVD series of 40 episodes. The series follows Benjamin Franklin's fictional teenage reporters, a young colonist named James and a young Englishwoman named Sarah, through the many events leading up to and through the American Revolution. My kids love this series, and though we are still in the earlier episodes (it will take us awhile to get through these since I limit screen time), they are asking me each day to watch more. I tend to prefer books to movies, but this series is a fun and easy way to expose kids to the events of the American Revolution.
Rated G
This is not a book, but rather a DVD series of 40 episodes. The series follows Benjamin Franklin's fictional teenage reporters, a young colonist named James and a young Englishwoman named Sarah, through the many events leading up to and through the American Revolution. My kids love this series, and though we are still in the earlier episodes (it will take us awhile to get through these since I limit screen time), they are asking me each day to watch more. I tend to prefer books to movies, but this series is a fun and easy way to expose kids to the events of the American Revolution.