The Best Living Books for Exploring the American Revolution

Add these American Revolution books to your summer school reading list and enliven your child’s understanding of U.S. history!

When we study living books of the American Revolution, we not only teach our children about a crucial time in our nation’s history, but also ignite their imaginations and foster a love for learning. These events aren’t just dry facts and dates, they’re stories that spark curiosity, ignite imaginations, and transport us right into the heart of the Revolution.

Below, you will discover several books on key figures in the Revolution, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. These books will allow your children to experience history through the eyes of those who lived it, and promote a greater understanding of why they fought to establish this nation.

Living books often present historical figures in a way that children can relate to, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of different times and cultures. Books like Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes and If You Lived in Williamsburg in Colonial Days by Barbara Brenner transport children back in time and help them understand what it was like to live during this era, while books like A Spy Called James by Anne Rockwell and Women Heroes of the American Revolution by Susan Casey explore themes of courage and resilience, providing children with inspiring role models.

Let’s take a moment to explore how these wonderful American Revolution books can transform your history lessons into an adventure your children will cherish.

Elementary & Middle Grades

John, Paul, George & BenGeorge vs. George: The American Revolution As Seen from Both SidesGeorge Washington’s WorldBen and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse AmosAnswering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American RevolutionRevolutionary War On Wednesday (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Magic Tree House)American Revolution: A Nonfiction Companion to Revolutionary War on Wednesday (Magic Tree House Research Guide Series)Valley Forge: 24 December 1777 A Christmas StoryOne Dead Spy[ONE DEAD SPY][Hardcover]The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American RevolutionIf You Lived In Williamsburg in Colonial DaysRevolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict ArnoldRush Revere and the American Revolution: Time-Travel Adventures With Exceptional AmericansRush Revere and the Star-Spangled Banner (4)Rush Revere and the First Patriots: Time-Travel Adventures With Exceptional Americans (2)George WashingtonBenjamin FranklinHeart and Soul: The Story of America and African AmericansLafayette! (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales #8): A Revolutionary War TaleLiberty’s Kids – The Complete Series – Education EditionThe Light and the Glory for Children : Discovering God’s Plan for America from Christopher Columbus to George WashingtonWhere Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May?

 

Upper Grades

The Jefferson-Hemings Controversy: Report of the Scholars CommissionJohnny TremainThe Swamp Fox of the Revolution (Sterling Point Books)Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys (Landmark Books, 66)Let It Begin Here!: Lexington & Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution (Actual Times, 1)George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary WarWomen Heroes of the American Revolution: 20 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Defiance, and Rescue (Women of Action)A Voice of Her Own: Candlewick Biographies: The Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave PoetA Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double AgentAlexander HamiltonChampion of liberty, Henry Knox,Fighting for Justice: John Marshall (Britannica Bookshelf–Great Lives for Young Americans)Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary GenerationGreat Men Bow DownFrancis Marion,: Swamp Fox of the Revolution,Poor RichardThomas JeffersonDrive Thru History® –Beyond the Mask (2015) [DVD]

 

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