1763 – 1800
Figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton shaped the new nation through the Revolutionary War, the drafting of the founding documents, and the creation of new American institutions.
Picture books
Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud
Humorous story of the friendship and political rivalry between Jefferson and Adams, illuminating the tensions within the young nation
Buy
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library
Delightful biography of Jefferson through the lens of his library
Buy
An Inconvenient Alphabet: Ben Franklin & Noah Webster’s Spelling Revolution
Delightful story of Ben Franklin and Noah Webster’s attempt to revolutionize American spelling
Buy
Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin
Introduction to Ben Franklin’s many inventions, and how they’ve stood the test of time
Buy
Farmer George Plants a Nation Paperback
Story of Washington as a farmer, with excerpts from his letters and diaries
Buy
Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything
Exciting introduction to Jefferson’s many pursuits and achievements
Buy
How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning
Lively overview of Franklin’s inventions, especially around electricity
Buy
Take the Lead, George Washington
Story of a young Washington’s early treks into the American Frontier and how they shaped him
Buy
Ben Franklin: His Wit and Wisdom from A-Z
Alphabet book introduction to Ben Franklin and his many achievements
Buy
Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President Washington
Moving biography of George Washington’s early life and character
Buy
Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos
Playful, classic story about a fictional mouse who helps Benjamin Franklin invent
Buy
George Washington’s Teeth
Entertaining biography of Washington through the lens of his famous false teeth
Buy
Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares
Funny introduction to Franklin and his inventions, this one focused on a mathematical game
Buy
Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Hunt: The True Story of the Quest for America’s Biggest Bones
Delightful story about Thomas Jefferson’s search for mammoth bones
Buy
Biographies
Who Was George Washington?
Excellent introduction to George Washington’s life and impact
Buy
Who Was Alexander Hamilton?
Excellent introduction to Alexander Hamilton’s life and impact
Buy
Who Was Abigail Adams?
Excellent introduction to Abigail Adams’ life and impact
Buy
Who Was Ben Franklin?
Excellent introduction to Ben Franklin’s life and impact
Buy
Who Was Thomas Jefferson?
Excellent introduction to Thomas Jefferson’s life and impact
Buy
Who Was Betsy Ross?
Excellent introduction to Betsy Ross
Buy
The Great Little Madison
Rich biography of James Madison
Buy
What’s the Big Idea, Ben Franklin?
Fun biography of Ben Franklin and his many inventions and achievements
Buy
Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May?
Accessible biography of Patrick Henry and his role in the young American nation
Buy
Ben Franklin’s Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman’s Life
Unique portrait of Franklin modeled on Poor Richard’s Almanack
Buy
The Revolutionary John Adams
Excellent biography of John Adams, with excerpts from his and Abigail’s letters
Buy
The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin
Accessible overview of Franklin’s life and work, for younger readers
Buy
Thomas Jefferson
Excellent introduction to Jefferson’s life and contributions to the young United States
Buy
B. Franklin, Printer
Stellar biography of Franklin, in the style of period printing
Buy
Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia
Classic biography of Ben Franklin
Buy
Activities
Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions: You Can Build Yourself
Inventions to build, inspired by Ben Franklin’s work
Buy
George Washington: 25 Projects You Build Yourself
Projects inspired by George Washington’s life and work
Buy
Benjamin Franklin, American Genius: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities
Biography of Franklin, with corresponding activities
Buy