1776 -1861
During the period between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars in America, several key events unfolded. The yellow fever epidemic of 1793 struck Philadelphia, causing widespread devastation and highlighting public health challenges. The War of 1812 tested American independence against British forces, shaping national identity and foreign relations. Meanwhile, Transcendentalism emerged as a philosophical movement promoting individualism and a connection with nature.
Picture books
Snowflake Bentley
Award-winning story of a scientist who cataloged snowflakes
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The Kite that Bridged Two Nations: Homan Walsh and the First Niagara Suspension Bridge
True story of a boy whose kites led to the first bridge between the US and Canada
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Ox-Cart Man
Gentle, award-winning story of a family’s life on a New England farm
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Of Walden Pond: Henry David Thoreau, Frederic Tudor, and the Pond Between
Lyrical story of two neighbors on Walden Pond, representing different threads in early American experiences
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I Begin with Spring: The Life and Seasons of Henry David Thoreau
Gentle introduction to Thoreau’s thoughts through his nature journals
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A Home for Mr. Emerson
Joyful portrait of Emerson
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Thee, Hannah!
Charming story about a Quaker girl in Philadelphia
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Dear Benjamin Banneker
True story of a correspondence between an American scientist and Thomas Jefferson
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The Town that Fooled the British: A War of 1812 Story
Story for young readers about a boy in a shipbuilding town experiencing the War of 1812
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Rescuing the Declaration of Independence: How We Almost Lost the Words That Built America
Exciting true story of the rescue of American founding documents during the War of 1812
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Chapter books
Fever 1793
Award-winning novel about a girl navigating the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia
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Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
Classic story of a naval innovator
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The Cabin Faced West
Charming story of a girl adjusting to frontier life in western Pennsylvania
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Once on This Island
Gripping novel about a girl experiencing the War of 1812
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The Smuggler’s Treasure
Novel about a girl solving a mystery during the War of 1812
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Non-fiction books
Year of the Horseless Carriage: 1801
Exciting introduction to the world in 1801, including technology, politics, and the arts
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Mr. Madison’s War: Causes and Effects of the War of 1812
Exploration of the causes and effects of the War of 1812
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You Wouldn’t Want to Sail on a 19th Century Whaling Ship!: Grisly Tasks You’d Rather Not Do
Playful introduction to life aboard a whaling ship
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Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America
Enthralling story of the Blizzard of 1888
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An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
Riveting story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793
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Biographies
Activities
Henry David Thoreau for Kids: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities
Biography of Thoreau with corresponding activities
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