1763 – 1783
The American Revolution was a pivotal period in which the thirteen American colonies fought for independence from British rule. Sparked by issues like taxation without representation and escalating tensions, the conflict led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and ultimately resulted in the formation of the United States, reshaping global politics and inspiring future democratic movements. (You can find books about American founders here and new American institutions here.)
Picture books
Henry and the Cannons: An Extraordinary True Story of the American Revolution
Exciting true story of Henry Knox’s feat at the start of the war
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Paul Revere’s Ride
Illustrated edition of Longfellow’s famous poem about Paul Revere
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Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak: The Outbreak of the Boston Tea Party Told from Multiple Points-of-View
Follow a errand boy through revolutionary Boston, learning about colonial occupations and opinions about the revolution
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Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution
Story of 22 women and their contributions to the American Revolution
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The Scarlet Stockings Spy (Tales of Young Americans)
Suspenseful story of a girl in revolutionary Philadelphia
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Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette
Story of the friendship between two Revolutionary War leaders
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A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent
Exciting true story of an enslaved man who spied for the Americans
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Gingerbread for Liberty! How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution
Cheerful story of a baker and his contributions to the Revolution
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If You Lived At The Time Of The American Revolution
Gentle introduction to life in Revolutionary times
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Chapter books
Johnny Tremain
Classic story of a boy in revolutionary Boston
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The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777
Fictional diary of a girl living in Valley Forge
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Emma’s Journal: The Story of a Colonial Girl
Fictional, visual diary of a girl in revolutionary Boston
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Guns for General Washington: A Story of the American Revolution
Exciting novel based on the true story of a young man serving under George Washington
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Cast Two Shadows: The American Revolution in the South
Novel about a young woman experiencing the American Revolution from South Carolina
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The Riddle of Penncroft Farm
Novel about a young man solving a mystery about the Revolutionary War
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The Fifth of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre
Novel about a girl indentured to the Adamses in the days leading up to the Revolution
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Meet Felicity
First book in the American Girl series about Felicity, a girl in revolutionary times
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A Ride into Morning: The Story of Tempe Wick
Exciting novel based on a legend about a girl during the Revolutionary War
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Non-fiction books
George vs. George: The American Revolution As Seen from Both Sides
Story of the American Revolution from both perspectives
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Liberty or Death: The American Revolution: 1763-1783
Accessible overview of the American Revolution for young readers
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The Boston Tea Party
Excellent narrative explanation of the Boston Tea Party
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What Was the Boston Tea Party?
Factual explanation of the Boston Tea Part and its context
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Let It Begin Here! Lexington & Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution
Exciting account of the first two battles of the Revolutionary War
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Biographies
Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George?
Fun biography of King George, including Americans’ changing view of him
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Who Was Benedict Arnold?
Story of Benedict Arnold’s trajectory, from hero to notorious traitor
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Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?
Engaging introduction to John Hancock’s role in resisting British rule
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And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?
Great introduction to Paul Revere and his midnight ride
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Who Was Paul Revere?
Thorough biography of Paul Revere’s life and famous ride
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Activities
The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities
Activities inspired by the American Revolution
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