Apples have left their mark on history in surprising ways, from sparking scientific discoveries to inspiring legendary tales. This booklist explores the fascinating stories of apples across time—whether it’s Johnny Appleseed spreading apple orchards, Isaac Newton’s famous apple-inspired insights, or the legendary shot of William Tell. If you 🍎 fall as much as we do, give these historical apple tales a read!
The Gravity Tree: The True Story of a Tree That Inspired the World
Delightful story of Isaac Newton’s apple tree and its impact on science
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Granny Smith Was Not an Apple
Charming true story of an orchardist’s determination
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The Apple and the Arrow
Dramatic retelling of the Swiss legend of William Tell and his resistance to the Habsburgs
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An Apple for Harriet Tubman
True story of Harriet Tubman’s longing for apples as an enslaved child and generous orchards as a free adult
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Who Was Johnny Appleseed?
In-depth biography of the real Johnny Appleseed
Buy
Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (and Children) Across the Plains
Hilarious tall tale about a pioneer family transporting fruit trees across the country
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Johnny Appleseed
Lyrical, illustrated retelling of the Johnny Appleseed legend
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Treasury of Greek Mythology
Read about the golden apple that started all of the Trojan War trouble
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