1776 – 1792
During and after the American Revolution, American founders established key institutions for the new nation. This period saw the creation of the Declaration of Independence, the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, the establishment of the White House as the executive residence, the first national census, the adoption of the Bill of Rights, and the strengthening of the Supreme Court, all of which played pivotal roles in defining the nation’s identity and governance.
Picture books
The House That George Built
Lively story of how the White House came to be designed, built, and used
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A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution
Exciting story of why and how the American constitution was written
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If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution
Accessible introduction to the Constitutional convention and what came after
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Tricking the Tallyman
Humorous story about the first American census, illuminating the hopes and fears of a new nation
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Declaration of Independence from A to Z
Alphabet book that tells the story of the Declaration of Independence
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Brick by Brick
Compelling true story of the enslaved laborers who built the White House
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The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence
Entertaining story of the physical Declaration of Independence’s exciting journey through US history
We the People: The Story of Our Constitution
Story of the Constitutional Convention and its tensions
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We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States
Playful introduction to the Preamble to the Constitution, for young readers
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The Declaration of Independence: The Words that Made America
Inscribed and illustrated edition of the Declaration of Independence
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Non-fiction books
What Is the Declaration of Independence?
Detailed, comprehensive intro to the Declaration of Independence
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What Is the Constitution?
Detailed, comprehensive intro to the Constitution
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In Defense of Liberty
Award-winning introduction to the history and purpose of the Bill of Rights
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Constitution Translated for Kids
Simple translation of the Constitution, side-by-side with the original text
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Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution
Lively account of the Constitutional Convention
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Give Me Liberty!: The Story of the Declaration of Independence
Engaging story of the context that built up to the Declaration of Independence
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The Declaration of Independence: The Words that Made America
Inscribed and illustrated edition of the Declaration of Independence
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The Constitution of the United States of America
Inscribed and illustrated edition of the Constitution
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A Kids’ Guide to America’s Bill of Rights
Excellent guide to the Bill of Rights and the questions it has raised
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American Hero: John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States
Biography of the Chief Justice who defined the role of the Supreme Court
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