Monthly Special
The American Revolution

Picture Books | Intermediate | Young Adult 

The books recommended below were published within the last several years. Grade levels are only suggestions; the individual child is the real criterion.

Picture Books
Suggested grade level for each entry: K–3

When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots written by Lynne Cheney, illustrated by Peter M. Fiore (Simon)
Spare text and dramatic paintings tell of the revolutionary solders’ despair at Valley Forge, Washington’s bold strategy to attack the British, and the sacrifice and bravery he exacted from his troops. 40 pages.

George Washington: A Picture Book Biography written by James Cross Giblin, illustrated by Michael Dooling (Scholastic)
This sketch of Washington’s life, including family, military career, and political leadership, is marked by lucid explanations and judicious choices of detail. 48 pages.

Joining the Boston Tea Party written by Diane Stanley, illustrated by Holly Berry (Cotler/HarperCollins)
This simple time-travel history book features a grandmother and two children participating in one momentous historical event, with historical information pitched low but cleanly and accurately. 48 pages.

Intermediate
Suggested grade level for each entry: 4–6

The World Turned Upside Down: George Washington and the Battle of Yorktown by Richard Ferrie (Holiday)
Transforming history into an exciting examination of the circumstances and personalities that shaped the future, Ferrie analyzes the battle and Washington’s role as strategist, patriot, and leader. 168 pages.

The Signers: The Fifty-six Stories behind the Declaration of Independence written by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illustrated by Michael McCurdy (Walker)
Delegates are introduced by state in this quietly dignified homage, enhanced by portraits and document reproductions, to signers both famous and obscure. 164 pages.

Liberty or Death: The American Revolution, 1763–1783 written by Betsy Maestro, illustrated by Giulio Maestro (HarperCollins)
This telescoped account, expanded by portraits, maps, and illustrations, follows the growth and endurance of the colonial forces, shifting loyalties and alliances, and the key efforts of British, patriot, French, and German military leaders. 64 pages.

A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy by Jim Murphy (Clarion)
One primary source account of a teen soldier’s war experience is intertwined with broader information about the Revolution, putting his story in context. Includes many period reproductions. 102 pages.

George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides written and illustrated by Rosalyn Schanzer (National Geographic)
Contrasts and comparisons between George Washington and King George III create a full picture of the causes, events, and immediate aftermath of the American Revolution. 60 pages.

John and Abigail Adams: An American Love Story by Judith St. George (Holiday)
In this absorbing portrait of a remarkable relationship, the author humanizes her subjects and fleshes out complicated social and political events, offering a front-row seat to the American Revolution. 147 pages.

Young Adult
Suggested grade level for each entry: 7 and up

George Washington: An Illustrated Biography by David A. Adler (Holiday)
Aided by many period prints, Adler dispels myths and explores many aspects of Washington’s personality and character, including his evolving attitudes as a slaveholder. 274 pages.

The Real Revolution: The Global Story of American Independence by Marc Aronson (Clarion)
The international backdrop to the American Revolution is the focus of this dramatic and thought-provoking history, which will leave readers not just with a better understanding of historical events, but with a better idea of how historians work. 238 pages.

George Washington and the Founding of a Nation by Albert Marrin (Dutton)
Familiar facts are given new vitality in this information-packed text about the social, economic, and political factors that shaped America’s first president. 276 pages.

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