Today is Patriots' Day in Massachusetts, a state and regional holiday that commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the beginnings of the Revolutionary War. It's the day the Boston Marathon is traditionally run, and the start of Spring Break for the public schools. 

To keep the little ones busy, entertained, and informed, here are three picture books about the Boston Marathon: Her Fearless Run: Kathrine Switzer’s Historic Boston Marathon by Kim Chaffee, illus. by Ellen Rooney (Page Street); Girl Running: Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon by Annette Bay Pimentel, illus. by Micha Archer (Paulsen/Penguin); and Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, illus. by Scott Magoon (Candlewick). 

Find lots of books about the Revolutionary War at the Guide/Reviews Database subject tag History, American--Revolutionary War. And do some research on the "American Revolution, NOT rich white men," to learn more about such figures as Sybil Ludington, who was from my hometown and rode to alert: "the British are coming!" (not necessarily in those words). 

Click the tag kids at home for more vacation week thoughts and ideas.