Every American citizen should know the history of their country and yet sadly, many do not. I can’t tell you how many adults I have spoken to who have told me that they found history boring in high school, but once they learned it outside of school they found it fascinating. Same with me! I hadn’t planned on teaching history at a young age (mostly because I wasn’t sure how), yet once I found these amazing picture books for children I am completely obsessed. What I want to know is: where were these fun history books when I was in school? And who says only kids get to enjoy picture books? For any adults who don’t like to read books “because there aren’t pictures in them”, this list is for you.
Here I list some of my favorite picture books and resources about the revolutionary war that will get children (and adults) interested in how our country got started.
The story of the American Revolution actually starts farther back than 1775, mostly with the French and Indian war, but for the sake of focusing on the topic I have listed the books that are most relevant. The age range for these books is for kids ages 4 and up, but even books meant for older children can still be enjoyed by the younger ones if they are interested. I was able to order all of these books through the library.
Events leading up to the war:
For Liberty: The Story of the Boston Massacre by Timothy Decker
An interesting perspective on what happened that night in an entertaining format. The Boston Massacre was so-called by Sam Adams, but what happened was not really a “massacre.”
The Boston Massacre by Michael Burgan
Describes the story of the Boston massacre in a graphic novel style format, with information about what led to it and the aftermath.
The Boston Massacre: An Interactive History Adventure by Elizabeth Raum
This book is meant for older kids, probably 10+, and takes you back in time to what happened and lets you choose different paths to take. There are different scenarios and endings based on what decisions you make. Great way to learn history.
Crispus Attucks and the Boston Massacre by Lynne Weiss
Discusses the life of Crispus Attucks, the first person to die in the Boston Massacre. There are a few details in this book I don’t agree with, but I placed it here for the information about his life.
The Boston Tea Party by Russell Friedman
A detailed look at what happened at the Boston Tea Party, suited for kids 7+. Good for adults who want to review what happened at the famous event.
The Boston Tea Party by Steven Kroll
This book is also a little longer, probably suited for kids 7+, but gives a historical account of what happened at the famous “tea party.”
Trouble Brewing: A Fun Song About the Boston Tea Party by Michael Dahl
A fun introduction for kids 3+ about the Tea Party through a song.
Books about the Revolution
Paul Revere’s Ride by Shana Corey
A learn-to-read book that talks about the life of Paul Revere and his contribution to the Revolution.
Paul Revere’s Ride by Thomas Kingsley Troupe
The Fly On The Wall history series are told by 2 flies, Maggie and Horace and are a fun way to teach kids about different historical events. In this book, they follow Paul Revere on his famous midnight ride to warn the colonists that the “regulars” are coming.
Do You Want to Be a Revolutionary War Soldier? by Thomas Ratliff
A great picture book that explains what it was like to fight in the war, with information about uniforms, injuries, and more.
Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock & Sam Adams by Sarah Jane Marsh
A funny and informational book about John and Sam and their involvement in the Revolution. Mentions the start of the war and the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Those Rebels, John & Tom by Barbara Kerley
Another funny picture book about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
Tells the story of a Tory (loyal to King George) family whose home is invaded by rebels.
Henry and the Cannons by Dan Brown
A cute picture book that is suitable for kids ages 3+ that talks about Henry Knox and his long journey in bringing 59 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston.
Henry’s Big Kaboom by Mary Ames Mitchell
Tells the story of Henry Knox through a ballad.
Henry Knox: Bookseller, Soldier, Patriot by Anita Silvey
A book suited for older kids (7+) about the life of Henry Knox, including his early life and how he became involved in the Revolution.
Gingerbread for Liberty! How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff
A story that I’m sure almost no one has heard about -a German baker and his contribution to the American Revolution.
Sam the Minuteman by Nathaniel Benchley
It tells the perspective of a boy who wants to fight with his father in the battle of Lexington.
George the Drummer Boy by Nathaniel Benchley
Similar to “Sam the Minuteman” but tells the point of view from a drummer boy in the British army.
Tells the story of Rufus Putnam, born in Massachusetts, an engineer who helped to win the siege of Boston in March of 1776 and his contributions to America.
Row, Row, Row the Boats: A Fun Song about George Washington Crossing the Delaware
Another book in this series that introduces young children to history through song.
Bring Us Water, Molly Pitcher! A Fun Song about the Battle of Monmouth by Michael Dahl
This is about the famous Molly Pitcher (not her real name) to the tune “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain.”
Molly Pitcher by Kirra Fedyszyn
A graphic novel about Molly Pitcher in an entertaining fashion.
Benedict Arnold: American Hero and Traitor by Michael Burgan
A graphic novel that discusses the life of the infamous Arnold and his treason.
Revolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict Arnold by Selene Castrovilla
Geared toward older kids (9+), discusses the treason between Arnold and his contact with the British Major John Andre.
George Washington and the General’s Dog by Frank Murphy
Tells of a mostly unknown historical event in a humorous manner that took place when general George returns a dog that belonged to a British general.
Winter at Valley Forge by Michael Doeden
A graphic novel that goes through the harsh winter the soldiers experienced at Valley Forge.
The Black Regiment of the American Revolution by Linda Brennan
The Black Regiment fought bravely at the battle of Rhode Island and went on to fight at Yorktown. Best suited for kids 9+.
A colorful book that features short biographies on Americans who haven’t gotten mention in conventional schooling. Suitable for kids 8+.
Discusses 2 Polish heroes and their important contributions to the Revolution. Best for kids ages 9+.
Many Ways to be a Soldier by Wendy Pfeffer
Tells the story of a boy who wants to help his town while the men are off fighting the British. Another unknown story from history.
True Stories of the Revolutionary War by Elizabeth Raum
In graphic novel style format, it tells the stories of various people who lived during the Revolution in an engaging way. Best for kids 8+.
A Spy Called James by Anne Rockwell
James Armistead Lafayette was a spy who worked as a double agent and brought valuable information to the Americans about the British at Yorktown.
Spying for Freedom: James Lafayette’s Story by Betsy Rathburn
Another picture book about James Armistead Lafayette that is told in graphic novel format.
A great picture book that breaks down the Declaration line by line and explains it to young readers. Best for kids ages 9+, but you can certainly flip through it with younger kids.
Eat Your U.S. History Homework: Recipes for Revolutionary Minds by Ann McCallum
Learning history through recipes, this book has some recipes from colonial times too, and brings cooking into history.
In addition to picture books, here are some coloring books about the American Revolution. Please note there might be some slight immodesty, which you can easily color over before giving them to the kiddos.
Another fun way for kids to learn history is through dress up. We like going to historical reenactments and there are plenty of colonial costumes available online, including the tricorn hat that men wore during that time. I found a mobcap that was worn by ladies for a good price on Etsy.
There is also a cartoon called Liberty’s Kids about the American Revolution that features three kids who live through many of the famous events. The children are fictional but it’s entertaining and a great introduction to American history and the historical figures through a cartoon. You can watch it for free on YouTube. Great to watch as a family, too.
There are also plenty more books. I will be posting more resources as I find them. Enjoy!
A Spoonful of Garlic 
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