Staff Favorites Reading List: Young Readers Edition

As we mark America’s 250th anniversary this summer, there’s no better time to share a love of history with the young readers in your life. The staff of the Museum of the American Revolution has pulled together a list of favorite history books, old and new, for young learners from kindergarten to high school. These stories sparked our own love of the past, and we still find ourselves recommending many of them to visitors and kids today. From the Revolutionary era to more recent chapters of history, these books bring history to life in a way that sticks with readers long after the last page. We hope they spark a few future history lovers (and maybe museum lovers!) in the young people in your life.  

George Washington’s Socks 
Written by Elvira Woodruff 
Ages 8-11 

This book tells the story of five kids who are transported back in time on a mysterious rowboat to the eve of the Battle of Trenton. They see the realities of war, while meeting Hessian soldiers, Continental Army soldiers, and even George Washington himself.

“It was the first time that history seemed exciting and also probably the first time that it sunk in that George Washington was an actual human being.”- Kara Wexler, Digital Content Manager

George Washington’s Spy 
Written by Elvira Woodruff 
Ages 8-11 

In this sequel to George Washington’s Socks, a group of children are travel back in time to Boston in 1776. While trying to find their way home, they encounter British soldiers, Patriot spies, and Loyalists and experience life during the Revolutionary War.

Purchase Book

April Morning 
Written by Howard Fast 
Ages 10-13 

In this coming-of-age novel, 15-year-old Adam Cooper fights for the first time in the Battle of Lexington at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

“The book that first sparked my interest in the American Revolution." - Nan Gilbert, Visitor Engagement Associate

Gingerbread for Liberty: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution 
Written by Mara Rockliff
Illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch
Ages 6-8 

German-American Christopher Ludwick baked as a way of supporting the Continental Army during the American Revolution. His gingerbread kept the troops well-fed during the war.

Blood on the River: Jamestown 1607 
Written by Elisa Carbone
Ages 10-13 

Samuel Collier becomes a page for Captain John Smith and travels to the America. Beginning with the stormy journey and his first contact with the native people, he realizes that the New World is nothing like he imagined.

“It was my favorite book in 6th grade that started my love for early American history.” Sarah Haughton, Visitor Engagement Associate

The Golden Book of the Civil War 
Written by Charles Flato
Ages 8-14 

Using maps, period photographs, and other images, this book tells the story of the Civil War in vivid detail.

“I would STUDY the maps.” - James Taub, Associate Curator

The Haudenosaunee (First Americans) 
Written by Virginia Driving Haw Sneve
Illustrated by Ronald Himler
Ages 7-10 

This book explores the Haudenosaunee peoples, including their creation story, democratic government, precious wampum beads, religious ceremonies.

Fever 1793 
Written by Laurie Halse Anderson
Ages 10-13 

In this young adult novel, Mattie Cook navigates life in Philadelphia during the yellow fever outbreak of 1793.

“The vivid and historically accurate descriptions of the yellow fever outbreak is what got me interested in early American medical history.” - Alexandra Cade, Assistant Curator

Dear America: The Winter of Red Snow  
Written by Kristina Gregory
Ages 9-12 

In this fictional diary, Abigail Jane Stewart describes her life in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, during the American Revolution. When the Contintental Army arrives in the winter of 1776, Abigail experiences one of the most important moments of the American Revolution.

This Light Between Us: A Novel of World War II  
Written by Andrew Fukuda
Ages 13-18 

In 1935, Alex Maki becomes pen pals with a French girl. Their letters contain shared hopes and dreams of friendship, until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the growing Nazi persecution of Jews force them to confront the darkest aspects of human nature.

“This book was one of the first times I truly understood the power of historical empathy”- Vickie Nelson, Visitor Engagement Associate

Lily’s Crossing 
Written by Patricia Reilly Giff
Ages 10-13 

In the summer of 1944, Lily meets a Hungarian refugee named Albert, who has lost most of his family in the war. The two become friends, and both have secrets to share.

“Historical fiction helped me imagine a war-torn world that was familiar to my grandma when she was my age.” - Hannah Boettcher, Special Programs Producer

Guts and Glory: The American Revolution 
Written by Ben Thompson
Ages 8-12 

From a riot in the streets of Boston, to the Culper Spy Ring as they steal secrets in the dead of night, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, learn about it all in this accessible, illustrated guide to the birth of the United States.

A Time of Witches 
Written by Anna Myers
Ages 10-13 

Drucilla finds a family with the Putnams in Salem Village. When a new reverend and his family come to town, dangerous accusations of witchcraft arise.

"Reading about these girls who were growing up, trying to navigate their everyday lives amidst significant historical events, and seeing how these events affected their lives made the history more accessible to me.”- Mackenzie Cullen, Communications Manager