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Revolutionary War Resources (American Revolution)

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The Revolutionary War Resources (American Revolution)

Dates covered: 1775-1783

Contains affiliate links

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*NOTE: This article is very, very long. I have tried to break it up by dividing it into topics, which you can find the links to below, but there is still quite a bit left over (25 pages worth on a Word document before I added images).

Books (All Ages): 

If I had to pick just one book to cover the entire American Revolution, the book below would be my top pick for all age groups. If you don’t like sarcasm and humor in a book, or books about time travel, it might not be for your family, because there is a lot of it. But, if you do, then this book is very informative while still feeling light and fun. It’s packed with facts, but with enough humor to be engaging, and unlike graphic novels, it’s easy to read aloud, followed by a fun book for younger children that I found especially appealing.

The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution (The Thrifty Guides)

The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution: A Handbook for Time Travelers The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution provides useful information for the practical time traveler, like:    • Where can I find a decent hotel room in colonial New England? Are major credit cards accepted?     • How do I join the Boston Tea Party without winding up in a British prison?     • How can I score a lunch with Alexander Hamilton?

This guide answers these fiery, burning questions with the marshmallows of information. There is handy advice on how to join Paul Revere’s spy ring at the Green Dragon Tavern, how to enlist in General Washington’s rebel army, and how to summon the strength to storm a British gun battery when you haven’t eaten for three days. Level 7.0. All Ages. 

Which Way to the Revolution? A Book about Maps Picture book. Complete with seven easy-to-read maps, this colorful tale tells the amusing story about a group of mice who possesses special map-reading skills and, in turn, help Paul Revere reach his destination. Level 1.4. Younger students. Massachusetts. 

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More Books:

1776: Year of Independence Genevieve Foster book. Events around the world during the year 1776 are related to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Younger to Middle students. 

Welcome to Felicity's World · 1774:... book by Catherine GourleyFelicity's New Sister (American Girl Collection)

American Girl Felicity 

American Revolution 1700-1800: Illustrated with Photographs from America’s Living History Museums Beautifully done, Enhanced with photos, an “In Their Own Words” section, website information, activities, and sidebars, shows young readers what it was like to live during this period in American history. Lexile 910. Middle to Older students. 

A Message for General Washington Twelve-year-old Hannah accepts the challenge of sneaking behind enemy lines to deliver a message to General Washington which will result in the British surrender at Yorktown. Reader-style. Level 4.9. Virginia. 

Anna Strong: A Spy During the American Revolution The biography of one of America’s Revolutionary female spies. Learn how she passed secrets by doing the laundry. Picture book. Level 5.4

A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent Told for the first time in picture book form is the true story of James Lafayette―an enslaved person who spied for George Washington’s army during the American Revolution. After his resounding defeat at the battle of Yorktown, British general Charles Cornwallis made a point of touring the American camp, looking for the reason behind his loss. What he didn’t expect to see was James, an escaped enslaved person who had served as a guide to the British army. Or at least that’s what Cornwallis was led to believe. In fact, James wasn’t actually a runaway―he was a spy for the American army. But while America celebrated its newfound freedom, James returned to slavery in Virginia. His service as a spy hadn’t qualified him for the release he’d been hoping for. For James the fight wasn’t over; his next adversary was the Virginia General Assembly. He’d already helped his country gain its freedom, now it was time to win his own. Picture book. Level 5.2. Younger to Middle students. Virginia. 

At Battle in the Revolutionary War: An Interactive Battlefield Adventure (You Choose: Battlefields) No taxation without representation! The colonists in America are rising up against the British government. It’s the start of the American Revolution! Will you:      Fight as a colonist or British soldier at the Battle of Bunker Hill? Experience the Battle of Saratoga as the nanny of a Hessian general’s children or as a drummer boy in the Connecticut militia? Join the Overmountain Men or the Loyalist militia at the Battle of King’s Mountain? You Choose offers multiple perspectives on history, and providing readers a front-row seat to the past. Mature Younger to Middle students. 

At the Battle of Yorktown: An Interactive Battlefield Adventure This book explores various perspectives surrounding the Battle of Yorktown in the Revolutionary War. Readers are immersed in the action as their choices guide the narrative. Follow 3 different story paths and make23 choices leading to 39 endings. Mature Younger to Middle students.  

Battles of Lexington and Concord Cornerstones of Freedom series. Nonfiction. Middle students. 

Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and the Battle of Bunker Hill History comes alive in this gripping account of a young boy caught up in the start of the Revolutionary War. s engrossing story allows readers to experience history from a child’s perspective, and Wendell Minor’s stunning paintings will transport readers back to the early days of the Revolutionary War. Picture book-style, but longer book. Middle students. Level 6.4. Massachusetts. 

Betrayal at Cross Creek An American Girl Histories Mysteries book about a look at the Scottish immigrant community in North Carolina at the start of the Revolutionary War. Note: This book uses some language such as “God’s eyeballs.” Also, the entire book has a feeling of suspense about it. Middle students. North Carolina. 

Buttons for General Washington story of a child spy for the patriots during the American Revolution, a young boy transports encoded messages hidden on his buttons to his brother, who translates the messages and passes them on to Washington. Easy Reader. Level 2.8

Can You Survive a Revolutionary War Escape?: An Interactive History Adventure TRAPPED! The American colonies are gripped by the Revolutionary War, and you have been cornered by the British. From cat-and-mouse battlefield confrontations to crowded prison ships, you’ll do anything to stay out of their clutches. Will you help the Continental Army escape from Long Island? Or will you brave icy waters to swim from a floating prison? Every decision can be the difference between life and death. Which path will YOU CHOOSE to make it out alive? With stories based on historical accounts and war-time scenarios, nonfiction back matter, and multiple outcomes, this thrilling interactive adventure will entertain and inform young readers with every twist and turn! 39 choices, 17 endings. (Note: some options lead to death). Younger to Middle students. 

Cast Two Shadows: The American Revolution in the South In South Carolina in 1780, fourteen-year-old Caroline sees the Revolutionary War take a terrible toll on her family and friends, and comes to understand the true nature of war. Mature Older students. Level 4.1, according to my library, but I feel like that’s WAY off. South Carolina. 

Charlotte In this true tale of the American Revolution, Janet Lunn tells the story of Charlotte Haines, a young girl who must face one of the cruel realities of war – family division. Tensions mount in the aftermath of the rebel victory in New York. Charlotte’s father supports the rebel Patriots and has broken all ties with the Empire. A stubborn man, he even shuns his own brother, a Loyalist. Forbidden to see her cousins who are only hours away from their departure for what would become Canada, Charlotte must make a difficult decision. Level 4.8. Picture book, Younger to Middle students. New York/Nova Scotia, Canada. 

Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak Follow an errand boy through colonial Boston as he spreads word of rebellion. It’s December 16, 1773, and Boston is about to explode! King George has decided to tax the colonists’ tea. The Patriots have had enough. Ethan, the printer’s errand boy, is running through town to deliver a message about an important meeting. As he stops along his route at the bakery, the schoolhouse, the tavern, and more readers learn about the occupations of colonial workers and their differing opinions about living under Britain’s rule. This fascinating book is like a field trip to a living history village. Picture book. Level 5.0. Middle students. Massachusetts. 

Dangerous Crossing Picture book retelling of John Adams’ dangerous secret mission to France, from the viewpoint of his son and future president, “Johnny” Quincy Adams. Level 5.0

Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776 When his father slips away to join the rebels, Daniel works in the family tavern and eavesdrops on Redcoat officers. He soon learns how to slip across British lines and becomes a messenger and spy, bringing vital news of the enemy to his father, and even to General Washington. To do so puts Daniel’s life in danger. But, to a Patriot, liberty is well worth any risk. Level 5.1. Middle to Older students. Massachusetts. 

Daughter of Liberty A chance encounter with General George Washington in upstate New York during the Revolutionary War leads a young woman to volunteer for a dangerous mission involving the retrieval of valuable papers. Younger to Middle students. New York. 

Dear Canada: With Nothing But Our Courage: The Loyalist Diary of Mary MacDonald, Johnstown, Quebec, 1783 Dear Canada series. When Mary’s family sides with the British against the American rebels, they are branded traitors and forced to flee their home. All they have is what they can carry with them – and their determination and courage – when they head north toward Canada. Along with other Loyalists they hope to start a new life in Québec, where there is land for those who have been loyal to the King. But the journey is treacherous, the winter bitterly cold, and the MacDonalds find it hard to survive. Even with supplies from Britain, clearing the land to build their home is a struggle… but one they survive to forge a new life in a new land. Middle to Older students. Quebec, Canada. 

Deborah Sampson Goes to War A biography of the woman who served in the army during the Revolutionary War under the name Robert Shurtleff and who later lectured about her experiences. Note: Deborah does spend time disguised as a man, but before and after the war, she does not.  Easy Reader. Younger to Middle children. Massachusetts. 

Did It All Start with a Snowball Fight?: And Other Questions About…The American Revolution Could a snowball fight really have sparked the American Revolution? What made people get so steaming mad over the price of tea? And did it take a minuteman only a minute to join the fight? Step back into colonial America to find out about taxation without representation; why the British were called lobsters, the first-ever combat submarine, and whether Yankee doodles were really dandy!  This interesting take on the American Revolution will attract young readers…even if they don’t have to write a book report. Level 5.4. Younger to Middle students. 

Early Thunder by Jean Fritz. In pre-revolutionary Salem, fourteen-year-old Daniel begins to re-examine his loyalty to the King as the conflict between Tories and patriots increasingly divides the townspeople. Massachusetts. Older students. 

Enduring Winter at Valley Forge: A History Seeking Adventure YOU are struggling to survive with the rest of the Continental Army during the brutal winter of 1777-1778. The stark conditions in the camp at Valley Forge have many soldiers doubting their cause and the leadership of General George Washington. Step back in time to face the challenges and decisions that real people faced during this pivotal time in history. Choose your adventure from 3 story paths, featuring 41 choices leading to 22 endings.  Mature Younger to Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

Fight for Freedom: The American Revolutionary War Renowned historian Benson Bobrick has written a moving chronicle of the American Revolution for young readers. From the first stirrings of unrest under British rule at the Boston Tea Party, to the treachery of Benedict Arnold at West Point, to George Washington’s Christmas Eve surprise attack at the Battle of Trenton, to the British surrender at the Battle of Yorktown, Fight for Freedom explores the war that created one independent nation out of thirteen diverse colonies. Fight for Freedom contains personal anecdotes from soldiers and civilians, as well as profiles of the many historical luminaries who were involved in America’s fight for independence, such as George Washington, King George III, Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones, Thomas Jefferson, and Lord Cornwallis. Bobrick also explores the origins of colonialism in the New World, the roles women and Native Americans played during the American Revolution, the intricacies of building a new government, and the fate of those who remained loyal to the British crown after the onset of war. Bobrick’s dynamic narrative is highlighted with many period oil paintings, political cartoons, and key campaign and battlefield maps, making Fight for Freedom the ultimate book on the American Revolution for kids. Lexile 1130. Middle to Older students. 

Fighting for Independence: An Interactive American Revolution Adventure Vivid storytelling and authentic dialogue bring American history to life and place readers in the shoes of real people who experienced some of the most pivotal moments of the American Revolution. Battles such as Bunker Hill have begun to take their toll on both sides in the war. The Second Continental Congress meets and names George Washington as the commander in chief of the Continental Army. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin work to secure European allies in the fight against British rule. Readers dive into this history and make choices throughout that affect the outcome of the story. Scenarios are developed and lead up to choices, which the readers take to control the direction of the character and story. This format creates a unique and powerful experience for readers as they face the challenges and decisions that real people encountered. Younger to Middle students. 

Fighting the Monarchy: Battle of Bunker Hill Learn more about this historic battle through a 2-act play for children, packed with facts, vocabulary, and learning opportunities for learning. Great for small groups and large families to put on their own production. Younger to Middle students. Massachusetts. 

Fort Ticonderoga Discusses the history of Fort Ticonderoga, including its structure, life at the fort, and its importance thoughout history. Level 6.2. Younger to Middle students. New York. 

Francis Asbury: Circuit Rider One of the first Methodist bishops in America, English-born Francis Asbury devoted his life to ministry, traveling on horseback to preach and teach to those living on the vastly isolated American frontier. When many Methodist clergy left America during the Revolutionary War, Asbury stayed. Janet and Geoff Benge. Middle to older students. 

George the Drummer Boy George is a drummer boy in the British army as they set to march on Lexington and Concord. Early Reader. Younger to Middle students. 

George Washington’s Engineer: How Rufus Putnam Won the Siege of Boston without Firing a Shot Picture Book. In January 1776, George Washington had a problem: the British army controlled Boston. The colonial army needed to force the British to leave. But how?Washington had a solution: ask his engineer Rufus Putnam to help. They needed to take control of the high ground, Dorchester Heights, just south of Boston. If they could do it, they could place cannons there to bombard the British army. To put cannons on Dorchester Heights, the colonials needed to build walls to protect their soldiers. But January in Massachusetts was so cold that the ground was frozen. No one could dig foundations for walls. Inspired by a French book, Putnam designed a wall of wood, filled with bundles of sticks. Quartermaster Thomas Mifflin gathered wood, wagons, hay bales and much more from the surrounding countryside. On March 4, 1776, Boston lay under a light fog, while Dorchester Heights saw a full moon. That night, men brought in materials and built a defensive wall, and then brought in cannons. By morning the battle was won, without firing a shot. Putnam’s plan had worked! After eight years of occupying Boston, the British sailed away on March 17, 1776.Courage and engineering ingenuity are celebrated in this intriguing story of the Revolutionary War. Lexile 870. Younger to Middle students. Massachusetts. 

George Washington and the Winter at Valley Forge Graphic Novel. The survival of the American troops during the brutal winter at Valley Forge is one of the most harrowing tales of the Revolutionary War. In this book, readers witness the dedication of a civilian army that persevered through a fatal lack of supplies in order to continue the fight for independence from Britain. Readers discover George Washington before his days as president, serving as the impassioned military leader who kept his men together during such a trying time. Younger to Middle students. Level 4.4 Younger to Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

Gingerbread for Liberty!: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution When cries of “Revolution!” began, Christopher was determined to help General George Washington and his hungry troops. Not with muskets or cannons, but with gingerbread! Gingerbread for Liberty is the story of an unsung hero of the Revolutionary War who changed the course of history one loaf at a time. Picture book. Level 3.1. Younger to Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

Hanukkah at Valley Forge Picture book. A soldier tells George Washington the miraculous story of how a ragtag army of Jewish soldiers defeated a much larger force of powerful Greeks, a tale that provides just the kind of inspiration the General needs. Quietly beautiful watercolor illustrations draw a visual distinction between the frigid blue Pennsylvania night and the golden light of ancient Israel, which is further reflected in the warm glow of the Hanukkah candles. Level 4.0. Younger to Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

Historic Williamsburg: A Revolutionary City In the 1770s before the United States was a nation, most people lived on farms. But Williamsburg in Virginia Colony was a busy town with wide streets, grand public buildings, bustling shops, and a large market square―and 2,000 people! Find out how Williamsburg today gives us a fascinating window into America’s past. Nonfiction, with photos of reenactors. Lexile 970. Virginia. 

Hope’s Civil War Diary series from My America

  • Five Smooth Stones Kristiana Gregory’s first My America, book one of Hope’s Diary, details in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. Contains sensitive content that might trouble young students. Level 4.4 Mature middle students. 
  • We are Patriots In this second book featuring Hope Penny Potter, the Revolutionary War wages on and Hope’s daily life is much affected. The war has even kept her from her dear friend, Polly, whose parents are loyal to the King. But when Hope’s much missed brother and father return, relief sets in, if only for a short while. For the plot thickens when Hope finds out that her father was with the Sons of Liberty and they will be in danger if anyone finds out. Contains sensitive content. Level 4.4 Mature Middle students. 
  • When Freedom Comes In Hope’s third and final diary, by Kristiana Gregory, we meet Hope once again in the middle of the Revolutionary War, as she continues to bravely face the turmoil and violence. Level 5.1. Mature Middle students. 

How to be a Revolutionary War Soldier America needs YOU! And your country isn’t even founded yet! The question is…do you have what it takes to be a Revolutionary War soldier? These are tense times between Britain and her American colonies. In Boston, tea has been dumped in the harbor and revolution is brewing in the streets. Militias are drilling in town squares and all around you can hear the call of freedom. But how will you be trained? How will you be paid? How will weapons be supplied? And uniforms? What if you are wounded? This abundantly illustrated book will prime you for the interview that will determine your fate—and the war that will forge America’s future. Prepare to answer the call! Lexile 1050. Middle students. 

If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution. A look at the life and times of people in America and events during the American Revolution. Level 6.1

If You Were There in 1776 Demonstrates how the concepts and principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence were drawn from the experiences of living in America in the late eighteenth century. Level 6.5. Middle to Older students. 

Independence Now: the American Revolution, 1763-1783  Independence Now takes the reader from the colonial period when young men like George Washington were becoming leaders and the British oppression was growing, to the days of the fiery Revolutionary War. Topics covered in this book include the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Declaration of Independence, and the issues surrounding these events. The book discusses the reasons for the war from the American and British perspectives, the involvement of African-Americans and women in the revolution, and our long, hard path to victory. Middle students. 

I Survived: The American Revolution, 1776 (Graphic Novel version) Nathaniel Fox never imagined he’d find himself in the middle of a blood-soaked battlefield, fighting for his life. He’s only eleven years old! He’s barely paid attention to the troubles between America and England. Instead, he’s been worked to the bone by his cruel uncle. But when his uncle’s rage forces him to flee home suddenly, Nate finds himself in New York City, in the middle of the American Revolution. He encounters an old friend and joins his army regiment as a camp helper. Soon the British invade — and nothing goes as planned. Can Nate survive the war’s biggest battle yet? Lauren Tarshis’s New York Times bestselling I Survived series comes to vivid life in graphic novel editions. Note: Contains war/death scenes. Middle students. Graphic Novel. Level 3.4. New York. 

I Survived: The American Revolution, 1776 (text version) British soldiers were everywhere. There was no escape.Nathaniel Fox never imagined he’d find himself in the middle of a blood-soaked battlefield, fighting for his life. He was only eleven years old! He’d barely paid attention to the troubles between America and England. How could he, while being worked to the bone by his cruel uncle, Uriah Storch?But when his uncle’s rage forces him to flee the only home he knows, Nate is suddenly propelled toward a thrilling and dangerous journey into the heart of the Revolutionary War. He finds himself in New York City on the brink of what will be the biggest battle yet. Level 4.6. Mature middle students, themes of war. New York. 

Jack Jouett’s Ride Everyone knows about Paul Revere’s Ride, but have you heard the story of Jack Jouett’s Ride? In 1781, Jack rode through the night to warn Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson, and other notable leaders of the Revolutionary War that British soldiers were making a sneak attack. Picture book. Younger to Middle students. Virginia.  

Johnny Tremain Fourteen-year-old Johnny Tremain, an apprentice silversmith with a bright future ahead of him, injures his hand in a tragic accident, forcing him to look for other work. In his new job as a horse-boy, riding for the patriotic newspaper The Boston Observer and as a messenger for the Sons of Liberty, he encounters John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Dr. Joseph Warren. Soon Johnny is involved in the pivotal events of the American Revolution, from the Boston Tea Party to the first shots fired at Lexington. Powerful illustrations by artist Michael McCurdy help bring this classic novel for middle graders to life. Younger to Middle students. Massachusetts. 

John Quincy Adams: Boy Patriot Childhood of Famous American series, learn more about the childhood of the famous son of a president who would grow up to become a president himself. Middle students. Massachusetts. 

Kate and the Spies: The American Revolution - eBook: 9781628362091 - Christianbook.com

Kate and the Spies: The American Revolution Sisters in Time series. Time Period:  1775  When Kate Milton and her cousin happened across the Boston Tea Party, they unwittingly stepped into the midst of the American Revolution. The eleven-year-old girl finds herself pulled deeper into the conflict by members of her family by those who support the Patriots’ revolutionary cause and those who believe the colonies should submit to the King in England. When her cousin begins to spy for the Patriots, what should she do? Kate and the Spies uses actual historical events to tell a compelling fictional story of a girl who must determine the right course of action in a confused and difficult time. Middle to Older students. Massachusetts.

Liberty! How the Revolutionary War Began The American colonists were fed up with British law. They refused to buy English goods. They formed a militia of tradesmen and farmers ready to fight at a moment’s notice. Most importantly, they joined together. All 13 colonies sent representatives to decide whether they should form a new country. That group wrote the Declaration of Independence, the document that summed up a revolution. Younger to Middle students. 

Lizzie and the Redcoat Tensions simmer in 1765 Boston, home to twelve-year-old Lizzie Murray. Residents of the city are divided over loyalty to England-and the divisions strike within Lizzie’s own family, as her brother and father often find themselves at odds. When a mob wounds a young British soldier, Lizzie chooses to help the frightened Redcoat-a move that brings even more trouble to her life. Where is God in the emotional upheaval afflicting the colonies? Can Lizzie overcome the fear that weighs on her soul? A Sisters in Time book from a Christian perspective. Massachusetts. Middle to older students. 

Lorenzo’s Secret Mission Armed with a long knife, flint-lock musket, and his father’s medical bag, fifteen-year-old Lorenzo Bannister sets off to fulfill his father’s last, deathbed wish in the novel Lorenzo’s Secret Mission. Lorenzo joins a secret flatboat operation delivering much-needed medicine and gunpowder to George Washington’s army, leading the reader on a romping ride from the docks of New Orleans to the battlefields of the American Revolution. Trained as a medic by his father, Lorenzo makes his way up the Mississippi and the Ohio rivers, witnessing the horrors of slavery and political warfare. Hoping for a better future, Lorenzo recounts his adventures and his involvement with famous people that he meets, including George Washington and Bernardo de Galvez, the Spanish governor of Louisiana who helped the American rebels. In the tradition of Johnny Tremain, this action-packed historical novel for young people tells the story of the Spanish contribution to the American Revolution. Filled with adventure and the questions of freedom that plagued the beginning of the United States, the reader cannot help but be captured by Lorenzo’s zeal for life and his crusade for a better future not only for himself, but for the people that he loves. Middle to Older Students. Louisiana.  

Molly Pitcher: Young American Patriot Graphic Novel. Describes the legend of Revolutionary War heroine Molly Pitcher. Written in graphic-novel format. Younger to Middle students.

Molly Pitcher: Young Patriot Childhood of Famous Americans series. A childhood biography of the Pennsylvania German woman who became a Revolutionary War heroine when she carried water to American soldiers and even fired a cannon herself during the Battle of Monmouth. Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

Molly Pitcher Graphic Novel. The story of Molly Pitcher highlights a side of the American Revolution not often touched upon in history books—the role of women. The legend of Molly Pitcher tells of a woman who has followed her husband to the war and brings water to the soldiers in battle. When her husband is killed, she takes up his station and fires the cannon at the British. Level 4.5. Middle students. New Jersey. 

Night of Soldiers and Spies: Ranger in Time Ranger, the time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training, travels to Colonial America to help the patriot cause! Ranger’s next mission finds him in the middle of the Revolutionary War. There he meets Isaac Pope, a fisherman turned soldier for the Continental Army. When General George Washington is in need of a spy to cross into enemy territory, Isaac is chosen for the dangerous task. Ranger must help Isaac remain safe and undetected, or the battle — and their lives — will be lost. Level 4.8. Middle students. New Jersey. 

Patriots and Loyalists: Opponents in American History The American Revolutionary War pitted the colonial Patriots, who wanted independence from Great Britain and King George III, against the British Loyalists in North America. Some of the most well-known Patriots included future presidents of the United States, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. It featured prominent Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and others. This book explores why family, friends, and neighbors in the colonies became divided during the birth of a new a nation. Primary sources from the era and helpful images help readers make meaningful connections with the text. Level 6.5. Middle students. 

Phoebe the Spy Someone is planning to kill George Washington, and young Phoebe Fraunces is trying to save his life. Phoebe gets a job as George Washington’s housekeeper, but her real job is to work as a spy. She listens and watches very carefully, and she meets her father every day to tell him what she has learned. One day Phoebe’s father tells her that Washington is planning to leave town in a few days, and the person plotting against him will act before then. Phoebe is very frightened, but she is determined to figure out who is after Washington before it’s too late. Younger to Middle students. New York. 

Rachel Jackson: Tennessee Girl Childhood of Famous Americans series. When Rachel was about twelve, her father began to talk of moving to the West. He wanted to move his big household, with eleven children and servants, to the Tennessee country. They would travel by flatboat down the western rivers, floating a thousand miles through the wilderness. All sorts of adventures—with Indians, wild animals, winter weather, hunger—await them. Rachel had always welcomed adventure. But after long months of river travel, when their boat reached the Great Salt Lick in Tennessee, Rachel declared she’d had enough excitement to last a lifetime! She was glad to settle down to be a Tennessee girl. As beautiful Rachel Donelson, as the General’s Lady—the beloved wife of Andrew Jackson—as the mistress of the Hermitage near Nashville, Rachel had many years full of adventure. This book, by a well-known Tennessee author of children’s books, is an appealing story about the childhood of the little pioneer girl who was to become Tennessee’s favorite heroine. Middle students. Virginia/Tennessee

Rebecca Rides for Freedom: An American Revolution Survival Story (Girls Survive). With her father stationed with Washington’s army at nearby Whitemarsh, it’s up to Rebecca to help. When Rebecca intercepts a message about an impending British attack against the Patriots from one such house, she knows she has to act. It’s up to her to get the message to the Patriot army – before it’s too late. Reader. Grade level 3-6. Middle students. 

Redcoats and Petticoats Picture book. When the American Revolution arrives in Thomas Strong’s sleepy Long Island village, his life is turned upside down. His church becomes a fort for the British, and a company of Redcoats are quartered in his family’s home. But worst of all, his father is arrested as a traitor and taken away. It’s no wonder that Thomas’s mother seems to have been affected in the head. She washes and rewashes handkerchiefs and petticoats so that her clothesline is continually full of laundry. The errands on which she sends Thomas are not only peculiar but dangerous, since they take him right past a Redcoat encampment. At first Thomas doesn’t know what to make of his mother’s behavior, but as he keeps his eyes and ears open, he begins to suspect that things are not necessarily as they seem. Katherine Kirkpatrick’s captivating story is based on the Culper Spy Ring, which operated on Long Island and in Connecticut from 1778 – 1783. Its purpose was to send messages to General George Washington about the activities of the British Army in New York City. Younger to Middle students. Level 3.5. 

Resisting British Rule: An Interactive American Revolution Adventure (You Choose: Founding the United States) Vivid storytelling and authentic dialogue bring American history to life and place readers in the shoes of real people who experienced some of the most pivotal moments of the American Revolution. Unrest was growing in the thirteen colonies but Massachusetts was a hotbed of revolt, especially in light of the Boston Tea Party. The British king and Parliament were considering various ways to quell the rebellion, leading to the Intolerable Acts. The colonists hold the First and Second Continental Congresses, war breaks out, and the Declaration of Independence is written. Readers dive into this history and make choices throughout that affect the outcome of the story. Scenarios are developed and lead up to choices, which the readers take to control the direction of the character and story. This format creates a unique and powerful experience for readers as they face the challenges and decisions that real people encounter. Mature Younger to Middle students. 

Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence Here is the first-ever picture book about female Revolutionary War activist Prudence Wright, who rallied the first and only group of “minute women” to fight the British, changing history in the process. Lexile 770. Massachusetts. Younger to Middle students. 

Sam the Minuteman In this exciting classic early reader, Nathaniel Benchley re-creates what it must have been like for a young boy to fight in the Battle of Lexington. Level 2.9. Massachusetts. Younger to Middle students. 

New SARATOGA Battles That Changed the World Series American Revolution War - Picture 1 of 1

Saratoga: Battles that Changed the World Provides a historical account of the Revolutionary War campaign of Saratoga. Older students. New York. 

Secret Weapons:  A Tale of the Revolutionary War The British are coming! Fourteen-year-old Daniel wants to join the militia and fight against the redcoats. His father wants him to stay in Concord, Massachusetts, and help run the blacksmith shop. Daniel thinks the job is pointless, until he finds a secret stash of weapons in the shop’s back room. Now, he must protect the weapons from the British, or the American Revolution could be over before it begins. Part chapter book, part graphic novel.  Level 3.2. Mature Younger to Middle students. 

Spies of the American Revolution: An Interactive Espionage Adventure (You Choose: Spies)

Spies of the American Revolution: An Interactive Espionage Adventure Everyone has a secret. But in the war between the colonies and the king, keeping a secret is a dangerous thing. The first American spies belonged to secret societies and rebel organizations. The British collect information against these spies. Tension is mounting. Will you: *Spy on the British in Boston at the start of the war? *Gather information about George Washington for the British? *Balance the dangerous life of a double agent? You Choose offers 3 story paths with 54 choices and 14 endings.  Mature Younger to Middle students. 

Spy!

Spy! Coming of age during the American Revolution, Jonah is torn between honoring his Loyalist father’s dying wish and taking up the cause of his Patriot neighbors. Inspired by his young, charismatic teacher, Nathan Hale, Jonah begins to question his family’s beliefs. When a decision he makes leads to Nathan’s execution, Jonah must live with the damage he has caused and learn to fight for what he knows to be right. Anna Myers’s revolutionary war tale brings fresh meaning to the words “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” blending all the excitement that comes with battle and espionage with a thought-provoking plot about Jonah’s ethical dilemma. Older students. Connecticut. 1854

Stamp Act Congress The year 1765 was an exciting time in the American colonies. The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, putting a tax on items ranging from newspapers to playing cards. This action infuriated the colonists. Patriot groups known as the Sons of Liberty rallied them against this Act. Angry mobs roamed city streets, trashing officials’ houses and threatening stamp distributors. Delegates from several colonies met in New York for the Stamp Act Congress. The representatives at this Congress worked together to discuss how to oppose what they believed to be a British injustice toward them. They created a Declaration of Rights to express their complaints and concerns. The Stamp Act Congress was an important event in American history. It was the first of many steps that would lead to the American colonies declaring their independence from Great Britain. Lexile 970. New York. Older students. 

Sybil Ludington’s Midnight Ride On a dark, cold, and rainy night in April 1777, Sybil Ludington sets out on a journey to warn American soldiers that danger is headed their way. The British are coming! They have already attacked a nearby town, and it is up to sixteen-year-old Sybil to make sure that she reaches the American soldiers before the British do. With only a large stick to defend herself, and her horse, Star, for company, Sybil rides off into the perilous night and changes the course of the American Revolution. The true story of Sybil’s bravery and perseverance are faithfully related by Marsha Amstel’s appealing text and Ellen Beier’s finely crafted illustrations. Early reader. Younger to Middle students. New York. 

Sybil Ludington Rides to the Rescue Graphic Novel. In 1777, the American Revolution is well underway. At 16, Sybil Ludington knows the war all too well. Her father is a colonel in the Continental Army, battling for America’s independence from Great Britain. Colonel Ludington and his regiment are home for the season when word comes that the British Army is attacking nearby. With her father too ill to ride, it’s up to young Sybil to alert the American militia that the British are coming. Mature Younger to Middle students. New York.  

Sybil Rides for Independence

Sybil Rides for Independence Describes sixteen-year-old Sybil Laudington’s dangerous ride in 1777 to warn the minutemen of the British attack on Danbury, Connecticut. Younger to Middle students. Connecticut. 

The 18-Penny Goose The American Revolution is being fought in the hills around Letty Wright’s family’s farm, and the Wrights must flee to safety. There is no time for Letty to bring Solomon the gander. Letty hopes the British don’t hurt Solomon, but hungry soldiers aren’t known for their kindness. Eight-year-old Letty tries the only thing she can think of to save him—and is as surprised as the other colonists when it works. An entertaining read for early-elementary units on the American Revolution. Level 2.7. Younger students, but a caution that it does involve the death of some animals/pets. 

The American Revolution: A Hands-On History Book An interactive history book! Follow the events of the Revolutionary War-from the Boston Tea Party through the Treaty of Paris. Every important battle is brought to life in this illustrated, fact-filled guide to the war that made a nation. With historically accurate letters written as if from real people, gatefolds that conjure the magnitude of the events, and interactive lift-the-flaps, this is a perfect first book for kids curious about American History! With letters, lift the flap, fold-outs, and more. Middle to Older students. 

The American Revolution: From Bunker Hill to Yorktown On April 19, 1775, American militiamen gathered at the village center in Lexington to face the coming British soldiers. No one knows who fired the initial shot, but that first blaze of gunfire signaled the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Only a year after the first battle, the American colonies declared their independence from Britain. But the struggle for freedom would cost the lives of many men and women. From the first boycott of the Stamp Act to the final battle at Yorktown, the American Revolution shaped a new nation and introduced an era of democracy to the United States of America. Middle to Older students. 

The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities Heroes, traitors, and great thinkers come to life in this activity book, and the concepts of freedom and democracy are celebrated in true accounts of the distinguished officers, wise delegates, rugged riflemen, and hardworking farm wives and children who created the new nation. This collection tells the story of the Revolution, from the hated Stamp Act and the Boston Tea Party to the British surrender at Yorktown and the creation of the United States Constitution. All American students are required to study the Revolution and the Constitution, and these 21 activities make it fun and memorable. Kids create a fringed hunting shirt and a tricorn hat and reenact the Battle of Cowpens. They will learn how to make their voices heard in “I Protest” and how Congress works in “There Ought to Be a Law.” A final selection including the Declaration of Independence, a glossary, biographies, and pertinent Web sites makes this book a valuable resource for both students and teachers. Middle to Older students. Level 7.3. 

The American Revolution From A to Z This alphabet book offers A is for the American Revolution, B is for the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and more. Each entry in this picture book for young readers includes one paragraph of relevant facts. Picture book. Younger to Middle students. 

The Battle of Bunker Hill: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose: History) You are a Patriot in the American Revolution, ready to fight for independence and the right to prosper in this new land, OR . . .You are a British soldier, sent to fight for England against the American rebels, OR . . .You are a Boston civilian trying to make sense of the chaos overtaking your city. Choose your adventure and see where it takes you.  Mature Younger to Middle students. Massachusetts. 

The Battle of Bunker Hill (The Atlas of Famous Battles of the American Revolution) After the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord came the first full-scale battle of the American Revolution. The Battle of Bunker Hill was where American troops first deployed European battle strategies, such as the building of small forts known as redoubts. Readers will be thrilled to learn how the people of Charlestown watched from their rooftops as their troops drove back several British advances, and then retreated over Charlestown neck to the mainland. Younger to Middle students. Level 5.5. Massachusetts. 

The Battle of Lexington and Concord What was the exact route taken by Paul Revere? Where did the fledgling American militia first take on the British army? Students will learn why the colonists felt that armed resistance was the only way to make themselves heard, and they will be able to trace the paths taken by the British and the Americans as they moved from Lexington to Concord in the first conflict of the American Revolution. Level 6.0. Younger to Middle students. Virginia. 

The Battle of Monmouth The Battle of Monmouth was the first major battle that Washington’s Continental army took part in after the brutal winter of 1777–78. Students will learn how Americans used the soldiering skills they mastered at Valley Forge to ambush the British at Monmouth, New Jersey, on that sultry summer day and engage them in the biggest one-day battle of the Revolution. Level 5.4. Younger to Middle students. New Jersetgtgy. 

The Battle of Valcour Bay Looks at the strategies employed against the British for control of Lake Champlain that became known as the Battle of Valcour Bay. Level 8.0. Middle to Older students. New York. 

The Birth and Growth of a Nation: Hands-On Projects about Symbols of American Liberty The history of America is full of exciting stories and symbols that helped to mobilize a disparate people into one nation. Kids can make a model of the Statue of Liberty, American flag placemats, and a quill pen with this wonderful book that is packed with facts and easy directions for re-creating these and other symbols of our young country. Level 4.8. Younger to Middle students. 

The British are Coming: Young Readers Edition Nonfiction, A collection of key battles from the beginning of the war, including Lexington and Concord and the Battle of Bunker Hill, a reader-friendly version of the adult book. Lexile1210, Older students. 

The Called Her Molly Pitcher Picture book. When her husband joined General Washington’s army, Molly Hays went with him. All through the winter at Valley Forge, Molly watched and listened. Then in July, in the battle at Monmouth, she would show how much she had learned. Molly could tell the day would be a scorcher, so she decided to bring water from a nearby spring to the fighting men. More than 50 British soldiers would die of heatstroke that day, but the American soldiers need only cry, “Molly–pitcher!” On one trip through the fighting field, she saw her husband get shot. She satisfied herself that he wouldn’t die from his wound, then took over his job–firing off the cannon! Molly epitomized the feisty, self-reliant spirit of the colonists who would soon win their battle for independence–and her story has rightly become a beloved legend of American history. Level 5.4. Mature younger and middle students. Pennsylvania. 

The Colonial Minuteman Examines militias in colonial America, describing how to become a Minuteman, their role in the colonial community, and what daily life was like for a Minuteman. Younger to Middle students. 

The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution A longer picture book about George Washington and the Revolutionary War. If I had to select only one book about the Revolution, this might be it. Level 7.8

The End of the American Revolutionary War: The Colonists Defeat the British at Yorktown Briefly surveys the Revolutionary War and describes the battle at Yorktown which forced the British to surrender and ended the war. Level 4.8. Younger to Middle students. Virginia. 

The Fighting Ground Jonathan may be only thirteen years old, but with the Revolutionary War unfolding around him, he’s more certain than ever that he wants to be a part of it—to fight for independence alongside his brother and cousin to defeat the British. But Jonathan’s father, himself wounded from battle, refuses to let his son join the front lines. When Jonathan hears the tavern bell toll, calling all soldiers to arms, he rushes to enlist without telling his dad. Gun in hand, Jonathan falls in with a militia and marches onward to the fighting ground. It feels like he’s been waiting his whole life for this moment. But no amount of daydreaming could prepare Jonathan for what he encounters. In just twenty-four hours, his life will be forever changed—by his fellow soldiers, unsuspecting enemies, and the frightening and complicated realities of war. Mature middle to older students. New Jersey. 

The Founding Fathers Were Spies!: Revolutionary War Early Reader. Secrets of American History is an action-packed nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read series that lets beginning readers in on a little secret: history is full of surprises! Want to know what invisible ink has to do with the American Revolution? Or why shark repellant and inflatable army tanks were used in World War II? Find out in this fact-filled series of fascinating true tales, wild adventures, and spy missions, and discover the secret side of American history! Before he was the President of the United States, George Washington was a spy! It’s true…and he wasn’t the only one! During the American Revolution, founding fathers like Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin sent secret messages rolled up in quill pens, used invisible ink, and wrote in secret codes to keep important information from getting into British hands. In George Washington’s top-secret spy ring, a woman named Anna Strong sent secret messages to other spies by hanging laundry on a clothesline! Without spies, Americans might still speak with British accents: find out how and why it happened in this book that includes a special extend-the-learning section with activities about the science behind invisible ink, how to make a secret code, and more! Younger to Middle students. 

The Hessian’s Secret Diary During the summer of 1776, ten-year-old Peggy discovers a wounded soldier in the woods near her Brooklyn farm, and is convinced that his sketchbook contains the secret notes of a Hessian spy. Level 4.5, reader. Younger to Middle students. New York. 

The Revolutionary War: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose: History) It’s the late 1700s. Tensions are brewing between the American colonies and Great Britain. The Revolutionary War is about to begin. Will you: Help the network of patriot spies in your city? OR Fight for independence as a patriot soldier? OR Work to keep the colonies under British rule? You choose your adventure.  Mature Younger to Middle students. 

The Revolutionary War Cornerstones of Freedom series. Even before the first glorious ring of the Liberty Bell, America was a land of freedom and promise. The Cornerstones of Freedom series explores what inspires people from all over the world to start life anew here, endure the economic and social upheavals, and defend the land and rights that are unique to the United States of America. Middle students. 

The Revolutionary War Experience: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose History) Get 3 books in one volume. Includes: The Revolutionary War, The Boston Massacre, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Choose your battle and choose your adventure.  Mature Younger to Middle students. Note: Contain war scenes/death.  

The Ride: The Legend of Betsy Dowdy A picture book about the probably true story of a young girl who rode 50 miles at night to warn the general that the British were coming, level 3.3

The Scarlet Stockings Spy Picture Book. Philadelphia 1777 is no place for the faint of heart. The rumble of war with the British grows louder each day, and spies for and against the Patriots are everywhere. No one is above suspicion. Still, everyday life must go on and young Maddy Rose must help her mother, especially since her father’s death at the Battle of Princeton and now with her beloved brother Jonathan off with Washington’s army. But when childhood games become life-and-death actions, Maddy Rose is drawn ever deeper into events that will explode beyond her imagining. As young America stands on the very brink of its fight for freedom, it becomes clear that even the smallest of citizens can play the largest of parts, and that the role of a patriot has nothing to do with age and everything to do with heart. In The Scarlet Stockings Spy, Trinka Hakes Noble melds a suspenseful tale of devotion, sacrifice, and patriotism with the stark realities of our country’s birth. Note; Contains a spy dressing up as a woman, as well as death of a family member. Younger to Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

The Sign Painter's Secret: The Story of a Revolutionary Girl (Her Story)

The Sign Painter’s Secret: The Story of a Revolutionary Girl When the Redcoats occupy her house in Philadelphia, young Annie MacDougal finds a way to help General Washington’s troops at Valley Forge. Younger to Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

The Split History of the American Revolution: A Perspectives Flip Book Did you ever hear the saying, There are two sides to every story? It’s especially true for major events in history. The details of the same event can appear very different depending on the perspectives of the people involved. Perspectives Flip Book uses the words and actions of the real people involved to give you both sides of the story. Read one story, then flip the book to see the war from the other side of the battle.  Mature Younger to Middle students. 

The Split History of the Battles of Lexington and Concord Every battle has two sides, and the Battles of Lexington and Concord during the American Revolution is no different. Experience the event from the perspective of the Americans, and then flip the book over and read the perspective of the British. A deeper understanding of the battle from both sides will give readers a clearer view of this historic event. Lexile 1010. Middle to Older students. Massachusetts. 

The Story of Lexington and Concord Cornerstones of Freedom series. Discusses the causes and consequences of the battles which marked the beginning of the American Revolution, in April 1775, after local militiamen were warned by Paul Revere that British troops had set out from Boston. Younger to Middle students. 

The Story of the Surrender at Yorktown (Cornerstones of Freedom Series)

The Story of the Surrender at Yorktown Cornerstones of Freedom series. Recounts the last military campaign of the Revolutionary War which culminated in the surrender of Cornwallis’ men to the French and Americans in 1781. Middle to Older students. 

The Story of Valley Forge Cornerstones of Freedom series. Describes the encampment of the Revolutionary Army at Valley Forge and recounts how the soldiers survived a winter of hardship to continue the war against the British. Level 7.2. Pennsylvania. 

The Surrender of Yorktown Cornerstones of Freedom series. Details events that led to the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary War, looks at major battles including the Battle of Yorktown, and reviews the formation of a United States government. Middle students. Virginia. 

The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution: A Handbook for Time Travelers The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution provides useful information for the practical time traveler, like:    • Where can I find a decent hotel room in colonial New England? Are major credit cards accepted?     • How do I join the Boston Tea Party without winding up in a British prison?     • How can I score a lunch with Alexander Hamilton? This guide answers these fiery, burning questions with the marshmallows of information. There is handy advice on how to join Paul Revere’s spy ring at the Green Dragon Tavern, how to enlist in General Washington’s rebel army, and how to summon the strength to storm a British gun battery when you haven’t eaten for three days. Level 7.0. All Ages. 

The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777 Dear America series. In her beloved diary, eleven-year-old Abigail Jane Stewart chronicles the despair and the hope of the winter of 1777 and 1778, when she witnesses the struggles of George Washington and his soldiers on the fields of Valley Forge. Middle to Older students. Level 5.5. Pennsylvania. 

  • Sequel: Cannons at Dawn: The Second Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1779 Kristiana Gregory returns with a stunning new sequel to the Dear America title THE WINTER OF RED SNOW! Abigail Jane Stewart returns in this brand-new sequel to THE WINTER OF RED SNOW. The Revolutionary War toils on, but the Stewart family can no longer avoid getting involved. Abby’s father joins the Continental Army, while Abby, her mother, and her siblings become camp followers. They face daily hardships alongside the troops and continue to spend time helping the Washingtons. Filled with romance and adventure, Abby’s frontline view of the war captures the heartache and bravery of the soldiers, as well as the steep cost of freedom. Older students. 

Toliver’s Secret When her grandfather is injured, 10-year-old Ellen Toliver replaces him on a top-secret patriotic mission. Disguised as a boy, she manages to smuggle a message to General George Washington. Middle students. New York. Level 4.7. 

Washington at Valley Forge In this comprehensive volume, Newbery Award-winning author Russell Freedman applies his renowned storytelling skills to examine a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War– one in which the nation’s future leader would be greatly tested. Camped twenty miles outside of Philadelphia at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78, Washington’s ragtag army was at its most vulnerable; but when the harsh winter ended, the soldiers had survived, and marched away from Valley Forge more determined than ever. The British were defeated in 1783, and Washington, for the rest of his life, said that the credit for the American victory belonged to the soldiers who had braved the horrific conditions at Valley Forge. A perfect complement to any lesson on the Revolutionary War, Washington at Valley Forge makes this historical moment feel immediate and all too real. A must-have for history buffs, students, and anyone interested in America’s past. Impeccably sourced with gorgeous reproductions of engravings, paintings, and more. Level 8.8. Older students. Pennsylvania. 

When Washington Crossed the Delaware longer picture book, level 5.8

Which Way to the Revolution? A Book about Maps Picture book. Complete with seven easy-to-read maps, this colorful tale tells the amusing story about a group of mice who possesses special map-reading skills and, in turn, help Paul Revere reach his destination. Level 1.4. Younger students. Massachusetts. 

Winter at Valley Forge Graphic Novel, Tells the story of the American patriot troops during the Revolutionary War while wintering in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Level 3.7. Younger to Middle students. 

Yankee Doodle Boy: A Young Soldier’s Adventures in the American Revolution as Told by Himself a rare look into the life of a Revolutionary teen soldier, told in their own words, but light and interesting enough for younger students to enjoy. Does contain some harsher aspects of war. Middle to Older students. Connecticut. 

Yorktown: Battlefields Across America Focuses on the last major battle of the American Revolution after which the British forces under General Cornwallis surrendered to the Americans in October 1781. Level 8.2. Older students. 

Young John Quincy A brief look at the childhood of John Quincy Adams, America’s Sixth President, during his childhood; longer picture book. 

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