Johnny Appleseed
Dates covered: 1774-1845
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Books:
Johnny Appleseed: My Story Early Reader. Johnny Appleseed was an important historical figure, well known for planting apple orchards across the New Frontier. But he was also a master storyteller! In his own folksy voice, Johnny Appleseed tells his story to a couple of entranced children in this fictionalized Step 2 title. Readers learn how he started planting apple trees—and about some of the myths and true stories of his life. Younger to Middle students. Indiana.
Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend. Will Moses. Picture book nonfiction biography. A folk-art–style biography of John Chapman that follows his travels through the early American frontier as he plants apple orchards, helps settlers, and becomes a living legend rooted in generosity and simplicity. Sensitive content note: frontier hardship and illness. Reading level: AR 5.7. Age group: 5–8. Primary setting: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and the American frontier, 1800.
Johnny Appleseed and the Bears Everyone knows the story of Johnny Appleseed, but have you heard about the time he met a bear in the woods? And then two bears, and then more? Find out how Johnny survives in this delightful picture book. Younger students.
Johnny Appleseed Based on a real person, this tall tale tells the story of legendary nurseryman Johnny Appleseed and how he introduced apple trees to large parts of the United States. Younger students.
Johnny Appleseed Early Reader. This book is about a man named John Chapman, who was called Johnny Appleseed. He loved apples so much that everywhere he would go he would plant apple seeds. He would also give people that he met small apple trees to plant, and he would show them how to plant the trees and protect them. He is known as the man who planted an abundance of apple trees everywhere, and when people eat apples, they will be reminded of him. Younger students.
Johnny Appleseed. Reeve Lindbergh. Picture book poetry biography. A brief, lyrical poem portraying John Chapman’s quiet life planting apple nurseries across the early frontier, focusing on simplicity, faith, and kindness rather than legend. Reading level: Approx. grade 2. Age group: 5–9 years. Setting: Ohio, 1800.
Little Naturalists: Johnny Appleseed Board Book. John Chapman, known as “Johnny Appleseed,” planted apple tree nurseries all over Pennsylvania, Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and West Virginia. He believed nobody should ever harm a living thing, so he advocated for animal rights, became a vegetarian, and planted seeds instead of grafting tree branches like most other orchardists. Kate Coombs and Seth Lucas recreate Johnny Appleseed’s adventures for young readers, encouraging them to Be Adventurous and to Be Kind to every person, animal, and plant they meet. Younger students.
The True Tale of Johnny Appleseed. Margaret Hodges. Picture book biography. A short, story-style account of John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) that presents the real man behind the legend, focusing on his travels across the early American frontier and his work planting apple nurseries. Reading level: AR 4.3. Age group: 5–9 years. Setting: Ohio, 1800.
Who Was Johnny Appleseed? Part of the Who Was? Series. Children are sure to be fascinated by the eccentric and legendary Johnny Appleseed, a man who is best known for bringing apple trees to the Midwest. Over John Chapman’s lifetime, he saw the country grow and start to spread westward. Traveling alone— in bare feet and sporting a pot on his head!—Johnny left his own special mark planting orchards that helped nourish new communities. Level 5.8. Middle students.
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