The War of 1812, Events and People (Dolley Madison, Francis Scott Key, Oliver Hazard Perry, David Farragut, Tecumseh, Lafitte, etc.)
Dates covered: 1812-1815
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Books:
Abandoned on the Wild Frontier Introducing missionary Peter Cartwright. Gilbert Hamilton is left alone on the frontier when his father is killed, and his mother is kidnapped by Sauk Indians during the War of 1812. The orphaned boy is taken to Kentucky to live with his wealthy uncle and aunt on their plantation, but Gilbert will never be a part of his uncle’s family. Haunted by memories of his mother and feelings of loneliness, Gil attends a camp meeting led by Peter Cartwright, a Methodist circuit-rider evangelist. The kind-hearted Cartwright allows the boy to move with the Cartwright family to Illinois, where Gil can begin the search for his mother. Settlers in the area have heard rumors of a blue-eyed squaw living among the Sauk. Could she be his mother? As Gil sets out on his quest, he begins to question whether his mother is alive. What if he is too late? Sauk warriors had kidnapped his mother long ago . . . Is she still alive? Mature Younger to Middle students.
Abigail’s Drum During the War of 1812, when British soldiers threaten the town of Scituate, Massachusetts, young Rebecca Bates and her sister Abigail, daughters of the local lighthouse keeper, find a way to save both him and the town. Younger to Middle students. Massachusetts.
Aboard the USS Constitution The USS Constitution had a storied history, serving its country for nearly a century since it was launched in 1797. Readers will love learning about the adventures American sailors had aboard this vessel, especially its exploits during the War of 1812, during which it earned its nickname, Old Ironsides. Level 5.5. Younger to Middle students. Massachusetts.
American Girl Caroline (New York/Canada border)
Meet Caroline, Caroline’s father is captured at the beginning of the war of 1812, level 4.4/Caroline’s Secret Message, Caroline tries to pass a secret message about how to escape to her father, Level 4.5/A Surprise for Caroline, Caroline is back home for Christmas, Level 4.1/Caroline Takes a Chance, level 4.3/Caroline’s Battle, level 4.4/Changes for Caroline, level 4.5 
Facing the Enemy, the enemy is fast approaching, and Caroline’s father’s shipyard is a target because of its plans for valuable battleships. Can Caroline sacrifice her father’s business to protect it from the enemy? Lexile 660
The Smuggler’s Secrets: A Caroline Mystery With war around every corner, smugglers have come to Caroline’s area. Can she catch the traitor, even if it is her own uncle? Lexile 730
Traitor in the Shipyard: A Caroline Mystery Someone is targeting Caroline’s father’s shipyard. Can she help find the spy? Level 4.6
Catch the Wind: My Journey with Caroline a choose-your-own-adventure journey back in time with Caroline and see what choices you would make. Lexile 680
The Traveler’s Tricks Caroline has an important package to deliver for her father, but when the package goes missing on the stagecoach journey, she wonders if she will ever get it back. Level 5.4. New York. 
Captain of the Ship: A Caroline Book Caroline Abbott loves sailing on Lake Ontario with her father, a master shipbuilder. But when the War of 1812 breaks out, Caroline’s father is taken prisoner, and everything changes. When Sackets Harbor is under attack, Caroline makes an exceptional sacrifice to defend it. She’s determined to make her father proud by staying steady and helpful at home. Then she goes on a risky voyage to deliver a secret message to her father. But will her message help him to escape? New York.
An American Army of Two Early reader. The war of 1812 is raging, and from the lighthouse where their father works, Rebecca Bates and her sister Abigail can see a British ship coming. But the American troops are nowhere near! Rebecca and Abigail go to the rescue–to become an American army of two–in this adventure-filled tale based on the true story of two young women who turned the tables on the mighty British army. Younger to Middle students. Massachusetts.
Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans: The Battle that Shaped America’s Destiny, high school level read-aloud about the War of 1812. Louisiana.
Chief Tecumseh A biography of Tecumseh, chief of the Shawnee people during the late 1700s, describing the battles the Shawnee fought against the white people, as well as the Battle of Tippecanoe, where Tecumseh fought for the British during the War of 1812. Level 4.1. Michigan/Indiana/Ohio. Younger to Middle students.
David Farragut, Boy Midshipman Childhood of Famous Americans series. A biography of David Farragut, who fought with the North during the Civil War and was the United States’ first admiral. He was able to get his commission to become a sailor before he was 10 and became one of the youngest persons ever commissioned into the US Navy, fighting in both the War of 1812 and the US Civil War. Middle children. Tennessee.
David Farragut A biography of David Farragut, who fought as a 12-year-old in the War of 1812 and again with the North during the Civil War and was the United States’ first admiral. Level 4.5 Bilingual. Younger to Middle students. Tennessee.
David Glasgow Farragut: Our First Admiral A brief biography of the first admiral of the United States Navy for early readers. Young to Middle readers. Tennessee.
Dolley Madison, the White House, and the Big Tornado Picture book, but with much more text and more pages than many picture books, and some text and pictures might be frightening for some children. Many people know the story of Dolley Madison, one of the first First Ladies to live in the White House, and how she saved the famous painting of George Washington as the British attacked and burned Washington, D.C. But few know what happened next. With the U.S. soldiers in retreat and Dolley fleeing, what drove the British soldiers out of the city they were intent on destroying? Was it really a tornado? Or was it something else? Mature younger to Middle students. Lexile 870. Washington, D.C.
Dolley Madison Saves History Graphic Novel. Tells the story of First Lady Dolley Madison’s actions during the War of 1812. Level 3.6. Younger to Middle students. Washington, D.C.
Fort McHenry: Famous Forts Throughout American History Nonfiction, easy to read. Level 6.5, but reads easier. Maryland. Younger to Middle Students.
Francis Scott Key: Maryland Boy Childhood of Famous Americans series. Middle students.
Lafitte: The Terror of the Gulf Traces the career of Jean Lafitte through his days as a Gulf of Mexico buccaneer to his role as defender of New Orleans and his final disappearance in 1826 under uncertain circumstances. Talks about the good and the bad of a famous historical figure. Mature Middle to Older students. Texas.
Little House: The Charlotte Years series; Grandmother of Laura Ingalls
- Little House by Boston Bay Charlotte lives with her family near the bustling city of Boston. What an exciting time she has! There’s Mama’s garden to tend to, Papa’s blacksmith shop to visit, and lots of brothers and sisters to play with. But best of all, Charlotte is a brand-new American girl, born just one generation after the United States of America was formed. But rumors of war and danger bring tension to Charlotte’s world. Level 5.4. Middle to Older students. Massachusetts.
- On Tide Mill Lane In the second book of the Charlotte Years series, winter is approaching, and Charlotte’s days are filled with cornhusking, candle dipping, and helping Mama mind baby Mary. Massachusetts.
- The Road from Roxbury With the end of the War of 1812, life for seven-year-old Charlotte is changing for the better when her father decides to take the family to Boston to see some of the sights and an animal called an elephant, yet despite the excitement of the city, there is still one thing she loves more in Roxbury.
- Across the Puddingstone Dam Eleven-year-old Charlotte is thrilled with everything about her small hometown, her family life, and the world in which she lives, but when the construction of the dam turns her town into a noisy mess, Charlotte fears that her family may consider moving away from the only home she has ever known.
Mr. Madison’s War The United States won its independence from Great Britain in 1783, but that didn’t mean the conflicts were over. By 1812, tensions between the two countries had reached the boiling point. Why would the United States again want to wage war on a rich and powerful country? And how would it change the young nation? Level 5.6. Younger to Middle students.
Oliver Hazard Perry: Boy of the Sea Childhood of Famous Americans series. Oliver Perry spent his whole childhood within sight and hearing of the Atlantic Ocean off Rhode Island. Small wonder, too that with a captain for a father, he should grow up to be a navy man and national hero in the War of 1812. Middle students. Rhode Island.
Our Flag Was Still There: The True Story of Mary Pickersgill and the Star-Spangled Banner Picture Book. If you go to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, you can see a massive American flag: thirty feet tall and forty-two feet long. That’s huge! But how did it get there? And where did it come from? The story of this giant flag begins in 1812 and stars a major on the eve of battle, a seamstress and her mighty helpers, and a poet named Francis Scott Key. This isn’t just the story of one flag. It’s the story of “The Star Spangled Banner,” a poem that became our national anthem, too. Level 4.2. Younger to Middle Children. Massachusetts.
Sisters of Scituate Light. When raiding British sailors approached the Scituate lighthouse with intentions of burning the New England town, the lighthouse keeper’s daughters, armed with only a fife, drum, and the song “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” use their wits to chase away the raiders. Picture book. Level 4.0. Younger to Middle students. Massachusetts.
Soldiers of the War of 1812 Discusses the role soldiers played in the War of 1812, including uniforms, key figures, and the infantry, artillery, and cavalry units.
Taking a Stand During the War of 1812: An Interactive Look at History YOU have found yourself in the midst of the chaos of the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the young United States. Will you fight in the north on Lake Eerie, or join General Jackson in the south? Or maybe you’ll help save precious items from the White House as the British burn Washington, D.C. Step back in time to face the challenges and decisions that real people faced during this restless time in history. (Note: Some options lead to death). 39 choices, 20 endings. Younger to Middle students.
Tecumseh: Get to Know the Shawnee Chief Who Fought to Protect Native Lands Shawnee leader Tecumseh was born at a time when white settlers were moving westward across the United States and making their homes on Native American lands. Tecumseh rallied the Native American people to defend their lands. But he also dreamed of peace and worked to unite all Native Americans into a single confederacy. He did not live to see his dream become a reality, but his deeds as a warrior and statesman live on. Level 5.2. Middle students.
Tecumseh: Native American Heroes Profiles the Shawnee chief and orator, covering his childhood, clashes with white settlers, and siding with the British during the War of 1812. Level 3.6. Younger students.
Tecumseh: Shawnee Boy Childhood of Famous Americans series. Discusses the life of the Shawnee warrior, orator, and leader who united a confederacy of Indians in an effort to save Indian land from the advance of white soldiers and settlers. Middle students. Ohio.
Tecumseh and the Dream of an American Indian Nation A biography of the Shawnee warrior, orator, and leader who united a confederacy of Indians in an effort to save Indian land from the advance of white soldiers and settlers. Older students.
Tecumseh Biography of the Great Chief Of The Shawnee Tribe of Native Americans. Level 5.4. Younger to Middle students.
The Battle for St. Michaels Twelve-year-old Caroline Banning helps defend her small town in Maryland from a British attack by getting messages to the soldiers through her speedy runs, yet when the American flag comes under attack, Caroline’s courage is put to the test as she must complete this mission with super speed. Historical fiction, easy reader style. Level 3.1. Maryland. Younger to Middle students.
The Mighty Tecumseh for Kids: Warrior and Peacemaker Dive into the captivating world of one of Native America’s most influential leaders with this dynamic exploration of Tecumseh’s life. This book unveils the journey of a man not merely born to lead, but who shaped his leadership amid the turbulence of early America. Through vibrant storytelling, readers are transported to the 18th century, where they walk alongside Tecumseh from his early days on the banks of the Scioto River to his valiant stand in the War of 1812. Middle to Older students. Ohio.
The Smuggler’s Treasure American Girl History Mysteries series. Sent to live with relatives in New Orleans during the War of 1812, eleven-year-old Elisabet determines to find a smuggler’s treasure to ransom her imprisoned father. Level 4.9. Louisiana.
The Story of the Burning of Washington Cornerstones of Freedom series. Describes one of the most devastating acts of the War of 1812–the British invasion of Washington D.C., and their susbsequent burning of the capital city. Younger to Middle students. Washington, D.C.
The Town that Fooled the British: A War of 1812 Story Early reader. St. Michaels, Maryland, is a town of shipbuilders whose reputation for crafting powerful schooners carries far beyond the shores of young America. And once the War of 1812 starts, that’s not necessarily a good thing. For the British have targeted the town as part of their campaign to defeat America in its fight to maintain its independence. And now, in August of 1813 the British fleet is sailing up the Chesapeake River to St. Michaels. The town’s militia is assembled but no one expects they can win the fight against the powerful British cannons. Citizens are being evacuated and the town is in turmoil. All young Henry Middle wants to do is find his father amid the chaos of the coming attack. The lanterns he carries will be of use to the militia. As Henry works to conquer his rising fear, he realizes he may hold the answer to outsmarting the British in his very hands. Younger to Middle students. Maryland.
The War of 1812: Soldier at New Orleans, story format of the Battle of New Orleans. Mature Middle students. Louisiana.
The War of 1812 Discusses the causes, events, campaigns, personalities, and aftermath of the War of 1812. Level 5.3. Middle students.
The War of 1812 Examines the events that led to the War of 1812 and the political and military strategies employed by the Americans and British, and provides information on key people, battles, and events. Older students.
The War of 1812 In this engaging nonfiction title, readers will learn about the War of 1812, the causes of it, and how it affected American citizens. Through detailed images, stunning facts, and easy to read text, readers are introduced to ideas and events that took place during this time, including embargoes, the Treaty of Paris, the War Hawks, and the Treaty of Ghent. Readers will have the opportunity to further enhance their understanding of the content through an accessible table of contents and glossary. Level 4.5. Younger to Middle students.
The War of 1812 Nonfiction, Explores the causes, battles, and aftermath of the War of 1812. Authoritative text, colorful illustrations, illuminating sidebars, and a “Voices from the Past” feature make this book an exciting and informative read. Lexile 700. Younger to Middle students.
The White House Is Burning: August 24, 1814 This “biography of a single day” captures the burning of the White House by the British during the War of 1812 from the viewpoint of the people who were there, including First Lady Dolley Madison, a British officer, and a nine-year-old slave. In the early hours before dawn, a cry went out that the British were advancing on Washington, D.C. America was two years into another war—The War of 1812. By nightfall on the 24th, British soldiers were setting fire to D.C., starting with the Navy Yard, then the Capitol, and the White House, where First Lady Dolley Madison still kept watch. Level 7.0. Older students. Washington, DC.
Washington Is Burning! The War of 1812 The historical fiction chapters of this book tell the story of Sophie Turner, one of President Madison’s black slaves. In her desire for freedom, this teenager helped First Lady Dolley Madison save a portrait of George Washington before the British burned the President’s House. Level 6.0. Middle to Older students. Washington, D.C.
Washington is Burning Fifteen-year-old Paul Jennings looked out the window of the President’s House. America was at war with Britain, and British soldiers were marching toward Washington. Terrified people were fleeing the city. But Paul was not going to join them yet. He was a slave who belonged to President Madison and his wife, Dolley. Dolley did not want to leave until her husband returned from the battlefront. Paul stayed by her side, helping her pack up official papers and belongings. Finally, they could wait no longer. But there was one more treasure they had to save. Were they too late? Early Reader. Younger to Middle students. Washington, D.C.
Whispers of War: The War of 1812 Diary of Susanna Merritt, Niagara, Upper Canada, 1812 Dear Canada series. In the summer of 1812, as rumors of a looming war become a reality, Susanna, her mother and sister are surviving as best they can while the men are fighting. As news of various battles reaches them, Susanna becomes even more concerned for the safety and well-being of her beloved brother and father. She is also torn between the loyalties of her best friend and her mother – both Americans living in Upper Canada – and her father’s and brother’s allegiance to General Brock and the King. But the night of the Battle of Queenston Heights, Susanna’s main concern is for survival. Middle to Older students. Ontario, Canada.
Coloring Pages/Drawing:
Lapbooks/Games:
- War of 1812 Lapbook
- Dawn’s Early Light: The War of 1812 Card Game
- American Girl History: Caroline 1812 Unit Study
Movies/Videos/Documentaries
- The War of 1812 | Animated Battle Map Clip
- War of 1812 Causes | Daily Bellringer
- The War of 1812: The War of 1812 in Four Minutes
- When the British burned the White House
Museums/Field Trips (including virtual):
- Battle of Lundy’s Lane National Historic Site – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
- Chalmette Battlefield – Chalmette, Louisiana
- Fort George National Historic Site – Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine – Baltimore, Maryland
- Fort York National Historic Site – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve, Parish, Louisiana
- Old Fort Niagara – Youngstown, New York
- Plattsburgh Battlefield – Plattsburgh, New York
- Queenston Heights National Historic Site – Queenston, Ontario, Canada
- River Raisin National Battlefield Park – Monroe, Michigan
- Tecumseh’s Birthplace – Old Chillicothe (Xenia, Ohio)
- Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama – Chillicothe, Ohio
- Tippecanoe Battlefield & Museum – Battle Ground, Indiana
Recipes:
- A Sailor’s Life for Me Food (also includes other activities)
Songs:
