Do you use picture books when teaching about the American Revolution? Picture books are a great way to help students engage in what they are learning. However, it can be time-consuming and difficult to research and read to find books that will work in your classroom.
To save you time, I have compiled this list of American Revolution Picture Books for kids. I know that you (and your students) will love them!
Disclosure: The links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means that I may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Colonial Voices: Hear them Speak by Kay Winters
Book Description:
Hours before the Boston Tea Party, an errand boy named Ethan delivers messages for the Sons of Liberty about a secret meeting. As he delivers the messages, he talks to different people living in Boston. Each page of this book is from a different person’s perspective: a printer, a baker, a Native American trader, an enslaved person, and more. Each person shares their thoughts on King George’s tea tax.
The Bostonians views vary. Some are Patriots, others are Loyalist or Neutralists.
Each person tells about his or her work and daily life. This paints a picture about what life was like during Colonial Times.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
This book would be a great way to show how not all colonists had the same ideas and thoughts during the American Revolution.
You could also use this book to learn about Colonial Trades. Several are listed in this book: from wigmaker to milliner. Ask students which jobs they would like to do if they lived in 1776. Which jobs would they not like?
Activity idea: List all the people in the book and sort them by their political views (Loyalist, Patriot, or Neutralist).
George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer
Book Description:
As the title suggests, this book views the American Revolution from the side of King George III and George Washington. This book explains some things that both Georges had in common and other ways they were different. In addition, it compares and contrasts life in England with life in the 13 Colonies.
This interesting and informative book gives a detailed and unbiased account of events leading to the Revolutionary War. It includes important historical events such as the Boston Tea Party, Stamp Act, Boston Massacre, and Signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The information in this book will help students understand the whys of the war and understand what caused the fighting and disagreements between America and England.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
This book would be a great way to help students understand why colonists had different opinions. It also shows that there was not a “good guy” and a “bad guy.” Here are some questions to ask your students: Were there situations in which the American colonists were wrong? Were there situations in which King George was wrong?
Finally, this book lends itself well to comparing and contrasting. First, students could compare and contrast King George and George Washington. Then, they could compare and contrast life in England vs. life in the British colonies.
Katie’s Trunk by Ann Turner
Book Description:
This unique book tells the story of Katie, a young girl from a Loyalist family in America. Katie’s family must hide when their family home is raided by “rebel” Patriots. Through this simple story we see Katie’s fear of the war. This book is based on a true story.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
Katie’s Trunk would be a great way to introduce and talk about Loyalists (called Torys in the book) in the American Revolution. Ask your students to discuss what happened to Katie. Was it fair? Do you feel that their loyalty to England meant they deserved this experience? Do you think her family remained loyal to England after the story? Why do you think the Patriot John Warren helped Katie?
They Called Her Molly Pitcher by Anne Rockwell
Book Description:
When Molly’s husband joins George Washington’s army at Valley forge, see decides to go with him. She witnesses the reality of the American Revolutionary War and helps as much as she can. On one particularly hot day, Molly helps by bringing pitchers of water to the overheated soldiers. However, when her husband is injured, Molly takes over his cannon.
This book is a great read about how women helped fight in the war, and how one woman went to extraordinary lengths to fight for her country. This book is inspired by a true story.
Appropriate for grades 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
This book would be a great way to discuss the differences between the two armies as well as the difficulties the rebel army faced during the war.
Students could discuss what it was like to fight during the summer heat. Ask students: Do you think it was smart for the Americans to shed their uniforms? How would this have helped them?
John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith
Book Description:
This simply illustrated book introduces five of American’s Founding Fathers, John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. The story covers each of the men’s early life through silly stories that your students will love. The author also addresses some common misconceptions about these Founding Fathers at the end of the book.
This is a simplified story that focuses more on the men themselves and what they are known for rather than the details of the American Revolution. This book is appropriate for ages 6 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
It is important for your students to know that the stories told in this book are made up by the author, but that they can help us remember what each of these Founding Fathers was known for.
Make sure to read the “Taking Liberties” section in the back of the book which explains which stories are true and which are myths. This would be an opportunity to talk about each of the Founding Fathers and what we know about them. You could also extend this by assigning students different Founding Fathers to research.
Let it Begin Here: Lexington and Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution by Dennis Brindell Fradin
Book Description:
This book covers the battles of Lexington and Concord that began the Revolutionary War. Let it Begin Here is chock-full of facts and details, as well as realistic illustrations, that will give your students an accurate portrayal of these early Revolutionary War events.
Beginning with Paul Revere and ending with the first American victory, this book gives students a closer look at how the American Revolutionary War started.
Ideas for Using this Book:
This book would be great to read at the beginning of your unit or as you study important battles. You could also use this book to discuss Paul Revere and his famous ride. Before reading, ask your students what they known about Paul Revere. After reading, ask if the information in the book matches up with their previous knowledge.
Activity idea: Use the dates and times included in the book to create a timeline of events for Lexington and Concord. This book is full of factual details (like the names and ages of historical people who were there).
Scarlet Stockings Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble
Book Description:
This engaging and beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young girl named Maddy Rose, a Patriot during the American Revolution. To help her country, Maddy Rose uses her clothesline to send secret messages to her brother, a Patriot spy.
Your students will love reading about Maddy Rose and her adventures. This book is historical fiction and appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
This book would be a wonderful way to discuss ways Americans aided in the war effort without actually fighting (giving information, not buying British goods, etc.). This is also a great introduction to spying during the Revolutionary War.
You can read more about women spies during the Revolutionary War and the methods they used here. For example, spy Anna Smith Spy really did use her clothesline to send messages.
More Resources for Teaching about the American Revolution
I hope that these 7 American Revolution picture books for kids will save you time!
Do you want all of your lessons planned out? If so, check out my Revolutionary War Unit. I want to save you TONS of time while keeping your students engaged. My favorite part of the unit is the week-long simulation where students join the Continental Army as either a soldier, spy, or officer.
If you are teaching about the road to revolution, you may also be interested in my 3-week Declaration of Independence Unit. Thousands of teachers have used and loved it!
Thank you for all of this great content! I really appreciate all the work you put into it. I know my daughter will learn much more about the AR with it.