30 + Living Books for Learning American History

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This is the time of year when my patriotism stirs the greatest, and I begin reflecting on what I have taught my children about our country.  I also reflect and ruminate on what I have yet to teach.  

The coming celebration of Independence Day brings on a wave of reminders from our fore fathers, and a reflection of their character. Liberty. Faith. Courage. Fortitude. Ingenuity. Honor.

I am thankful for the many books that we have on our shelves that help me to teach and encourage a greater love of country, in both my children and myself.  I am thrilled to have set the time aside to scour my bookshelves and share these wonderful books with my readers.  There are picture books, chapter books, beautiful illustrations, and exciting narratives, all chosen for the author's ability to bring history to life with their passion for that subject.

Two words: Jean Fritz
She is hands down my most favorite historical fiction author for children.  Her engaging and entertaining narrations put her in a class by herself!  Here are her picture books that are a great read for any age really:

• Can't You Make Them Behave King George?
• George Washington's Breakfast

• And Then What Happened Paul Revere?
• Who's That Stepping on Plymouth Rock?
• Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams?
• Shh! We're Writing the Constitution

• Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?
• Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May?

Jean Fritz also has several chapter books for upper elementary, or middle school students that our family has thoroughly enjoyed.

• The Cabin Faced West
• The Great Little Madison

• Early Thunder

Of course, Jean Fritz doesn't corner the market in excellent living books for teaching American History.  Here are a few more of our family's favorites:

• The Fourth of July Story, by: Alice Dalgliesh

• Abraham Lincoln, by: Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
• George Washington's Life, by: Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

• Lief the Lucky, by: Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
• Pocahontas, by: Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
• Columbus, by: Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
• Benjamin Franklin, by: Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

• George Washington's World, by: Joanna Foster

Let's not forget some great read-aloud stories.  These books are also great for older middle grades to high school students to read on their own.

• Pedro's Journal, by: Pam Conrad
• Surviving Jamestown, by: Gail Langer Karwoski

• A Lion to Guard Us, by: Clyde Robert Bulla
• Pocahontas, by: Joseph Bruchac
• Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, by: Jean Lee Latham
• Johnny Tremain, by: Esther Forbes

• The Sign of the Beaver, by: Elizabeth George Speare
• The Courage of Sarah Noble, by: Alic Dalgliesh
• The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by: Elizabeth George Speare
• The Red Badge of Courage, by: Stephen Crane
• Bound for Oregon, by: Jean Van Leeuwen
• Across Five Aprils, by: Irene Hunt
• Caddie Woodlawn, by: Carol Ryrie Brink
• Sarah, Plain and Tall, by: Patricia MacLachlan

I hope that you will have a chance to read a few of these amazing stories and light a spark of patriotic interest in your children.

Did I miss anything?  What is your family's favorite living books for learning American History?

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

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