I always look for inspiring biographies in our studies of US and world studies. In a Charlotte Mason homeschool, this falls under the category of Citizenship. We enjoyed these picture and chapter books about lesser known heroes of the American Revolution.
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Picture books about the American Revolution
Henry Knox: Bookseller, Soldier, Patriot
Link to read for free at archive.org
Written in 16 short segments, this biography about Henry Knox focuses on his role in bringing the cannons down from Fort Ticonderoga from December of 1775 to January of 1776. The wonderful illustrations really highlighted how difficult and enormous a task this was to accomplish. We referred often to the map on the inside of the cover.
“A hearty eater, dapper dresser, bookseller to Loyalists and Patriots alike, and married into a staunch Loyalist family, Henry Knox may seem an unlikely hero. But his fascination with warfare and strategy and his support of the Patriot cause prepared him to do what no one else thought was possible: transport heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga, up and down snow-covered hills and across frozen lakes, to relieve the siege of Boston. The dramatic story of his achievements is all the more satisfying for being absolutely true, a little-known episode in the history of the American Revolution.” (from Amazon)
They Called Her Molly Pitcher
Link to read it for free on archive.org
I appreciated the author’s note that explains who the original Molly Pitcher was (Mary Hays McCauly) and how they straightened out who was who.
“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!” (from Amazon)
Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence
“Annoyed when the British king held back freedoms in colonial Massachusetts, feisty and fearless Prudence had enough. She said no! to British goods, determined to rely on her resourcefulness and ingenuity to get by. And when British troops continued to threaten the lives of her family and community, she assembled and led the “minute women” of Pepperell to break free of tradition.” (from Amazon)
Overview Picture Books
Yankee Doodle America
Link to read for free at archive.org
This an A to Z book with short amounts of text for each letter, perfect for my younger kids. The events are broadly in chronological order, with a big jump between “V for Valley Forge” and “W is for Washington.
“Each striking illustration, painted on hand-carved replicas of these [tavern] signs, introduces readers to the people, places and events that gave birth to our nation. Beginning with the Stamp Act that angered the patriots and inspired the “Sons of Liberty” to protest, readers meet George Washington…and other historical figures, and learn about the documents and battles that keep the fight for freedom alive.” (from Amazon)
Yankee Doodle
Link to read for free at archive.org
Do you know the history of the song “Yankee Doodle?” How many verses of Yankee Doodle can you sing? “In a whimsical retelling of the American Revolution, characters such as mice, rabbits, frogs, pigs, and bears–dressed in authentic garb–participate in the crossing of the Delaware and the Boston Tea Party.” (from Amazon) Each type of animal represents a different group of people involved in the American Revolution.
Chapter Books About the American Revolution
Guns for General Washington
Recommended for ages 10-12, Link to read for free at archive.org
“This exciting middle grade novel is the true story of Will Knox, a nineteen-year-old young man who transported 183 cannons from New York’s Fort Ticonderoga to Boston—in the dead of winter—to help George Washington win an important battle.
Paul Revere’s midnight ride…Washington crossing the Delaware…the winter crisis at Valley Forge… Some events in America’s War for Independence are known to all. This book brings to history fans the story of another true episode, just as dramatic but not nearly as well known. As you read these pages, you will agree that Colonel Knox’s great adventure was a stirring, suspenseful, and important event in American history.” (from Amazon)
History Smashers: The American Revolution
Recommended for ages 8-12
“Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth behind the Revolutionary War with beloved educator/author Kate Messner. The fun mix of sidebars, illustrations, photos, and graphic panels make this perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.
“On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode through Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, shouting, “The British are coming!” to start the American Revolution. RIGHT? WRONG! Paul Revere made it to Lexington, but before he could complete his mission, he was captured! The truth is, dozens of Patriots rode around warning people about the Redcoats’ plans that night. It was actually a man named Samuel Prescott who succeeded, alerting townspeople in Lexington and then moving on to Concord. But the Revolutionary War didn’t officially start for more than a year after Prescott’s ride. No joke.” (from Amazon)
By the time my 10-year olds read this chapter book, we had read so many picture books about the American Revolution. None of this information was new to them, but it sure is handy to have all the facts in one place.
I Survived The American Revolution, 1776
Recommended for ages 8-11
We listened to this in the car as an audiobook and it was riveting! The focus is on the battles around New York City towards the beginning of the American Revolution.
“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.” (from Amazon)
Activity Book
The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities
Recommended for ages 6-11, link to read for free at archive.org
I appreciate books of this series that insert fun activities and crafts while diving into history. Each chapter of text is further broken into segments. Sidebars with illustrations give more context to historical figures. Fun activities include Colonial Children’s Games, Dance a Minuet, Be A Betsy Ross, and Thirteen Ways to Celebrate Being an American.
This book includes text about the later, Southern battles of the Revolution. It goes through the forming of the new government, the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Rule.
Fun Chapter Books
George Washington’s Socks
Recommended for ages 8-10, link to read for free at archive.org
We enjoy time-traveling adventures. In this one, the kids are transported to the Delaware River on the evening of the Battle of Trenton.
“A mysterious rowboat transports five adventurous kids back in time to the eve of the Battle at Trenton where they experience the American Revolution. Through encounters with Hessian soldiers, revolutionaries, and even George Washington himself, Matthew, Quentin, Hooter, Tony, and Katie watch history unfold before their eyes as they see first-hand, the grim realities of war and the cost of freedom.” (from Amazon)
The Hero of Ticonderoga
Recommended for ages 10-12, link to read for free at archive.org
Set in Vermont, Tessy LeClerc is chosen to do an oral report on a person admired by many: Ethan Allen. My 10-year old kids picked up so many facts about the American Revolution and Fort Ticonderoga. They read and laughted their way through this easy chapter book.