CurriConnects Book List - The Revolution
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The Revolution
America began when the colonies won independence from England during the Revolutionary War. Bring the Revolution to life with these books.
Picture Books
Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Indepenence - Beth Anderson, (978-1644720578), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-5, Lexile: 770
All of the men in Pepperell, Massachusetts leave town to fight the British. Prudence Wright grows weary of British rule and rallies the women in town to rebel.
Samuel's Choice - Richard Berleth, (978-0807572191), Fiction
Interest level: 2-5
This book shows the naval dimension of the American Revolution through the eyes of a slave who has boating expertise.
Sleds on Boston Common - Louise Borden, (978-0689828126), Fiction
Interest level: 2-6, Lexile: 640
Henry's plans to sled on Boston Common are thwarted due to an encampment of British soldiers during colonial times, but he brings his problem to the governor, General Thomas Gage.
Henry and the Cannons - Dan Brown, (978-1596432666), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-4, Lexile: 820
Henry Fox, a bookseller, dragged 59 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga in New York to Boston in Massasschusetts.
Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette - Selene Castrovilla, (978-1590788806), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-5, Lexile: 620
This book explores the relationship between George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette during the Revolutionary War. Written in narrative nonfiction, the book presents the relationship during battle.
Revolutionary Rogues: John Andre and Benedict Arnold - Selene Castrovilla, (978-1629793412), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-5, Lexile: 710
Benedict Arnold betrayed the Continental Army by passing secrets to the British. This narrative nonfiction book explores the ill-fated relationship.
When Washington Crossed the Delaware - Lynne Cheney, (978-1442444232), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-12, Lexile: 860
In this book, George Washington leads his army on a secret assault on the day before Christmas across the Delaware.
Saving the Liberty Bell - Marty Rhodes Figley, (978-1575056968), Fiction
Interest level: 2-4
Johnny is eleven years old. He lives in Philadelphia and the British Army is coming closer. He helps his neighbors save the Liberty Bell.
Let It Begin Here!: Lexington and Concord: First Battles of the Revolutionary War - Dennis Brindell Fradin, (978-0802797117), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-3, Lexile: 910
This book brings the reader to Lexington and Concord and the first shots of the Revolutionary War. It begins when Paul Revere is dispatched to tell Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British are coming and then goes on to Concord to warn the Minutemen there. It ends with the British retreat to Boston almost 24 hours later.
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, (978-0792265580), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-12
This famous poem depicts Paul Revere on his famous ride to warn the Colonists of the Brits imminent arrival.
The Scarlet Stockings Spy - Trinka Hakes Noble, (978-1585362301), Fiction
Interest level: 2-6, Lexile: 1020
A young woman helps her mother in her sewing shop by day, but by night she sends signals about the presence of questionnable ships in Philadelphia's harbor during Revolutionary Times.
They Called Her Molly Pitcher - Anne Rockwell, (978-0553112535), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-7
Molly Pitcher assisted George Washington's army with many battles, offering support, water, and even firearm assistance after her husband was wounded.
George Vs. George - Rosalyn Schanzer, (978-1426300424), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-6, Lexile: 1120
This book compares the two Georges of Revolutionary History, King George III of England and George Washington.
Katie's Trunk - Ann Turner, (978-0689810541), Fiction
Interest level: K-3, Lexile: 660
Katie lives in a Loyalist family during the Revolutionary War. She does not understand why her neighbors are turning on her family. When a band of Patriots raids her house, Katie hides in her trunk, hoping nobody finds her.
Middle Grade Books
The Fighting Ground - Avi, (978-0064401852), Fiction
Interest level: 3-12, Lexile: 580
Jonathan, a young teen, is fighting in two wars, the American Revolution, and the battle within himself.
Sophia's War - Avi, (978-1442414426), Fiction
Interest level: 2-8, Lexile: 730
Sophia becomes a spy for the Americans after she sees Nathan Hale executed in occupied NY City.
Daniel at the Siege of Boston - Laurie Calkhoven, (978-0142417508), Fiction
Interest level: 2-7, Lexile: 710
Daniel's pride in being the man in the family as he works for the Revolution is shaken when he sees the ugly side of war and realizes a man he trusted is a spy.
Attack of the Turtle - Drew Carlson, (978-0802853387), Fiction
Interest level: 4-7, Lexile: 640
Nathan assists his inventor cousin David Bushnell in creating a wartime submarine.
By the Sword - Selene Castrovilla, (978-1590784273), Fiction
Interest level: 4-7
A young teacher who enlists in George Washington's army experiences some of the harsher side of battle and the uncertainty of victory in this book based on original sources.
John Greenwood's Journey to Bunker Hill - Marty Rhodes Figley, (978-0761361343), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-3, Lexile: 50
This book depicts John Greenwood's view of the days of the American Revolution through his eyes as an army fifer.
The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive - Marty Rhodes Figley, (978-0761370758), Fiction
Interest level: 3-5, Lexile: 410
African American James Forten is fighting for the Colonies in 1781 when his ship is captured by the British, causing him great stress.
Storyteller - Patricia Reilly Giff, (978-0440421757), Fiction
Interest level: 2-8, Lexile: 610
Twentieth century Elizabeth delves into her Revolutionary War ancestor after she begins to hear the elder's story while looking at her picture.
Friends of Liberty - Beatrice Gormley, (978-0802854186), Fiction
Interest level: 4-7
Sally and Kitty, former best friends, find their friendship challenged as their family's differing views about the Revolution tear them apart.
Cannons at Dawn - Kristiana Gregory, (978-0545213196), Fiction
Interest level: 4-7, Lexile: 740
Abigail and her family trail their father's army unit during the Revolutionary war; they suffer from difficult weather, starvation, and war danger.
Secret Weapons: A Tale of the Revolutionary War - J. Gunderson, (978-1434208484), Fiction
Interest level: 3-5, Lexile: 470
Daniel reluctantly agrees to stay out of the Revolutionary fighting and help his father in his blacksmith shop, but when he discovers weapons there, he works to keep their presence a secret.
Scar - Jennifer Ann Mann, (978-1629794655), Fiction
Interest level: 4-7, Lexile: 780
A raid on the family farm brings 16-year-old Noah Daniels face to face with the enemy during the Battle of Minisink.
Spy! - Anna Myers, (978-0802797421), Fiction
Interest level: 2-8, Lexile: 710
Jonah, a schoolboy, discovers he has conflicting loyalties when he wants to support the Continental Army but finds Nathan Hale, his teacher, has been deceiving him.
Magic Treehouse Fact Tracker: The American Revolution - Mary Pope Osborne, (978-0375823794), Non-fiction
Interest level: K
Jack and Annie voyage via their magic tree house to the U.S. during its revolution and assist General Washington to cross the Delaware.
Revolutionary War on Wednesday - Mary Pope Osborne, (978-0679890683), Fiction
Interest level: 2-4, Lexile: 320
Jack and Annie voyage via their magic tree house to the U.S. during its revolution and assist General Washington cross the Delaware.
The Fifth of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre - Ann Rinaldi, (978-0152050788), Fiction
Interest level: 4-12, Lexile: 600
From the eyes of Rachel Marsh, John and Abigail Adams' servant, readers view the development of the unease in Massachusetts before the Boston Massacre.
Or Give Me Death - Ann Rinaldi, (978-0152050764), Fiction
Interest level: 4-12, Lexile: 530
Patrick Henry's family struggles without their father home during the Revolutionary War, faced with an ill mother, a huge plantation, and the backdrop of the conflict.
Oh Say, I Can't See - Jon Scieszka, (978-0142408087), Fiction
Interest level: 2-5, Lexile: 560
The Time Warp Trio travel to Pennsylvania in 1776 to help Washington surprise the Hessions in New Jersey in an important surprise attack.
Liberty's Son - Paul Thompson, (978-0766036543), Fiction
Interest level: 4-6
After Oliver begins working for the Sons of Liberty who fight the British, he finds out that his boss is a traitor.
Young Adult Books (ages 12-18; Grades 7 and up)
Chains - Laurie Halse Anderson, (978-1416905868), Fiction
Interest level: 4-12, Lexile: 780
Isabel, an American slave, tries to help the cause of the Revolution by spying for the rebels.
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing: Traitor to the Nation - M.T. Anderson, (978-0763636791), Fiction
Interest level: 8-12, Lexile: 1090
Letters and other writings comprise this novel which tells the story of an African American boy heavily involved in a science experiment during the American Revolution.
My Brother Sam is Dead - James Lincoln Collier, (978-0439783606), Fiction
Interest level: 7-9, Lexile: 770
A young man's view of the glories of war changes when his brother is killed; his family has tried to avoid taking sides but finds it cannot remain uncommitted.
Hamilton and Peggy: A Revolutionary Friendship - Laura Elliott, (978-0062671318), Fiction
Interest level: 8-12, Lexile: 880
Peggy Schuyler is the younger sister of strong Angelica and sweet Eliza. She finds herself in a friendship with Alexander Hamilton as they write letters back and forth during the war.
Five 4ths of July - Pat Hughes, (978-0142421123), Fiction
Interest level: 4-12, Lexile: 710
Although Jake celebrates the new U.S. independence in 1777, he still faces battles with the British and living as a captured teen on a prison ship.
Soldier's Secret: The Story of Deborah Sampson - Sheila Solomon Klass, (978-0805097399), Fiction
Interest level: 6-10, Lexile: 790
Deborah Sampson, a real-life fighter in the Continental Army, must dress up as a man in order to participate in the fighting during the Revolutionary War.
Death and Taxes - Alexander Lagos, (978-0375856686), Fiction
Interest level: 7-12
In this graphic novel depiction of historic times, escaped slaves have to decide where their loyalties lie when Philadelphia becomes riotous.
Woods Runner - Gary Paulsen, (978-0375859083), Fiction
Interest level: 7-10, Lexile: 790
After Samuel's parents are kidnapped by British soldiers, he goes to NY City to try and find them.
The Family Greene - Ann Rinaldi, (547-260679), Fiction
Interest level: 7-12, Lexile: 710
Mother and daughter mix with Revolutionary War heroes, but their flirting leads to complications.
The Notorious Benedict Arnold - Steve Sheinkin, (978-1250024602), Non-fiction
Interest level: 6-9
Learn the truth about the complex character of Benedict Arnold in this enlightening biography.