In 2026 America is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It’s America’s Semiquincentennial! And what better way to celebrate than with books? These stories all give a glimpse into America’s history, whether it’s a biography of the only woman whose name is on the Declaration of Independence, or an introduction to the electoral college. This collection of titles is perfectly patriotic and sure to inspire readers!
This award-winning story tells the tale of Amos the mouse, and his good friend, Ben Franklin. It’s a unique and amusing look at one of America’s most famous inventors. Funny, interesting, and wise, Ben and Me is a timeless American story that has been read by generations of young people. Once you’ve met Amos the mouse, you’ll always remember Benjamin Franklin a little differently than the history books do. Stories like this bring the past to life and make you look at historical figures in a new way!
History comes alive in the Guts & Glory series from history buff Ben Thompson! From George Washington crossing the icy Delaware, to Molly Pitcher fearlessly firing her cannon, the people of the American Revolution were some of the bravest and most inspiring of all time. Jump into the action in this fully accessible and illustrated guide to some of the most important and thrilling moments of the American Revolution.
And for more Guts & Glory, don’t miss Guts & Glory: The American Civil War
Mary Katharine Goddard defied societal normals in colonial Connecticut, as a businesswoman and newspaper publisher, paving the way for an open and free press. She is also the only woman whose name is printed on the Declaration of Independence! When the Continental Congress decided the Declaration of Independence needed to be widely distributed, Mary Katharine made it happen, adding her printing credit to the bottom. Her story is powerful and inspiring!
Once there were four lads . . . John (Hancock), Paul (Revere), George (Washington), and Ben (Franklin). Oh yes, there was also Tom (Jefferson), but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around. These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few . . . liberties. Before these icons of American history were Founding Fathers, they were just little lads. It’s the perfect, humorous look at how these figures were once just a few young kids with big ideas, who would go on to secure America’s freedom.
From a young age, everyone knew Abigail was different. Instead of keeping quiet, she blurted out questions. Instead of settling down with a wealthy minister, she married a poor country lawyer named John Adams. Instead of running from the Revolutionary War, she managed a farm and fed hungry soldiers. Instead of leaving the governing to men, she insisted they “Remember the Ladies.” Abigail Adams would go on to become First Lady, and a powerful advisor, representing her country as a fierce and inspiring figure of American history.
Celebrate America’s origins with this rip-roaring, Revolutionary tale of two very different founding fathers, their unlikely friendship, and the surprising way they joined forces to help build the country we have today!
John Hancock and Samuel Adams were an unlikely pair of troublemakers. Hancock was young and dashing. Adams was old and stodgy. But working together, they rallied the people of Boston against the unfair policies of Great Britain and inspired American resistance. And to King George, they became a royal pain. Rich with historical detail and primary sources, this spirited tale takes readers through ten years of taxes and tea-tossing, tyranny and town hall meetings
This fresh, fun, and “thought-provoking” New York Times bestseller is a great introduction to the American electoral college and an important reminder of why every vote counts. When Grace finds out there’s never been a female president, Grace decides she will be the first, and jumpstarts her political career by running in the school’s mock election.
This timely story not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system but also teaches the value of hard work, courage, independent thought — and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.
This stunningly illustrated picture book biography from an acclaimed author and bestselling, award-winning artist paints an epic portrait of one of the most influential American presidents: Abraham Lincoln.
From the time he was a young boy roaming the forests of the remote Midwest, Abraham Lincoln knew in his heart that slavery was deeply wrong. A voracious reader, Lincoln spent every spare moment of his days filling his mind with knowledge, from history to literature to mathematics, preparing himself to one day lead the country he loved towards greater equality and prosperity for all people. Despite the obstacles he faced as a self-educated man from the back woods, Lincoln persevered in his political career, and his compassion and honesty gradually earned him the trust of many Americans. As president, he guided the nation through a long and bitter civil war and penned the document that would lead to the end of slavery in the United States.
Discover what it means to become a US citizen and how the process unfolds in this “inspiring picture book” (The Washington Post) about immigration and naturalization. What does US citizenship look like? Some of us are citizens by birth. Some of us are born beyond the United States and gain citizenship through immigration and naturalization. This insightful story honors the many different paths to citizenship and celebrates all people who enrich our country by striving to participate in our democracy
You probably know the classic Woody Guthrie folk song, and this is the illustrated version of the lyrics! It’s perfect for a family singalongs! Since its debut in the 1940s, Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” has become one of the best-loved and most timely folk songs in America, inspiring activism and patriotism for all. This classic ballad is now brought to life in a richly illustrated edition for the whole family to share. Kathy Jakobsen’s detailed paintings, which invite readers on a journey across the country, create an unforgettable portrait of our diverse land and the people who live it.
