News & Media
12 Amazing Books About the American Revolution
April 2025 marks 250 years since the American Revolutionary War began. Why not take this occasion to pick up a book and watch history come to life? From titles highlighting the lesser-known sides of famous figures to books that shine a spotlight on unsung activists and artists, this array of history books is sure to share new insight into a complex and compelling chapter of the past.
Cloaked in Courage by Beth Anderson, illustrated by Anne Lambelet
Bank Street Best Book of the Year
Pick up this book to learn about the remarkable story of Deborah Sampson. Fiercely independent, 18-year-old Deborah enlists as Robert Shurtliff in George Washington’s Continental Army to fight for her country’s independence. But being a soldier is hard, dangerous work. Can she fight for her country and keep her identity a secret… while finding her true purpose in the process?
“Cloaked in Courage is inspiring storytelling centering the life and actions of a brave woman and soldier, Deborah Sampson. Anderson’s contribution brings to light a lesser-known hero in history and emphasizes the importance of historical investigation and research.” —Lori Ann Terjesen, director of education, National Women’s History Museum
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by John O’Brien
Young readers of all ages will love this story about President Thomas Jefferson, who found his passion as soon as he learned to read: books, books, and more books! Before, during, and after the American Revolution, Jefferson collected thousands of books on hundreds of subjects. In fact, his massive collection eventually helped rebuild the Library of Congress—now the largest library in the world.
“It is no small feat to entertain children in a book about loving books (an increasingly crowded shelf), but this duo succeeds admirably through well-chosen facts, staggering statistics, an interactive text, and humor… this is a unique portrayal of the life and passions of the third president.” —School Library Journal
Farmer George Plants a Nation by Peggy Thomas, illustrated by Layne Johnson
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education Recommended Book
Nebraska Farm Bureau Children’s Agriculture Book of the Year
Ohio Farm Bureau’s Children’s Book Award
A Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Book of the Year
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List
Besides being a general and the first president of the United States, did you know that George Washington was also a farmer? George Washington was the first leader of our country—but he was also an inventor, scientist, and the most forward-thinking farmer of his time. As George worked to make the new country independent, he also struggled to create a self-sufficient farm at Mount Vernon, Virginia.
★ “Students will find this title useful for reports, but will also find it a great nonfiction read.”—School Library Journal, starred review
Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Even as American Patriots fought for independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War, oppressive conditions remained in place for the thousands of enslaved and free African Americans living in this country. But African Americans took up their own fight for freedom by joining the British and American armies; preaching, speaking out, and writing about the evils of slavery; and establishing settlements in Nova Scotia and Africa. The thirteen individuals featured in this book include Boston King, Agrippa Hull, James Armistead Lafayette, Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, Prince Hall, Mary Perth, Ona Judge, Sally Hemings, Paul Cuffe, John Kizell, Richard Allen, and Jarena Lee.
“This outstanding book is not just a history of African Americans, but rather an honest look at the complicated, often hypocritical definitions that Americans have ascribed to the idea of liberty from our earliest days.”—Booklist
George Washington’s Spectacular Spectacles by Selene Castrovilla, illustrated by Jenn Harney
Readers will quickly learn that George Washington had a secret… he wore glasses! The Revolutionary War was over, but Washington’s officers had not received their wages from the Continental Congress in years. Afraid they would never get their money, the officers planned to storm Congress and demand it right away. Luckily, George Washington found out about the plot just in time. He delivered a passionate speech to his men, but it was only when he struggled to read aloud a letter from Congress and had to put on his glasses that they realized how much he had sacrificed for their country along with them.
★ “The author of many children’s books based on research into American history, Castrovilla tells her latest story with wit, pathos, and attention to detail. Harney’s quirky illustrations suggest the look of the period while capturing the amusing tone of the narrative.”—Booklist, starred review
How Benjamin Franklin Became a Revolutionary in Seven (Not-So-Easy) Steps by Gretchen Woelfle, illustrated by John O’Brien
Famous founding father Benjamin Franklin was a proud subject of the British Empire—until he wasn’t. Read this light-hearted tale to find out how Franklin came to be a rebel. Once a defiant boy who runs away from his apprenticeship, Franklin never loses his spark as he becomes a deep thinker, a brilliant scientist, and a persuasive writer. Through his time as a community leader working for peaceful relations between Great Britain and the colonies, he becomes more and more convinced that independence for the American colonies is the way forward.
★ “Along with tracing the general arc of Franklin’s rise in the commercial, scientific, and diplomatic realms, the author offers sidelights on some of his pastimes and inventions before closing with backmatter that includes separate reading lists for adult and younger readers. Woelfle’s dynamic approach results in a personal, probing portrait of the Founding Father. In O’Brien’s tongue-in-cheek ink drawings, small period figures with paper-white skin gesticulate, scurry about busily, or, in one amusing scene, fall comically victim to one of Franklin’s infamous electrical pranks. A superb tribute to a foresighted patriot in peace and war.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
The Painter and the President by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Stacey Innerst
A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year
CCBC Choices 2025
George Washington and artist Gilbert Stuart didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but both men knew the importance of legacy and the power of art. Though George disliked having his portrait painted—which took days and days to complete—he knew his place in history would require people to know his face. Fortunately, Gilbert Stuart’s unique way of painting didn’t compel his subjects to sit for hours on end—in fact, he encouraged them to move around and even bring friends to chat with. This nonfiction picture book details the painting of Gilbert Stuart’s one-of-a-kind portrait of Washington and how it stood the test of time—in fact, it’s the one that’s used on the one-dollar bill!
★ “An account of the rocky relationship between the U.S.’s first president and his most famous portrait painter… A timeline at the end daubs in further biographical details about the disparate duo, and the whole not insignificant historical anecdote is capped by closing comments on Washington’s “tooth troubles” and why his picture on the dollar bill has him facing the other way. The result is a humorous yet enlightening work that humanizes seemingly distant or imposing figures. A lighthearted, illuminating, and thought-provoking look at a brief but meaningful historical moment.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Revolutionary Prudence Wright by Beth Anderson, illustrated by Susan Reagan
Bank Street Best Book of the Year
Check out the first-ever picture book about female Revolutionary War activist Prudence Wright! 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.
★ “Reagan’s accomplished illustrations, executed in watercolor with digital drawing, add historical veracity to Anderson’s superbly documented, at times hair-raising narrative. The author explicitly situates Wright and her female comrades as pioneers who ‘proved themselves as full citizens’ in an era before female enfranchisement. Vivid, absorbing, and inspiring.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Revolutionary Friends by Selene Castrovilla, illustrated by Drazen Kozjan
Society of School Librarians International Book Award Honor
California Reading Association Eureka! Nonfiction Honor
Bank Street College Best Book
Booklist Top Ten Biography for Youth
Young fans of the smash Broadway hit “Hamilton” will enjoy this narrative nonfiction picture book story about the important friendship between George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette during the Revolutionary War. Lafayette has come to America to offer his services to the patriotic cause. Inexperienced but dedicated, he is a much-needed ally. In the end, he not only earns a military position with the Continental Army but also Washington’s respect and admiration.
★ “This oversize, handsome package will introduce a little-known aspect of the Revolutionary War history through pithy words and often dramatic pictures. It respects its audience as well as the historically significant friendship it portrays.”—Booklist, starred review
Revolutionary Rogues by Selene Castrovilla, illustrated by John O’Brien
NCSS/CBC Notable Trade Social Studies Book
Kansas Reading Circle Choice
A Bank Street Best Book
Tappantown Historical Society’s Achievement Award
In another riveting nonfiction picture book, Major General Benedict Arnold, after a grave injury and dashed military hopes, seeks reward and recognition another way. He contacts Major John André, the new head of British intelligence and another man determined to prove himself. Arnold and André strike a deal and use Arnold’s intelligence to take over West Point, the strategic American fort. The plan ultimately fails, leading to André’s capture and death and Arnold’s loss of reward and glory.
“This in-depth look at Arnold’s personality, rooted heavily in primary source materials, creates a far more complex portrait than the one provided by most textbooks…(with) countless opportunities for critical thinking and discussion. With colorful illustrations and insightful observations, books like this one make the names recorded in history much more human.” – Booklist
Thomas Jefferson Grows a Nation by Peggy Thomas, illustrated by Stacy Innerst
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education Recommended Book
In this meticulously researched picture book, older readers can see Thomas Jefferson like never before– by following his passion for plants. As minister to France, Jefferson promoted all things American, sharing corn and pecans with his Parisian neighbors. As secretary of state, he encouraged his fellow farmers to grow olives, rice and maple trees. And as president, he doubled the size of the nation with the Louisiana Purchase. Even in his retirement, Jefferson continued to nurture the nation, laying the groundwork for the University of Virginia.
“Innerst’s muted gouache paintings contribute playful touches… that are in step with Thomas’s informal narration and Jefferson’s curiosity and optimism.” — Publishers Weekly
Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science by Beth Anderson, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes
A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
2025 Texas Topaz List
This STEAM picture book paints a picture of young Jefferson’s broad love for the natural world: he was fascinated by plants and animals, mountains and streams, crops and weather. He dreamed of making great discoveries like the well-known scientific author, Count Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon. But when Buffon published an encyclopedia of the natural world, Jefferson was furious! According to the French count, America was cold and swampy, and filled with small and boring animals, nothing like the majestic creatures of the OId World. Jefferson knew Buffon had never even been to America. Was he biased in favor of Europe? How could Jefferson prove Buffon wrong? By using scientific inquiry, of course!
★ “With theatrical flair, Anderson and Holmes lay out a historical contretemps between Jefferson, who took ‘supreme delight’ in science and was an eager observer of the natural world, and renowned French naturalist Buffon over his unsupported claim that, with the mammoth extinct, the New World’s wild creatures were uniformly smaller and weaker than those of the Old. The illustrator underscores the narrative’s droll, punchy tone by pinning cartoon figures in period dress, images of wildlife, leaf, and bone specimens with handwritten labels, and sheets and scraps with quotes on ruled or raw wooden backgrounds for an untidy scrapbook effect… readers will come away knowing more about the multifaceted character of the man who, a few years later, sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition and, oh yes, became our second president.”—Booklist, starred review