Suggested
Grade Levels
K = Kindergarten
(Picture Books)
E = Elementary:
Grades 1-3
(detailed Picture Books
& easy reading)
E-UE = (books for
younger, fluent readers)
UE = Upper Elementary:
Grades 4-6
JH = Junior High:
Grades 6-8
HS = High School:
Grades 9-12
+ = "and up"
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American History Booklist - 1700's

Our U.S. History Book List includes literature for children and teens based on important people and events in a typical study of United States history. The titles are organized chronologically from pre-1600 to the 20th century and include both fiction and nonfiction. The complete list is divided into several pages, so click on the menu to the left for selections from other time periods or historical eras.
Each book is linked to one of our affiliates, primarily so you can see pictures & further description. If you choose to purchase, please consider doing so through one of these links! Thanks!
1700-1710
1710's
1720's
1730's
1740's
1750's
1760's
1770s — General Topics
1770s — Founding Fathers
1770s — Revolutionary War
1780's
1790's
Suggested Grade Levels |
K = Kindergarten(Picture Books)
E = Elementary: Grades 1-3
(Detailed Picture Books & Easy Reading)
E-UE = (Books for Younger, Fluent Readers) |
UE = Upper Elementary: Grades 4-6
JH = Junior High: Grades 6-8
HS = High School: Grades 9-12
+ = "and up" |
The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh. E-UE
Newbery Honor. A young girl learns to be brave in the wilderness of early America. Recommended.
If You Lived in Colonial Times by Ann McGovern, illus. June Otani. E-UE
The Ransom of Mercy Carter by Caroline B. Cooney. 2001. *JH-HS
Based on the 1704 Indian attack of Deerfield, and the captives' forced march to Canada, which included many children. Well researched and realistically portrayed. *Caution: Not for the sensitive; includes the savagery of the Indians, and the heartbreak/trauma of those captured. (See Calico Captive in 1750s)
Siege!: The Story of St. Augustine in 1702 by Wilma Pitchford Hays.
Queen Anne's War (American Adventure, Book 5) by Joann A. Grote. UE-JH
Christian historical fiction.
Amos Fortune: Free Man by Elizabeth Yates, illus. by Nora S. Unwin. E.P. Dutton, 1950. UE-JH+
Newbery Honor. The true story of a king's son who at 15 is captured from his African home and sent to America as a slave. Amos overcomes his circumstances and prospers throughout his life, not only gaining freedom for himself, but for several others as well.
Smallpox Strikes (The American Adventure #7) by Norma Jean Lutz, Adam Wallenta. UE-JH
Christian historical fiction.
If You Grew Up With George Washington by Ruth Belov Gross, illus. Emily Arnold McCully. Scholastic. E
Describes the childhood that George Washington (and others!) may have experienced in Virginia.
The Printer's Apprentice by Stephen Krensky. UE
Ben and Me by Robert Lawson. UE+
Calico Bush by Rachel Field, illus. Allen Lewis. UE+
Newbery Honor. A young French girl is left an orphan during the time of the French & Indian War.
Maggie's Choice (The American Adventure #8) by Norma Jean Lutz. UE-JH
Christian historical fiction. Historical focus is Jonathon Edwards and the Great Awakening.
Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare, illus. W.T. Mars. Houghton Mifflin Co., ©1957/85. JH-HS
Based on the true, harrowing experience of a teenage girl, captured by Indians with her sister's young family and forced to march miles from home. After enduring a difficult several years, they finally managed to return. A hint of romance adds an extra dimension. (see Ransom of Mercy Carter, 1700s)
Duel in the Wilderness by Karin Clafford Farley. JH-HS
An adventure story about one of George Washington's first military assignments. Based on his journal.
Indian Captive : The Story of Mary Jemison by Lois Lenski. J.B,Lippincott, 1941. *UE-HS
A fictionalized account of the true story of a young girl who is captured by Indians and lives the rest of her life with them. A good picture of Indian culture. *Not recommended for more sensitive children who may be upset that Mary is never reunited with her parents or family.
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. HS
The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds, illus. Paul Lantz. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1941. E-UE
Newbery Medal. Upstate New York in 1757 was newly settled and troubled with French-aroused Indian attacks. This true story portrays a young boy's bravery in defending his home and family. Recommended.
Boston Revolts (The American Adventure #9) by Susan Martins Miller, illus. Adam Wallenta. UE-JH
Christian historical fiction. Historical focus is Boston's response to the Stamp Act.
Kaya's Story Collection (The American Girls Collection): The individual books are Meet Kaya, Kaya's Escape, Kaya's Hero, Kaya and Lone Dog, Kaya Shows the Way, and Changes for Kaya by Janet Shaw, illus. Bill Farnsworth. The Pleasant Co. 2002. E-JH
Five stories based on the life of a fictional Nez Perce girl in 1764, written especially for girls.
The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare. UE-JH
A 12-year-old boy is left alone in the family cabin in the wilderness. Only with the help and friendship of local Indians does he find ways to survive until his family returns.
Welcome to Kaya's World 1764: Growing Up in a Native American Homeland (The American Girls Collection series). Pleasant Co. UE-JH
Expanding on the Kaya series, this book illustrates and explains many facets of the typical way of life in her time period and location.
(see 1770s--Founding Fathers & Revolutionary War)
A Flag for Our Country by Eve Spencer; Alex Haley, Gen. Ed; illus. Mike Eagle. Steck Vaughn Co., 1993. E
The story of Betsy Ross that has been passed down by her family. Nicely done.
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham, illus. John O'Hara Cosgrave II. Houghton Mifflin Co., ©1955/83. UE+
Newbery Medal. Set in a New England sailing community c. 1776, this is an amazing tale of a boy who rose up from humble beginnings to change the system of navigation for the ships of the world. Courage, honesty, bravery, and hard work are all portrayed in the life of Nathan Bowditch.
The Felicity Series (American Girl): Meet Felicity, Felicity Learns a Lesson, Felicity's Surprise, Happy Birthday, Felicity!, Felicity Saves the Day, and Changes for Felicity by Valerie Tripp. The Pleasant Co. 1991. E-JH
Six books based on the life of a fictional American girl in 1774, written especially for girls.
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, illus. Lynd Ward. Houghton Mifflin Co., 1943, 1971. UE-JH+
Newbery Medal. The simmering tensions of the American colonies under British rule provide the background to this story of a boy's courage and determination to rise above his circumstances. Woven into the story line are several major events and faces of early America. Great reading!
Welcome to Felicity's World, 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America (The American Girls Collection series). Pleasant Co. UE-JH
Expanding on the Felicity series, this book illustrates and explains many facets of the typical way of life of her time period and location.
(see 1770s— General Topics & Revolutionary War)
The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin by James Cross Giblin, illus. Michael Dooling. Scholastic Press, 2000. E+
Very thorough in capturing important facts, yet including enough flair and illustrations to keep reader interest high. Additional notes in the back describe his inventions and his many quotes. Recommended!
America's Paul Revere by Esther Forbes, illus. Lynd Ward. UE
Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by his Good Mous Amos by Robert Lawson. E-UE
Benjamin Franklin by Ingri & Edgar Parin D'Aulaire. E-UE
The D'Aulaires' books are richly illustrated, historically thorough, and entertaining.
George Washington by Cheryl Harness. National Geographic, 2000. E-UE
Well-illustrated picture book with longer paragraphs and a detailed text.
George Washington: A Picture Book Biography by James Cross Giblin, illus. Michael Dooling. Scholastic. UE+
Full color illustrations on every page enhance a well-told account of Washington's life.
James Madison and Dolly Madison and Their Times by Robert Quackenbush. Pippin Press, 1992. E-JH
Easy-to-read and thorough biography. Each 2-page spread includes a full of page of text with a full-page, 4-color, cartoon-style illustration.
The Many Rides Of Paul Revere by James Cross Giblin. Scholastic, 2007. E-JH
His famous "one if by land" ride was just the tip of the iceburg in Paul Revere's achievements and influence. Fascinating account not only of his life, but also events in and around the American Revolution. Illustrated with period artwork & photographs.
The Revolutionary John Adams by Cheryl Harness. National Geographic, 2003. E-UE
In telling the life story of this amazing man, this book also does a great job explaining why and how America became an independent nation, and chronicles events during the first years of its foundation. Well illustrated and very detailed. Recommended.
Thomas Jefferson by Cheryl Harness. National Geographic, 2004. E-UE
Well illustrated picture book with longer paragraphs and a detailed text.
Thomas Jefferson: A Picture Book Biography by James Cross Giblin, illus. Michael Dooling. Scholastic Inc., 1994. UE+
Full color illustrations on every page enhance a well-told account of Jefferson's life.
What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz.
(see 1770s— General Topics & Founding Fathers)
The American Revolution (American Adventure, Book 11) by Joann A. Grote. UE-JH
Christian historical fiction.
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz, illus. Margot Tomes. G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1973. UE
The Boston Massacre (American Adventure, Book 10) by Susan Martins Miller. UE-JH
Christian historical fiction.
The Boys of '76: A History of the Battles of the Revolution by Charles C. Coffin. 1876. JH+
Can't You Make Them Behave, King George by Jean Fritz. UE+
The Boston Coffee Party (I Can Read Book) by Doreen Rappaport, illus. Emily Arnold McCully. Harper, 1990. E
A group of women react when a merchant refuses to sell his coffee in order to drive up the price.
Buttons for General Washington by Peter and Connie Roop, illus. Peter E. Hanson. Carolrhoda Books, 1986. E-UE
This easy reader is a favorite for many boys, telling the story of a 14-year-old spy for General Washington.
Finishing Becca : A Story about Peggy Shippen and Benedict Arnold by Ann Rinaldi. Harcourt Brace and Co., 1994. JH-HS
Great choice for someone who loves novels! The story introduces us to the people and the emotions that may have influenced Arnold's traitorous actions. Well researched, with notes in the back explaining the historicity. Some mild cursing.
The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh, illus. by Marie Nonnast. E
George the Drummer Boy (I Can Read series) by Nathaniel Benchley, illus. Don Bolognese. Harper & Row, 1977. E
A British drummer boy experiences the battles of Concord and Lexington. Not especially exciting, but a good addition to the limited books for this age group to read on their own!
George vs. George : The Revolutionary War as Seen by Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer. National Geographic, 2004. E-JH
Accompanied by many illustrations, this easy-to-read story explains the tensions between two nations that erupted into war; the roles of both Georges before, during, and after the war; and the details and consequences of major battles. Thorough and entertaining. A great overall picture of the American Revolution.
If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution by Kay Moore, illus. Daniel O'Leary. E-UE
Let It Begin Here! Lexington and Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illus. Larry Day. Walker & Company 2005. U-UE
Full-page, color illustrations capture attention to the riveting events of April 18-19, 1775. Includes supplementary notes on "Who's Who" and "What Happened to the People." Well Done!
Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, illus. Ted Rand. Puffin. E+
The unedited poem is wonderfully illustrated for even the youngest to enjoy. Although a read-aloud for the E age, the pictures help children grasp the full meaning of the words.
Revolutionary War Leaders series See Author/Series Reviews.
Sam the Minuteman by Nathaniel Benchley, illus. Arnold Lobel. Harper & Row. E
Easy to read and understand.
Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams? By Jean Fritz, illus. Trina Schart Hyman. Coward-McCann, Inc., 1974. UE
Humorous look at one of the leaders of the American Revolution, and some of the key events leading to the war.
The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777 (Dear America series) by Kristiana Gregory. Scholastic, 1996. UE
A young girl describes the impact of the army's encampment near her home. Additional historical info/pictures in the back. Well done. Caution for the sensitive: Includes amputations & hangings.
The American Victory (American Adventure, Book 12) by Joann A. Grote. UE-JH Christian historical fiction.
Bewildered for Three Days: As to Why Daniel Boone Never Wore His Coonskin Cap by Andrew Glass. Holiday House, 2000. E-UE
This tall tale is surrounded by Daniel Boone facts. Fun story gives a feel for Boone's childhood and adventurous, outdoorsman-like spirit on the wild American frontier.
The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz, illus. F. Rojankovsky. Puffin Books, 1958. E-UE
Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal. When her family heads West, a 10-year-old girl adjusts to being a pioneer. Easy-to-read, with black & white illustrations, describing the daily life of the early American frontier, with a nice surprise ending.
Daniel Boone by James Daugherty. Viking Press, 1939. UE-JH+
Newbery Medal. Very thorough! 90 pages tell of his life, illustrated at regular intervals.
Daniel Boone : Frontier Adventures by Keith Brandt, illus. John Lawn. Troll Assoc., 1983. UE
A little less detail than Daugherty's book on Boone for the younger UE student.
George Washington: A Picture Book Biography by James Cross Giblin, illus. Michael Dooling. UE+
Full color illustrations on every page enhance a well-told account of Washington's life.
George Washington's Breakfast by Jean Fritz. Scholastic. E
If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution by Elizabeth Levy, illus. Joan Holub. Scholastic. E-UE
Indian Summer (An I Can Read Book) by F.N. Monjo, illus. Anita Lobel. Harper & Row, 1968. E
Quick thinking by 2 young boys helps to save their frontier family from a threatened Indian attack.
Jack Jouett's Ride by Gail E. Haley. The Viking Press, 1973. K-E
Exciting story how one man saved Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and others by riding through the night to warn them that British soldiers were coming for them.
Mary's Star a Tale of Orphans in Virginia, 1781 by Wilma Pitchford Hays, ill. Lawrence Beall Smith. Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., 1968. E-UE
Mary's father gave everything, including his life, fighting for American independence. Mary must give up all family possessions and go live with friends, but she doesn't want to give up her horse.
A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution by Betsy and Giulio Maestro. E
Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz, illus. Tomie de Paola. UE
This Time, Tempe Wick? By Patricia Lee Gauch, illus. Margot Tomes. Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, 1974. E-UE
Disgruntled Revolutionary War soldiers leave the ranks, and try to take Tempe's horse to get home. Amusing true story of how a young girl gets creative to keep her horse out of their hands.
Danger Along the Ohio by Patricia Willis. Clarion Books, 1997. *UE+
Loosely based on the episodes of Indian attack & capture in early America. Three children are separated from their father in an Indian raid, and brave the forests to reunite with him. Caution: A sub-plot of one of the brothers accidentally shooting (and killing) his friend may be upsetting to sensitive children.
Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin (Graphic Library: Inventions and Discovery series) by Jessica Gunderson, illus. Gerry Acerno, Rodney Ramos, & Charles Barnett III. Capstone Press, 2007.
Johnny Appleseed: A Tall Tale Retold and Illustrated by Steven Kellogg. Morrow Jr. Books, 1988. K-E
The history and the tall tales are artfully woven together, and illustrated beautifully. Recommended.
Story of Eli Whitney (Discovery Biographies) by Jean Lee Latham.
With Pipe, Paddle and Song: A Story of the French-Canadian Voyageurs by Elizabeth Yates. JH-HS
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