American History Read Aloud Books for the Family

I love American History! I hated it in school, I hated the boring, dry facts and having to memorize dates.  Now that I am teaching the next generation, history has become extremely important to me.  I am often reminded of the quote that those who don't know history are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.  As I see what is going on in the world today I see evidence of a failed public school system and wonder if we are at a point of repeating past history.

My favorite way to learn history is through stories.  I love to hear about the lives of past generations and the successes and failures that they were faced with.  Reading stories with your kids is such a great way to learn history.  I have compiled a list of fun books to read with your kids.

Early American History 1700's

Patriots, Redcoats, and Spies

"When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he’s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail."

Patriots, Redcoats, and Spies is a fun historical fiction, packed with action.   It gives the reader an idea of what life was like during the Revolutionary War.   A great read for the whole family. 

Submarines, Secrets, And A Daring Rescue

"In this second book in the American Revolutionary War Adventure series, Submarines, Secrets, and a Daring Rescue, twins Ambrose and John Clark find themselves volunteering for another mission to help the newly forming United States. Inspired by their success in delivering a secret message to General George Washington himself, the boys step up to help transport much-needed gunpowder to the patriots and end up in an even more dangerous situation, trying to man one of the first submarines and then, later, attempting a prison break to rescue one of their older brothers.

Follow these brave young patriots as they follow in their father’s footsteps and rely on each other, their considerable courage, and God’s providence for guidance and strength."

The Bulletproof George Washington   

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"Colonial George Washington's perilous experiences in the French and Indian War are chronicled in this riveting account of God's providence and protection. The only officer on horseback to avoid being shot down, young Washington openly attributed his miraculous escape from harm to the intervention of a sovereign God. A story once founded in student textbooks, this awe-inspiring adventure is recaptured in a modern edition complete with maps and illustrations."

Susanna's Midnight Ride

Susanna's ride is based on a true story about a young girl and a daring ride.  This is such a great book to read with your family.  I learned so much about the way of life during the Revolutionary War.               

  "As the former Colonies struggle for freedom, the American Revolution is in the hands of a brave and resourceful teenage girl. At sixteen, Susanna Bolling is like America in rebellion; she craves independence. While her brothers are off fighting for the Patriots, she longs to do more than tedious household chores and attend spinning bees in sleepy City Point, Virginia. When British General Cornwallis invades her family’s Bollingbrook Plantation, she overhears his secret plan to defeat the Patriots. Much to her shock, she finds herself at the center of the war. Now America’s fight for liberty hinges on her. But can she overcome her mother’s objections, face her own fears, and outwit the famed General and his entire Army? The TRUE story of revolutionary courage and conviction that’s sure to captivate readers of all ages."

Johnny Tremain

Johnny Tremain is a book every student should read to gain a better understanding of life in colonial times. This is a great book to read aloud as a family.                      "Johnny Tremain, winner of the 1944 Newbery Medal, is one of the finest historical novels ever written for children. As compelling today as it was seventy years ago, to read this riveting novel is to live through the defining events leading up to the American Revolutionary War. Fourteen-year-old Johnny Tremain, an apprentice silversmith with a bright future ahead of him, injures his hand in a tragic accident, forcing him to look for other work. In his new job as a horse-boy, riding for the patriotic newspaper, The Boston Observer, and as a messenger for the Sons of Liberty, he encounters John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Dr. Joseph Warren. Soon Johnny is involved in the pivotal events shaping the American Revolution from the Boston Tea Party to the first shots fired at Lexington. Powerful illustrations by American artist Michael McCurdy bring to life Esther Forbes's quintessential novel of the American Revolution." 

Rush Revere

The Rush Revere books are an easy and fun read. Author Rush Limbaugh combines fictional characters with historical events, making it a fun way to learn history. 

"Okay, okay, my name’s really Rusty—but my friends call me Rush. Rush Revere. Because I’ve always been the #1 fan of the coolest colonial dude ever, Paul Revere. Talk about a rock star—this guy wanted to protect young America so badly, he rode through those bumpy, cobblestone-y streets shouting “the British are coming!” On a horse. Top of his lungs. Wind blowing, rain streaming...
Well, you get the picture. But what if you could get the real picture—by actually going back in time and seeing with your own eyes how our great country came to be? Meeting the people who made it all happen—people like you and me?
Hold on to your pointy triangle hats, because you can—with me, Rush Revere, seemingly ordinary substitute history teacher, as your tour guide across time! “How?” you ask? Well, there’s this portal. And a horse. My talking horse named Liberty. And—well, just trust me, I’ll get us there.
We’ll begin by joining a shipload of brave families journeying on the Mayflower in 1620. Yawn? I don’t think so. 1620 was a pretty awesome time, and you’ll experience exactly what they did on that rough, dangerous ocean crossing. Together, we’ll ask the pilgrims all our questions, find out how they live, join them at the first Thanksgiving, and much more.
So saddle up and let’s ride! Our exceptional nation is waiting to be discovered all over again by exceptional young patriots—like you!"

The Great Little Madison

In the days before microphones and TV interviews, getting people to listen to you was not an easy task. But James Madison used his quiet eloquence, intelligence and passion for unified colonies to help shape the Constitution, steer America through the turmoil of two wars, and ensure that our government, and nation, remained intact.

James Madison was the 4th President of the United States and one of the founding fathers.  The Great Little Madison is the story of his and his wife Dolly's life. It covers the Constitutional Convention and the creation of a new government.  This is a well-written book full of historical information.  It is one I highly recommend. 

John Adams Independence Forever

I gained such a new respect for John Adams after reading John Adams Independence Forever with my children. His family sacrificed a great deal for this country and he truly was one of the great founders of our Republic. 

"John's heart sank. A British man-of-war was plowing through the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean in hot pursuit of his ship. If the British caught up with the Boston, John would be hanged. He had proudly signed the Declaration of Independence and was carrying the colonies' secret papers. He couldn't be captured now!  Growing up in Massachusetts, longing to be a farmer like his father, John Adams never imagined the vital role he would one day play in the transformation of the colonies into an independent American nation. As the injustices of British rule stirred up the colonists to revolution and independence, this rising young lawyer became and influential member of the Continental Congress and a passionate advocate for freedom. As a foreign diplomat for the young United States, first vice president, and second president, this true American patriot held firmly to his integrity and left an uncompromising legacy: independence forever."

Shh! We're Writing The Constitution

In the sweltering summer of 1787, 55 delegates from 13 colonies joined together in Philidelphia to create a new government.   After 4 months of debate and emotional outbursts, the emerged with one of the greatest documents ever written, our Consitution. 

This is an easy read full of great information that young children and adults can learn from. 

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