20 of the Best Picture Books about American History

American History is always a great topic to study in our homeschools. Nothing makes you more patriotic than learning about how our nation was founded! We want our children to learn all about the amazing founders of our nation, the documents that keep our society together, the American Revolution, and all of the events in between. I’ve round up the best picture books about American History so that you can easily get great titles all in one place!

Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President by Anne Rockwell

George Washington was a great leader during the founding of America. This book gives us a look at his life. It shows us that young George had a temper, but learned self-control as he got older. I think it’s always fun to learn about a famous person’s childhood.

Anna Strong: A Spy During the American Revolution by Sarah Glenn Marsh

There were many brave men and women that helped during the Revolutionary War. Anna was one of them. She used her laundry to help send messages to other spies.

George vs. George by Rosalyn Schanzer

One thing we strive for in our Rabbit Trails through History units is to include multiple sides to an event in history. This book helps us see the British side and the American side. I love how thorough Rosalyn Schanzer was in her research.

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The illustrations in this book are gorgeous! They definitely are a great addition to this famous poem. I also love the added documents like the British general’s orders. It all really helps history come alive.

Sybil’s Night Ride by Karen B. Winning

We have all heard about Paul Revere’s ride, but many haven’t heard about Sybil’s night ride. This brave young girl rode through the night yelling “Muster at Ludington’s” to help alert the British.

The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman

Russell Freedman shares the rising tensions between the citizens of Boston and the British soldiers in the weeks leading up to the Boston Tea Party. He included quotes and a historical map of Boston to help readers really understand what people were experiencing during that time.

Betsy Ross by Alexandra Wallner

The illustrations in this book are fun to look at. They are full of time period items such as quill pens and spinning wheels. They really showcase what things were like back then. The book also includes a tutorial to make your own five point star and the conflicting claims of who really made the first flag.

See my read aloud of this book here!

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

We all know what the Statue of Liberty is and where it is located, but do you know why she seems to be in mid-stride? Dave Eggers was curious about this fact. He shares what he finds out in his research in this book. Definitely a book to check out.

The Revolutionary John Adams by Cheryl Harness

I absolutely love Cheryl Harness’s books! Her writing ability and illustrations help children to see and learn about history. John Adams was a very passionate and stubborn man. I enjoyed reading the direct quotes from John and Abigail Adams.

The Bill of Rights by Norman Pearl

All the historical documents are important to read and learn more about. This book will introduce your children to the Bill of Rights and what they mean to people today.

Leave it to Abigail by Barb Rosenstock

Abigail Adams was a strong woman who stood for what she believed in. In her many letters to John, she reminded him to remember the ladies! She also took care of the family and farm while John was away. She is definitely someone we need to remember when learning about the beginning of America.

They Called Her Molly Pitcher by Anne Rockwell

I had never heard of Molly Hays until I was working on Rabbit Trails through History: America’s Founders. It is so fun to learn about the not-so-famous heroes and heroines.

How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning by Rosalyn Schanzer

Ben Franklin was talented in so many ways. An author, scientist, and inventor are just a few of those talents. You will learn all about this brilliant man and how he stole lightning from the sky.

Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit up the World by Elizabeth Rush

When people mention the invention of electricity, Thomas Edison comes to mind. But did you know his one-time friend, Nikola Tesla made life-changing inventions with electricity. The beautiful illustrations in this book help his inventions come alive.

Aaron and Alexander: The Most Famous Duel in American History by Don Brown

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton were both fierce patriots. Because of this, there was always conflict between them. It ended with a duel that could have easily been avoided, but unfortunately they both let their pride get the best of them.

Eliza: The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler McNamara

This book is absolutely stunning!! If you are fans of the musical Hamilton, you will definitely want to check it out to learn more about his wife, Eliza. She made some amazing contributions to our country.

A Spy Named James by Anne Rockwell

James Lafayette was a spy for George Washington’s army during the American Revolution. Sadly when the war ended, James had to return to life as a slave in Virginia. This is a great book to add to your ‘to read’ list to see the war and America from another viewpoint.

Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Everything by Maira Kalman

Maria Kalman did a wonderful job of showing us that people can contribute greatly to this world, but still have flaws. Most books only present the positive side or achievements of the Founding Father’s. But this one shows it all and that is why I chose it for our America’s Founders unit.

The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George

This book is a fun way to introduce the Declaration of Independence. It shares the history of this very important document. Your children will learn how it has been rolled up, ridden on a military tank, survived two British invasions, and much more.

Dear Benjamin Banneker by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Benjamin Banneker was an inventor, mathematician, and astronomer. He also made sure to point out how the Declaration of Independence wasn’t being followed. Not all men were created equal as there were still slaves. He even called Thomas Jefferson a hypocrite for writing this important document while owning slaves himself. This is a must read!

Get even more picture books about American History inside of Rabbit Trails through History!

Rabbit Trails thorugh History is a literature based history curriculum for all elementary age children. It’s filled with these wonderful books and SO many more, plus hands on activites, artist studies, poetry, copywork, and more. If you want the very best history curriculum for your kids, with the best picture books about American History, Rabbit Trails has you covered!