“Semiquincentennial” is a term that can confuse most children. But there’s no doubt that the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence is a great opportunity to get young people excited about learning history. These American history books for children are filled with vivid stories and true stories that will help contextualize this monumental moment among the iconic figures and remarkable events that brought us here.
America’s 250th birthday comes at a time of great political division, economic turmoil, and fears for the future of democracy. This comes at a time when books that take a true, critical look at our country’s history are under attack. Bans on books that attempt to sanitize history and present, a cozy myth of America’s founding, are making it harder to get such books into the hands of young readers. It is important that we combat attempts to whitewash history by sharing these stories and celebrating the many brave people who fought for freedom and justice for all from 1776 to the present day.
Children’s picture books about American history
we are all people Howard W. by Reeves, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Celebrate the wide diversity of cultures and backgrounds that make up “We the People of the United States of America” with this uplifting new picture book. It begins with the opening lines of the Constitution and extends to all people, near and far, of the different states, professions, religions and ancestries whom the Constitution represents. This is a beautiful way to teach kids about the importance of the Constitution and how to work together to create a more perfect union.
an american story by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dare Coulter
This gorgeously illustrated picture book is written from the perspective of a teacher trying to introduce her students to important parts of American history. Through her text, we journey from an African village to the transatlantic slave trade to the fight for freedom in this powerful story that balances violence and fear with strength and hope. Kwame Alexander is one of the most prolific authors of children’s literature today, and artist Dare Coulter pairs his words with images drawn with ceramic, acrylic, charcoal, spray paint, and more.
the children are absolutely fine
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Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country By Kelly Yang
Throughout its 250-year history, America has always been shaped by the contributions of Asian Americans. This picture book highlights 18 Asian American changemakers in fields such as music, art, fashion, politics, science, and sports. Each figure gets a one-line biography in the main story and a coloring page illustrated by a different Asian American artist, with longer biographies included at the end to dive deeper into their legacies.
let the kids march by Monica Clarke-Robinson, illustrated by Frank Morrison
The most important lesson for children to learn about American history is that their voice matters, and if they want to fight for a just and free democracy, they must learn to use it. This picture book tells the inspiring story of the 1963 Children’s March in Birmingham and its role in the Civil Rights Movement. It’s never too early to learn about the power of protest and how kids can change the world.
Bold and Courageous: Ten Heroes Who Got Women the Right to Vote by Kirsten Gillibrand, illustrated by Myra Kallman
While men have had the right to have a voice in the American democracy since 1776, women had to struggle for more than a hundred years before gaining the same rights. This picture book by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is about Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Highlights women like Wells and Alice Paul who worked tirelessly for women’s rights. It is an important part of the American story and the ongoing fight for equal rights.
American History Middle Grade and Young Readers Books
An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People By Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz with Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza
A must-read history centuries before 1776, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s informative book An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States Also available in a version for younger readers. It is an interesting exploration of the country’s history before the arrival of white Europeans and how Native Americans resisted colonialism and fought for their rights.
How the Word is Passed: Adapted for Young Readers By Clint Smith with Sonja Cherry-Paul
Clint Smith’s best-selling adult history book How is the word passed on It examines how the nation’s monuments, memorials, landmarks, and historical sites shape our collective memory in often limited ways, especially when it comes to slavery. With the help of Sonja Cherry-Paul, it has now been adapted to help young readers grapple with the truth of the country’s past. It brilliantly invites readers to stop and look a little closer at the memories of American history hidden in plain sight around them.
Aunt Christina’s Guide to Asian American Activism By Christina Wong, Theodore Chao, Anna Michelle Wang and Janessa Joffe, illustrated by Shehzil Malik
Full of heart, humor, hope, and colorful illustrations, this book combines suggestions for activism with the history of Asian Americans fighting for justice and freedom. From Chinese laborers during the Gold Rush to Filipino sugarcane farm workers in Hawaii to Japanese American internment during World War II, the story of American history is the story of immigrants. Asian Americans have played a huge role in shaping our country’s infrastructure and culture, and Christina Wong and the Radical Cram School team inspire the next generation to lead us into the future.
Nuestra América: 30 Inspirational Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States By Sabrina Vourvoulias, illustrated by Gloria Felix
This vibrant book, created by the Smithsonian Latino Center, showcases 30 Latino icons who shaped the United States we know today, from Dolores Huerta to Sonia Sotomayor to Lin-Manuel Miranda. With a wide range of colorful full-page illustrations and fascinating history, this is a great addition to any school or young person’s library.
Fight to Win!: Heroes of American Labor by kim kelly
The history of labor organizing is central to American values of equality, democracy, and leadership. Teen Vogue columnist Kim Kelly is excellent at activating youth in the labor rights movement. In Fight to win!She introduces some of the most influential but under-recognized organizers and activists who fought for the hard-won rights enjoyed by workers today. And at the same time, she inspires today’s youth to fight for the next generation.
We hope this list of American history books for kids helps you find new ways to get the youth in your life excited to fight for the future of our country! While you’re here, check out these lists:
4 Amazing New Picture Books by AAPI Authors
Middle grade graphic novels featuring global mythology
Turn eco-concern into eco-action: 10 promising climate books for kids
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