Since our nation’s founding, some of the most innovative and inventive minds have been born and raised right here in the United States. As we continue to celebrate America’s special year, let us not forget those who have contributed to its greatness. This is the perfect time to reflect on the nation’s rich history.

The Founding Fathers

America’s uniqueness began with the Founding Fathers. They weren’t perfect, but their ideas and actions inspire us to this day. They remind us of the values and principles necessary for a strong country.

‘Children’s Guide to the Founding Fathers’

By Jordan Joseph Troxell

“Children’s Guide to the Founding Fathers” is a simple rhyming book. It is a splendid book for showcasing the Founders’ very important roles in shaping the United States. The anime-style illustrations will appeal to young readers.

Independently published, ‎27 pages, April 24, 2024

‘George Vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen From Two Sides’

By Rosalyn Schanzer

The book introduces two enemies: George Washington and George III, the British king who ruled the colonies. These were the two leaders on different sides of the Atlantic. George III is often portrayed negatively in history. However, these two Georges have more in common than most readers know. This is why I love this book. It portrays true historical facts and helps children to understand that the same historical event can be interpreted differently depending on one’s perspective.

National Geographic Kids, 64 pages, Jan. 9, 2007

‘Who Was Alexander Hamilton?’

By Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso

Alexander Hamilton is a great role model that children can emulate.

Born in the Caribbean and orphaned as a child. Hamilton was brilliant; that, plus determination, helped him rise to power. He fought in the Revolutionary War, helped write the U.S. Constitution, and created the country’s financial system.  He became the first U.S. secretary of the Treasury. He founded the Bank of New York and the New York Post newspaper. He is featured on the $10 bill. His ideas still shape America today.

Penguin Workshop, 112 pages, Aug. 22, 2017

‘Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May?’

By Jean Fritz and Margot Tomes

Patrick Henry is the perfect example of how passion for a cause can create enthusiasm in others.

His rousing 1775 speech to the Virginia legislature in which he famously declared, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” fired up America’s fight for independence. Today, his speech is remembered and quoted often.

His influence helped create the Bill of Rights, which guaranteed personal freedoms and set limits on the government’s constitutional power. The Bill of Rights is essential in reinforcing guarantees of individual rights and of limiting federal and state government.

Children will benefit by learning about this man who chose to focus on improving the world despite repeated failures and setbacks.

Puffin Books, 48 pages, March 17, 1997

‘Paine: A Children’s Picture Book About Thomas Paine’

By Marisa Boan

In colonial days, there was no mass media to spread ideas. The political opinions that galvanized the colonial people were often fought with words–written or spoken. The pamphleteers and orators pushed the revolutionary spirit that fired up America’s fight for independence.

Thomas Paine wrote “Common Sense.” In persuasive prose, he promoted the idea of American exceptionalism and argued for a republican government under a written constitution.

The book includes child-friendly and age-appropriate features: photos of the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum, facts about colonial life and history, and coloring pages.

Independently published, 40 pages, April 27, 2026

‘And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?’

By Jean Fritz

Although not considered a founding father, Paul Revere is a famous contributor to the early American cause. A silversmith and engraver, Revere was a key figure in the American Revolution.

The book highlights little-known facts about the patriot, especially his exciting midnight ride in April 1775.  It covers the harrowing details and narrow escapes that occurred along the way, presenting to children that the ride was a dangerous obstacle course.

During Revere’s ride, he warned colonial soldiers that British forces were coming, right before the important battles of Lexington and Concord. This famous event was later immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride.” Adults can read this poem to children as a bonus.

Puffin Books, 48 pages, May 7, 1996

The Founding Mothers

Founding Mothers refers to women (the wives, daughters, and mothers of the Founding Fathers) who played an important part in the American Revolutionary War.

‘Abigail Adams: The Voice Behind a President’

By Ronald Kern

John and Abigail Adams’s 54-year marriage was instrumental to the formation of our country. Abigail was married to this nation’s first vice president and second president. She was also the mother of America’s sixth president.

Abigail Adams’s husband was frequently called away due to the demands of his political career. They kept in touch by writing letters. These missives were intimate and personal forms of communication giving a vivid portrayal of life in the young republic. It was in her role as her husband’s unofficial advisor that Abigail made her greatest contributions to the early American nation. She once reminded her husband to “remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than [their] ancestors.”

This book reminds children of the important role women played in the revolution’s success.

Independently published, 24 pages, ‎Feb. 8, 2026

‘The Story of Eliza Hamilton: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers’

By Natasha Wing

This book is appropriate for young elementary school students.

The story follows Eliza Hamilton as a little girl becoming an important figure as a Founding Mother. She was the wife of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and was a passionate champion and defender of Hamilton’s work and efforts in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.

After Vice President Aaron Burr killed Treasury Secretary Hamilton in a duel in 1804, Eliza had to find a way to go on. She did this by working with orphanages. Her husband had grown up as an orphan in the Caribbean and was able to come to America to study when benefactors paid his way; these institutions played a role in her husband’s early life.

Eliza remained dedicated to preserving her husband’s legacy and getting his biography published. Her efforts permitted modern historians the access they have today to the writings of her husband.

The illustrated chapter book includes timelines, trivia questions, and highlighted vocabulary words.

Callisto Kids, 64 pages, Nov. 16, 2021

Let‘s proudly pass the vision these books offer of our ancestors to our children. Learning about America’s past can inspire a greater appreciation for the values on which the country was founded.

President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It has to be fought for and defended by each generation.” Now is a perfect time to reflect on the nation’s rich history and the values that have shaped it.

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