The books listed below may be available through publishers, distributors such as bookstores or online retailers, or library systems.

Independent Reading

EASY
In 1776
by Jean Marzollo. Scholastic, Inc., 1994
Rhyming text identifies some basic concepts of liberty and independence.
Old Henry
by Joan W. Blos. Morrow, 1990
When the neighbors are disappointed with Old Henry, the Mayor gives suggestions for getting along.
The Old Ladies Who Liked Cats
by Carol Greene. Harper and Row, 1991
The mayor makes a new law that disturbs the balance of nature on a small island.
On an Island in the Bay
by Patricia Mills. North-South Books, 1994
Simple text accompanies impressionistic photographs of life on an island in the Chesapeake Bay.
Yankee Doodle
by Richard Schackburg. Prentice-Hall, 1965
This book offers many verses of “Yankee Doodle” as well as the music and notes on the origin of the song.
AVERAGE
A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution
by Betsy and Giulio Maestro. Morrow, 1990
The U.S. Constitution is explained for young readers.
The Buck Stops Here: The Presidents of the United States
by Alice Provensen. Harper and Row, 1992
Important details about each U.S. President are presented in simple text.
I Pledge Allegiance
by June Swanson., Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 1990
This book tells about the background, creation, and adoption of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ruby Mae Has Something To Say
by David Small. Crown Publishers, 1992
Ruby Mae learns that speaking plainly is the best way to get universal peace and understanding.
The Story of the White House
by Kate Waters. Scholastic, Inc., 1992
Photographs and simple text tell the history of building, decorating, and rebuilding the White House.
CHALLENGING
All About Our 50 States
by Margaret Ronan. Random House, 1978
Maps, facts, legends, and lore about the states are presented.
...If You Were There in 1776
by Barbara Brenner. Bradbury Press, 1994
Text describes people and events of both Europe and America at the time of the Revolutionary War.
Presidents
by Martin W. Sandler. Harper Collins, 1995
Intimate views of our presidents, their families, and even their pets.
Shh! We're Writing the Constitution
by Jean Fritz. Putnam, 1987
The thirteen states decided they needed a national government, so in 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia to work out a plan.
Waterman's Boy
by Susan Sharp. Bradbury Press, 1990
Two boys from a small town on Chesapeake Bay help a scientist interested in cleaning up the water.
Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?
by Jean Fritz. Putnam, 1982
John Hancock signed his name to the Declaration of Independence so large that King George wouldn't need glasses to read it.

Read Aloud and Reference Books

READ ALOUD BOOKS
Phoebe the Spy
by Judith Berry Griffin. Scholastic, Inc., 1991
Based on facts, this story tells of Phoebe's attempts to protect General Washington.
The Statue of Liberty
by Natalie Miller. Children's Press, 1992
Describes Bartholdi's conception of the Statue of Liberty, its construction, and its installation.
REFERENCE BOOKS
How the White House Really Works
by George Sullivan. Scholastic, Inc., 1990
Readers take a behind-the-scenes look at the home of the President of the United States.
The News Media
by Ruth and Mike Wolveron. Franklin Watts Ltd., 1981
An introduction to the news media with emphasis on the tools and techniques used in developing a story.