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

Independent Reading

EASY
Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?
by Jean Fritz. Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, 1977
The rebellious colonists from the perspective of King George III, and his lack of understanding as to why the colonists wished for independence.
David Bushnell and His Turtle
by June Swanson. Atheneum, 1991
Highlights David Bushnell's ingenuity and persistence in building the Turtle, the first submarine, during the early days of the Revolutionary War.
Phoebe the Spy
by Judith Berry Griffin. Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, 1977
Phoebe, daughter of an African American freeman who owns a tavern Washington frequents, goes undercover to help foil an assassination.
Samuel's Choice
by Richard Berleth. Albert Whitman, 1990
After much agonizing, Samuel courageously risks his owner's wrath and even his own life to help Washington's troops cross the water safely.
The Secret Soldier: The Story of Deborah Sampson
by Ann McGovern. Four Winds Press, 1975
Deborah Sampson, a clever and restless young servant, disguises herself as a man and joins the army, where she serves for a year and a half.
The Story of the Green Mountain Boys
by Susan Clinton. Childrens Press, 1987
Beginning with the Green Mountain Boys' taking of Fort Ticonderoga, the book traces the story of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys.
AVERAGE
The American Revolution: War for Independence
by Alden R. Carter. Franklin Watts, 1992
Straightforward account of the origin of the conflict with England followed by comprehensive descriptions of the battles and their outcomes.
Colonial People
by Sarah Howarth. The Millbrook Press, 1994
Art and text provide a view of the people who made up colonial America.
The Fighting Ground
by Avi. Lippincott, 1984
In one action-packed day, Jonathan matures from a wide-eyed child to a young man, as he answers the call to arms as enemy soldiers near.
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags
by James Cross Giblin. Clarion Books, 1983
Describes in detail events that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and then discusses the symbols of the Fourth of July.
Guns for General Washington
by Seymour Reit. Harcourt Brace, 1990
Fictionalized account of true story of how a group of patriots, led by Col. Knox and aided by his brother, transported desperately needed weapons during the brutal winter.
If You Were There in 1776
by Barbara Brenner. Bradbury Press, 1994
A lively tour of the major cities and settlements of 1776 with a close look at what people wore, ate, drank, and what they did.
The Many Lives of Benjamin Franklin
by Mary Pope Osbourne. Dial, 1990
Engagingly captures the multiple dimensions of Franklin's character and accomplishments, and highlights his goals and beliefs.
The Story of the Boston Massacre
by Mary Kay Phelan. Thomas Crowell Jr., 1976
Present-day narrative of the causes leading to the Massacre, the Massacre itself, and the subsequent trial is based on John Adams's diary.
CHALLENGING
George Midgett's War
by Sally Edwards. Charles Scribner's Sons, 1985
The hardy, stubborn fishermen of North Carolina remain aloof from the Revolution until British troops murder a local woman.
My Brother Sam is Dead
by J.L. & C. Collier. Scholastic, Inc., 1974
During the Revolutionary War, Tim sees his family torn apart.
Our Song, Our Toil
by Michele Stepto. The Millbrook Press, 1994
Informative and moving account of slavery as told by slaves.
Phillis Wheatley
by Merle Richmond. Chelsea House, 1988
Story of the first black, the first slave to publish a book in colonial America.
Thomas Paine
by John Vail. Chelsea House, 1990
The life of Thomas Paine, focusing on his philosophy and writings, including Common Sense, a brilliant argument for independence that won many converts and led to approval of the Declaration of Independence.
Time Enough for Drums
by Ann Rinaldi. Holiday House, 1986
Jemima Emerson, a spirited daughter of rebels, changes from a rebellious child to a courageous, hard working young woman.

Read Aloud and Reference Books

READ ALOUD BOOKS
Ben and Me
by Robert Lawson. Little, Brown & Co., 1939
Classic tale of Ben Franklin's amazing achievements as told by his mouse, Amos, who convincingly claims credit for many of Franklin's accomplishments.
Paul Revere's Ride
by Henry W. Longfellow. Dutton, 1990
Famous narrative poem recreating Paul Revere's midnight ride to warn Boston colonists that the British were coming.
REFERENCE BOOKS
The American Revolutionaries: A History in Their Own Words 1750-1800
by Milton Meltzer. Thomas Crowell Jr., 1987
Excerpts from journals, letters, and speeches show the viewpoints of a range of Americans of the time.
Founding Mothers: Women of America in the Revolutionary Era
by Linda Grant DePauw. Houghton Mifflin, 1975
The story of the hidden heroines of the Revolutionary War, including Europeans, immigrants, Native Americans, and African Americans.
Songs of '76: A Folksinger's History of the Revolution
by Oscar Brand. M. Evans and Co., 1972
Songs and music of the revolutionary period from the point of view of both rebels and British, with background information.