The books listed below may be available through publishers, distributors such as bookstores or online retailers, or library systems.
Independent Reading
EASY- James Madison & Dolly Madison and Their Times
- by Robert Quackenbush. Pippin Press, 1992 This story of our fourth president and his wife is told with wit.
- Tecumseh by Zachary Kent. Children's Press, 1993 This biography describes the Shawnee leader who united a Native American confederacy against advancing armies.
- Thomas Jefferson: Father of Our Democracy
- by David A. Adler. Holiday House, 1987
- This readable book gives a short version of the life and contributions of our third President.
- The War of 1812: Second Fight for Independence
- by Alden R. Carter. Franklin Watts Ltd., 1992
- A beautifully illustrated and clearly told account of the war and its causes.
- Andy Jackson and the Battles for New Orleans
- by Grant Lyons. Julian Messner, 1976
- Besides giving an action packed account of the Battle for New Orleans, this book lays out the background for the War of 1812.
- Book of the New American Nation
- by M. Smith-Baranzini/H. Egger-Bovet. Little, Brown & Co., 1995
- A collection of vignettes from the early days of the United States.
- Jump Ship to Freedom
- by J.L. Collier/C. Collier. Delacorte Press, 1981
- Engrossing book about a 14-year-old escaped slave who delivers the important slavery compromise to the Constitutional Convention.
- Tecumseh and the Dream of an American Indian Nation
- by Russell Shorto. Silver Burdett Press, 1989
- A detailed look at the life of the Shawnee leader who persuaded Native Americans to unite.
- Thomas Jefferson
- by Charles Patterson. Franklin Watts Ltd., 1987
- A straightforward account of Jefferson's important contributions to independence and the new United States.
- The Washington Way
- by Jeffrey Morris. Lerner Publications, 1994
- This book about Washington focuses on the decisions he made and how they affected our country.
- George Washington and the Birth of Our Nation
- by Milton Meltzer. Franklin Watts Ltd., 1986
- A detailed account of the man behind the myth and how his character was formed by the times he lived in.
- The Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clark
- by Rhoda Blumberg. Lothrup, Lee & Shepard, 1987
- A wonderfully illustrated account of this famous exploration.
- Jefferson
- by Roger Bruns. Chelsea House, 1986
- Accompanied by interesting photographs and illustrations, this book gives a detailed account of Jefferson's life.
- Red Pawns
- by Leonard Wibberly. Farrar, Strauss, & Giroux, 1973
- Compelling story of the trek through Native American territory on the eve of the War of 1812.
- 1787
- by Joan Anderson. Gulliver Books, 1987
- Young Jared experiences the 1787 Constitutional Convention as an aide to James Madison.
- The War of 1812
- by Peter I. Bosco. The Millbrook Press, 1994
- This book offers a detailed account of the war by a man who loved studying about it.
Read Aloud and Reference Books
READ ALOUD BOOKS- George and Martha Washington at Home in New York
- by Beatrice Siegel. Four Winds Press, 1989
- This book describes Washington's inaugural entrance into New York, and the cultural aspects of the city that served as the first capital.
- We the People: The Way We Were 1783-1793
- by Suzanne Hilton. The Westminster Press, 1981
- This book explains what it was like to be young at the time of the Constitutional Convention.
- America at War: The War of 1812
- by Miriam Greenblatt. Facts on File, 1994
- Describes major objectives and strategies, key battles, and political and social context.
- George Washington: Leader of a New Nation
- by Mary Pope Osborne. Dial, 1991
- A biography of our first President, illustrated with old prints, maps, and photographs.