American Children’s Books
As a mom of three, I love to keep our house stocked with books in every room in the house. The living room, play room, the bedrooms, the garage; I always want there to be an opportunity for our children to grab a book. Even before they can read, books open our children’s eyes to new worlds. The illustrations are such an important aspect at this age, as they tell the story alone. I am very conscientious about what books are brought into our home to ensure the quality of content (written and illustrated) is something edifying and good for my young children. We’re always on the hunt for fun American books to have in our house. We are not yet ready for the many series of chapter books that exist for older children, but we have found a good number that are wonderful for the younger ages (1st grade and below). Below is a list of books that are found in our home. Please share in the comments any great books we are missing! Happy reading!
Please note there are links to each of the books for ease of ordering, should you desire. We do not receive any compensation from your purchases.
America the Beautiful
By Wendell Minor
Poem by Katharine Lee Bates
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This book is filled with stunning landscapes of all three verses of “America the Beautiful.” My kids are enraptured by beauty of the illustrations and the images have sparked some wonderful conversations.
The Great George Washington
By Katie Broussard
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Perhaps a tad biased, but this book is well loved in our home. My youngest daughter (1.5) loves to spot all the animals found within the pages. My eldest (5) has started asking wonderful questions about the Revolutionary War and the flag. It’s such a great starter book to introduce children to our founding.
Our Flag
By Carl Memling
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This book is an absolute favorite of ours. An older Golden Book, its images are bar none. The book discusses the development of the Stars and Stripes flag and its long transition from a flag of thirteen stars to fifty. It discusses the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well as the War of 1812. It’s great for bigs and littles and you can take as much or as little out of it as you desire.
God Bless America
By Irving Berlin
Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
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Another wonderful book that is adored in our home. It has been the means of teaching our young kids the song, God Bless America. It’s darling and a great book to have in your library.
A is for America
By Devin Scillian
Illustrated by Pam Carroll
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A beautiful book, A is for America shares important people, themes, and ideas via the alphabet. The illustrations are absolutely breathtaking. It’s a must.
This Land is Your Land
By Woody Guthrie
Illustrations by Kathy Jakobsen
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This is a book filled with the most eye-catching and detailed photos. It simply follows along the song, but the beautiful pictures tell the story.
I Hear America Singing
By Walt Whitman
Illustrated by Robert Sabuda
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This is beautifully illustrated to go along with Whitman’s poem. The pictures are as moving as the piece itself. Might be a little above the understanding levels of the littles, but a beautiful book to expose them to nonetheless.
Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride
By Callista Gingrich
Illustrated by Susan Arciero
We love this series of stories following Ellis the Elephant as she learns about our country’s history. I have found it grabs the attention of my older daughter best, but it’s a great book nonetheless. Beautiful pictures, exciting stories, and engaging dialogue.
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