American History Books for Children
The books on our shelves.
Here at The Littlest Statesmen, we firmly believe that children are never too young to learn about their country. We have compiled a list of our favorite American history books perfect for ages 3–8. Each of these books has a spot on our own bookshelves at home, as they all are edifying, beautifully illustrated, and educational for our youngest patriots.
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The Founder’s Collection
The Great George Washington
Illustrated by Grace Vitale
Meet the Father of Our Country in this rhyming picture book for ages 3–7, hand-painted by Grace Vitale. Book one of the Founder’s Collection, with a foreword by Dr. Larry Arnn of Hillsdale College.
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The Admirable Abraham Lincoln
Illustrated by Grace Vitale
Our 16th President, told in rhyme and hand-painted art for ages 3–7. Every pre-order is signed by the author.
Pre-orderSongs, Poems & Symbols
Teach them the songs, the pledge, and the flag first.
America the Beautiful
Illustrated by Wendell Minor
This book is filled with stunning landscapes of all three verses of “America the Beautiful.” My children are enraptured by the beauty of the illustrations and the images have sparked some wonderful conversations.
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God Bless America
Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
Another wonderful book that is adored in our home. It has been the means of teaching our young children the song, God Bless America. It’s darling and a great book to have in your library.
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My Country, ‘Tis of Thee
Illustrated by Ainsley Bloomfield
I love teaching my toddlers songs about their great country and this is one of the best. Ainsley has stunningly brought this song to life with her hand painted illustrations. They are so incredibly lovely, timeless, and beautiful. This is a must have for your collection.
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The Star-Spangled Banner
Illustrated by Peter Spier
My children love to learn new songs, but even more so when they are accompanied by a book. It is such a great way to teach our National Anthem to our children and explain its meaning and history. The book is stunningly illustrated, filled with old hand-painted pictures depicting the War of 1812 and the moment that inspired Francis Scott Key to write this song. It includes all four verses and is an essential addition to your family’s library.
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This Land is Your Land
Illustrations by Kathy Jakobsen
This is a book filled with the most eye-catching and detailed pictures. It simply follows along the song, but the beautiful pictures tell the story.
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I Hear America Singing
Illustrated by Robert Sabuda
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.
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Our Flag
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. Please note: the newer edition has entirely different illustrations than the original, and unfortunately for the worse. If you can get your hands on an original copy, we’d highly recommend it!
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The Pledge of Allegiance
This is such a great introductory book to the Pledge of Allegiance for young children. With big font and bigger pictures, it simply allows you to read the Pledge for your children to begin to learn and understand!
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What is America?
Illustrated by Amy Summer
We absolutely LOVE this book! This is a favorite in our home. It is read in rhyme and is perfect for littles. It explains all of the fun activities we do to celebrate America, but then focuses on the real reason we celebrate. It’s a fantastic introductory story for children to teach them about the Fourth of July.
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A is for America
Illustrated by Pam Carroll
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.
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The Story of the Statue of Liberty
Illustrated by Giulio Maestro
A fascinating history of Lady Liberty, from the sculptor’s first sketches in France to her arrival in New York Harbor. The detailed drawings make it a wonderful first look at one of our nation’s great symbols.
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Meet the men and women who built and preserved our nation.
A Picture Book of George Washington
Illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner
We love this series of old stories telling the tales of our nation’s Founders. Do note, however, these are definitely for 2nd grade and above. There is quite a lot of information (excellent information!) on each page, which my 5.5, 4, and 2 year old found to be too much. But I cannot wait to use these as resources as they grow older! Cannot recommend more.
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A Picture Book of Thomas Jefferson
Illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner
I absolutely adore this series. The illustrations are hand drawn and the content is enriching and educational. I would definitely recommend this book for ages late kindergarten through second grade. There’s quite a lot of content in this book and each page is a small paragraph of information. My kindergartener enjoyed it, but it could not keep the attention of my younger children. But I will definitely be reading with them as they get older!
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A Picture Book of Benjamin Franklin
Illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner
If you haven’t figured it out already, I adore this series! It is definitely written for slightly older ages (2nd grade +), but the content is wonderful and the illustrations are hand drawn and very lovely. These books are absolutely filled with information, which I love!
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Paul Revere’s Ride
Illustrated by Ted Rand
This historic poem about Paul Revere’s valiant ride is so beautiful and patriotic. I couldn’t wait to read it to my children. This particular book is filled with hand painted, beautiful illustrations that brought the story to life! A must have!
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Abraham Lincoln: A Little Golden Book Biography
Illustrated by Viviana Garofoli
This is an excellent introductory book for young children (as young as 3!) about our nation’s sixteenth president. The pictures are colorful and the content is very thorough. It discusses President Lincoln’s humble upbringing and the tragedies he endured in a very age appropriate manner. It discusses his great abhorrence of slavery and provides another very age-appropriate description of this egregious period in American history. My children really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend to families.
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Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books
Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
This book provides such a beautiful insight into the early life of Abraham Lincoln. The pictures are hand painted and absolutely stunning; the texture of the art on canvas was left, providing textured art for our children to see. It discusses his early childhood and difficulties he endured, including the loss of his mother, and the injustice of slavery he witnessed. It provides this information in a very age-appropriate and discussion-provoking manner. I would highly recommend this book, but perhaps to slightly older children, due to the nature of some of the content.
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Young Abe Lincoln: The Frontier Days, 1809–1837
Another stunningly hand-painted book, Young Abe Lincoln details the early life of our sixteenth president. It goes into great depth the details of his youth, the pains of his adolescence, and important moments of his upbringing. The pictures are striking, full of detail and beautiful colors. It is a lovely book I would recommend to families young and old.
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A is for Abigail
Illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser
A is for Abigail is such a beautiful collection of stories about American women and their contributions to society. The illustrations are simply beautiful, hand drawn and filled with stunning detail. From inventors to nurses, educators, authors, First Ladies, and creators, there are so many ladies who are recognized and remembered in this book. A wonderful addition to any library!
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Sam the Minuteman
Illustrated by Arnold Lobel
A classic early reader that tells the Battle of Lexington through the eyes of a young boy who stands with his father on the village green. Arnold Lobel’s pictures bring the first shots of the Revolution to life in a way little ones can grasp.
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George Washington
A treasured classic from 1936 that follows Washington from his boyhood in Virginia to his years as our first president, told through the d’Aulaires’ signature hand-drawn lithographs. A true heirloom for the family bookshelf.
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Abraham Lincoln
The 1940 Caldecott Medal winner, tracing Lincoln’s life from his log cabin childhood to the White House. Its rich, hand-drawn pages have been loved by American families for generations.
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Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers
The true story of eleven-year-old Grace Bedell, who wrote to Abraham Lincoln suggesting he grow a beard, and the president who listened. A sweet reminder to children that even a child’s voice matters.
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Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares
Illustrated by Richard Walz
An early reader introducing Ben Franklin’s many inventions and the clever “magic square” number puzzle he loved. Perfect for curious little mathematicians.
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The Mayflower, the frontier, and the simple, faithful lives that shaped America.
Three Young Pilgrims
I recently learned about this book and it was an immediate order! The illustrations are absolutely breathtaking. Filled with endless details and hand drawn, my children and I were all enraptured by Cheryl’s work! This was a great introductory book to the life of the Pilgrims from leaving England to their arrival. Do note there is mention of the deaths of the Pilgrims, including the main character’s mother and her newborn child.
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Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride
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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A Little House Picture Book Treasury
Illustrated by Renée Graef
Six picture book stories adapted from the classic Little House books, bringing Laura’s snug log cabin and pioneer life to our youngest readers. A gentle, beautiful introduction to frontier America long before they are ready for the chapter books.
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Ox-Cart Man
Illustrated by Barbara Cooney
Another favorite in my home, Ox-Cart Man is a timeless story of the American pioneer times, detailing the simple, yet profound life of a farming family. A Caldecott Medal recipient, this book is so peaceful; with the repetition of the stanzas, hand-painted illustrations, and its lovely way of showing beauty in the mundane, it is an essential part of any family’s library.
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Johnny Appleseed
Illustrations by Kathy Jakobsen
This is an absolutely stunning book telling the great story of Johnny Appleseed. The illustrations alone tell the story; rich in color and so full of beautiful detail. My children absolutely adore this book. I love how simple stories filled with history become natural favorites.
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All the Places to Love
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer
This beautiful story is one I include in every basket I give to a new mother. It is a stunning story of welcoming new life onto a farm and the beauty of the American dream. While not specifically patriotic in nature, it so perfectly captures the beauty of living in the American plains. The thoughtful words and gorgeous illustrations make this book one you will return to time and time again.
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The Thanksgiving Story
Illustrated by Helen Sewell
A Caldecott Honor classic following the Hopkins family aboard the crowded Mayflower and through their first year in Plymouth, ending with the first harvest feast. Simple, gentle, and perfect for the weeks before Thanksgiving.
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Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving
Illustrated by Greg Shed
The story of the first Thanksgiving told through the eyes of Squanto, who welcomed the Pilgrims and taught them how to survive in Plymouth. Beautifully painted and a meaningful companion to our Pilgrim books.
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Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl
Photographs by Russ Kendall
Spend a day with young Sarah Morton in Plymouth in 1627, from building the morning fire to feeding the chickens, all photographed at Plimoth Plantation. A wonderful way for little ones to picture what Pilgrim life was really like.
Purchase the book hereOur Fifty States
A tour of the land we love, from sea to shining sea.
Our Fifty States: A Family Adventure Across America
Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Another delightful story by First Lady Cheney, Our Fifty States beautifully dives into the wonderful parts of each of the states in the union. Absolutely filled to the brim with detail, this story captures the hearts and attention of our littlest patriots. My littles absolutely adore it! The illustrations are so beautiful, bright, and detailed!
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The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps!
Illustrated by Sol Linero
Explore every state from Alabama to Wyoming with charmingly illustrated maps filled with landmarks, history, and fun facts. It also includes a guide to the state flags and our presidents, making it a wonderful reference for curious little patriots.
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How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.
A young baker and her little dog travel the country, from New Hampshire to Hawaii, gathering everything they need to bake a cherry pie. A delightful, whimsical way to show children the places and people that make our great nation.
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All About U.S.: A Look at the Lives of 50 Real Kids from Across the United States
Illustrated by Matt Lamothe
Meet 50 real children, one from every state, and see how they live, learn, and play from the coast of Maine to the rainforests of Hawaiʻi. A lovely reminder that across all our differences, there is so much we share as Americans.
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National Monuments of the USA
Illustrated by Chris Turnham
A beautifully illustrated tour of America’s National Monuments, packed with maps and fascinating facts about their history and wild places. Best suited for slightly older children, but a treasure to page through together.
Purchase the book hereHonoring Our Veterans
Teach them to thank the ones who keep us free.
The Worn-Out Flag
Illustrated by Olha Tkachenko
When Miguel’s father leaves for military duty, he and his best friend find a torn flag and learn what our flag stands for and how to retire it with honor. A gentle, meaningful way to teach little ones respect for the flag and for those who serve.
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Honoring Veterans: Serving Those Who Serve
Illustrated by Olha Tkachenko
The companion to The Worn-Out Flag, Sam and Miguel set out to discover the true meaning of Veterans Day, from the hometown parade to heartfelt moments honoring our nation’s heroes. A lovely way to teach little ones that Veterans Day is about gratitude, not just a day off from school.
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The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans
Illustrated by Layne Johnson
The true story of Moina Belle Michael, a Georgia schoolteacher who made the red poppy our nation’s symbol for remembering soldiers after World War I. A beautiful introduction to why we wear poppies and honor our veterans.
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It Takes a Family to Serve
Illustrated by David Soman
A lyrical tribute to the families who serve at home while their loved ones serve our country, told through lovely watercolor paintings. A sweet reminder for children that military service is a sacrifice shared by the whole family.
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Honor Flight: Celebrating America’s Veterans
Illustrated by Matt Tavares
Follows veterans on an Honor Flight to visit the memorials built in their honor in our nation’s capital. A moving introduction to our war memorials and the gratitude we owe those who served.
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My 1st Book of Military Superheroes
Introduces little ones to every branch of our Armed Forces, from the Army and Navy to the Coast Guard and Space Force, with simple words and bright pictures. A wonderful first look at the heroes who protect our country.
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Lil’ Army Soldier
Illustrated by Lisa Engler
A sturdy board book introducing toddlers to the U.S. Army, from uniforms and helmets to tanks and helicopters. A perfect first look at the brave men and women who serve.
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Lil’ Navy Sailor
Illustrated by Lisa Engler
Another board book in the Mini Military series, this one introduces toddlers to the U.S. Navy, from sailors’ uniforms to radar and ships. A wonderful way to celebrate our sailors with the littlest patriots.
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Lil’ Marine
Illustrated by Lisa Engler
Introduces toddlers to the U.S. Marine Corps, from uniforms and parachutes to amphibious vehicles and aircraft. A sweet addition to the Mini Military series for your youngest readers.
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H is for Honor: A Military Family Alphabet
Illustrated by Victor Juhasz
From the author of A is for America, an alphabet tour of every branch of our Armed Forces and the honor and sacrifice of military families. Written by the son of a career officer, it speaks right from the heart.
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America’s White Table
Illustrated by Mike Benny
Katie and her sisters learn the meaning of the White Table, set in mess halls to remember service members who are fallen, missing, or held captive. A tender, moving book for helping children understand sacrifice.
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