The year 2026 marks America’s semiquincentennial—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. By reading about our nation’s history and the people who shaped it, young people can better understand the past and envision the role they'll play in shaping its future.
All Aboard the Schooltrain(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Arm)
Third-grader Thelma joins a line of Black schoolchildren to board the imaginary “Schooltrain” to educate herself about the history of Jim Crow. This story introduces kids to the Great Migration, in which millions of Black Americans escaped segregation by traveling out of the South. Recommended for ages 5–10.
Light for All(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Eng)
The Statue of Liberty stands as a beacon of freedom for all immigrants coming to America. This elegantly drawn picture book celebrates Lady Liberty from the perspective of the people who helped build America in the past and continue to invigorate the country today. Recommended for ages 4–8.
An American Story(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 306.362 Ale)
“How do you tell a story about slavery?” This opening question by a classroom teacher and her students demonstrates the struggle many Americans have when trying to explain and understand slavery. Dare Coulter’s mixed media art depicts striking images that bring scenes of joy and pain to life. Alexander’s probing questions offer a way to begin discussing this difficult part of America’s past. Recommended for ages 5–10.
That Flag(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Bro)
Keira and Bianca are best friends who don’t care that Keira’s family is Black and Bianca’s family is white. Their friendship is tested when Keira learns about the history of the Confederate flag that hangs over Bianca’s house. The complicated debate over displaying the Confederate flag is personified by the compelling friendship between these two children. Recommended for ages 6–10.
I Am on Indigenous Land(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Phi)
Lovely panoramic scenes accompany lyrical text in this meditative acknowledgment of the indigenous cultures that occupied the various areas across the United States. Kids can learn the names and regions of the Indigenous Nations who first called these lands home. Recommended for ages 4–8.
“We the People” Is All the People(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ree)
The first line of the preamble to the United States Constitution is examined in this timely and heartfelt ode to our country’s diverse population. People from all walks of life are represented, ensuring that every child will see themselves and their neighbors reflected within the pages. Recommended for ages 4–8.
John, Paul, George & Ben(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Smi)
Learn about the five lads of the American Revolution in this funny and informative picture book. Did little George Washington really chop down that cherry tree? And what was that noisy Paul Revere yelling about? Lane Smith shows kids that fiction and fact can be equally entertaining! Recommended for ages 5–9.
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water(Juvenile Fiction - J Hannahj)
A child is assigned a family tree project, but she knows nothing of her ancestry until her grandmother recounts their history as a joyful and skilled people stolen from their land and forced to build a new home, planting the seeds of resistance and passion for future generations. Each beautifully-composed poem conveys the proud origin story of Black Americans, interweaving the joy and heartbreak of a triumphant legacy that is part of the foundation of our country. Recommended for ages 7–10.
Paul Bunyan: The Invention of an American Legend(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN 398.2 Paul Bunyan Van)
Many folks know the tall tales of the mighty giant Paul Bunyan and Babe, his big blue ox, but most don’t realize that he was a product of marketing by the commercial lumber industry. The stories of the most famous American lumberjack are both retold and challenged in this funny and fascinating graphic novel. Recommended for ages 8–12.
Donner Dinner Party(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN 978.02 Hal)
In this installment of the action-packed yet hilarious history-retelling graphic novel series Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales, the infamous Donner Party demonstrates the dangers of pioneer life on the journey West. All the gruesome details and historical contexts are included. History class has never been so interesting! Recommended for ages 8–12.
Rebellion 1776(Juvenile Fiction - J Anderso)
A young maid named Elspeth lives in colonial Boston and must find a way to survive the smallpox epidemic and the brutal war between the Patriots and the British Army that’s tearing the country apart. This gripping middle-grade historical epic, written by one of the most celebrated authors in children’s literature, is an instant classic that brings the Revolutionary War to life. Recommended for age 10 and up.
Fault Lines in the Constitution(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 342.73 Lev)
Explores how the compromises and vagueness from the United States Constitution's creation has contributed to modern political challenges like the Electoral College, gerrymandering, and voting rights issues. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Rebels, Robbers, and Radicals: The Story of the Bill of Rights(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 342.7302 Kan)
Ever since they were written, the Bill of Rights have been challenged by rebels, robbers, radicals, determined teenagers, and ordinary Americans. Each amendment is examined, from its inclusion to the United States Constitution to the court cases that put it to the test. Recommended for ages 10–14.
For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 320.473 Fos)
Introduce tweens to civics in this informative yet accessible guide to the inner workings of the federal government. Learn about the three branches of government as well as some hot-button issues such as gerrymandering and voter suppression. Recommended for ages 8–12.
The Side-by-Side Declaration of Independence(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 973.313 Mil)
If you ever try reading the Declaration of Independence, you may have a hard time understanding its archaic language and esoteric style. This book translates each line of the historical document into “plain English” and provides insight and context so kids can fully understand its meaning. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Freewater(Juvenile Fiction - J Luqmand)
Homer and his younger sister Ada escape their plantation and find a haven in the swampy refuge of Freewater, a place for people who were formerly enslaved and their children to live freely. Based on actual Southern communities, Luqman-Dawson’s book blends thrilling survival elements with historical fact to create a multifaceted exploration of the human condition under the shadow of slavery. Recommended for ages 8–12.
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 976.686 Wea)
The little-known tragedy of the Tulsa Race Massacre is retold in this harrowing picture book for older readers. The violence and burning during the 1921 event claimed the lives of up to 300 African Americans and left more than 8,000 people homeless. Weatherford’s spare prose and Floyd Cooper’s stark illustrations bring the past and present to life. Recommended for ages 8–12.
History Smashers: The Mayflower(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 974.402 Mes)
Was Plymouth Rock just a rock? Why was eel served at the first Thanksgiving? And who’s the guy who brought 250 pairs of shoes onto the Mayflower? Using primary sources, photos, illustrations, comics, and lots of humor, History Smashers busts the myths around the Mayflower pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. Recommended for ages 8–12.
Who’s Got Mail?: The History of Mail in America(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 383.4973 Osb)
Since the United States existed, the United States Postal Service has been delivering mail, packages, and even children across the country. This fascinating book delightfully delivers the major innovations, forgotten histories, and controversies of the USPS. Recommended for ages 8–12.