The historical fiction Newbery Honor book Clearing Weather by Cornelia Meigs (published 1928) tells of a financially destroyed town during the 1780s, the years after the Revolutionary War and before the establishment of the United States Republic. Because of the war, Branscomb’s elderly ship-builder, Thomas Drury, no longer has the means to continue building, especially

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Young John Quincy by Cheryl Harkness (Bradbury Press, 1994) is a unique historical fiction story about John Quincy Adams in which events from his childhood during the Revolutionary era in America tell a story. Harkness provides age detailed illustrations and maps to accompany his story. Although the text is lengthy for young readers, Young John

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Give Me Liberty!: The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Russell Freedman (Holiday House, 2000) gives a thorough account of the early days of the Revolutionary War with a storytelling voice, making it a highly accessible and interesting middle grade nonfiction book. The title suggests that the book is about the Declaration of Independence,

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The children’s picture book biography Her Name Was Mary Katharine by Ella Schwartz (illustrated by Dow Phumiruk; Christy Ottaviano Books, 2022) tells about the woman whose name is on The Declaration of Independence. As a woman in Revolutionary America, Mary Katharine Goddard had a unique opportunity to succeed as a printer, eventually securing the chance

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The Declaration of Independence (A True Book) by Elaine Landau is a straight-forward nonfiction picture book, but I have to highlight it because the “True Book” series produces notable nonfiction that is both comprehensive and attractive. When I see a “True Book,” I know I’ll find a clear explanation of a subject, combined with a

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The longer picture book The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh (illustrated by Marie Nonnast; Charles Scribner, 1956) gives a general overview of the patriotic beginnings of American independence. Although it is somewhat a nonfiction book, many dates and details are merged together, making it a muddy collection of facts and patriotic sentiments. But as

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America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney (illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser; Paula Wiseman Books, 2002) may be an alphabetic picture book, but it is definitely written for older children. It is a nonfiction book that highlights important historical concepts, events, and people. Each letter of the alphabet has a word assigned to it, and most pages

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