My second grader is very interested in colonial america and the revolutionary and civil wars. I am looking for book recommendations on these subjects - fiction or nonfiction. He has especially liked nonfiction books but not "dry" ones if you know what I mean - such as he likes ones like "how to be a revolutionary war soldier". Thanks. |
Any of the hardcover DK books are good. I know there's a large coffee table book on the Civil War, but there are more that are kid friendly.
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Johnny Tremain!
Honestly I haven't read it in 30 years, and it might be slightly old for a 2d grader, but I loved that book. |
+100 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_17?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=dk+eyewitness+civil+war&sprefix=Dk+eyewitness+civ%2Caps%2C230 |
Just wanted to also mention that there are lots of places you could visit in this area- Mount Vernon of course, Claude Moore colonial farm, Sully Historic site, Manassas Battlefield, Colvin Run Mill. Many of them have kids programs. |
"Johnny Tremain" is awesome. I remember reading the book, and my first grader is obsessed with the movie version.
What about "Witch of Blackbird Pond"? Earlier than the revolution, but a nice look at early Puritan America. |
My Brother Sam is Dead
Fever 1793 - both fiction |
"We Were There When Grant Met Lee At Appomatox" -- I read this as a kid and couldn't put it down! |
The Magic Treehouse books are easy to read and informational.. |
I wonder if my first grader would like it. He's very into the American Revolution right now. Is it violent? I watched the trailer and can't really tell. Thanks! |
My children loved King George: What was his Problem? by Steve Sheinkin.
http://www.amazon.com/King-George-Hilarious-American-Revolution/dp/1596435186/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365179273&sr=8-1&keywords=king+george+what+was+his+problem The author also wrote books about the Civil War and the Wild West, but we didn't like them as much as this one. |
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/johnny-tremain I usually check Movie Mom first, and if she hasn't reviewed it then I'll check common sense media. |
My kids really liked the "Liberty's Kids" PBS show that was made about a decade ago. We got it on DVD and play it in the car as we drive to different historical sites (such as Jamestown).
I know OP said books, I just brought it up since others mentioned visiting sites and another mentioned the video of Johnny Tremain. There is also a series called "If you lived..." and then goes on about a specific time http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_20?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=if+you+lived+at+the+time+of+the+american+revolution&sprefix=If+you+lived+at+the+%2Caps%2C220 There would be many of those books that would cover the time period your son is interested in. |
The Last Brother
George Washington Wasn't Always Old (might be wrong on this exact title) There is another great easy reader told from the side of an English soldier... Can't recall the title Have you asked your children's librarian in your city and school) |