Think you know the story of America? Some of these stories may surprise you! With America celebrating 250 years of Independence this July 4, now is the perfect time to share America’s story with your kids. Get your kids interested in history and celebrate the occasion with these picks. These titles and more can be found at your local Johnson County Library.
The American Revolution
Anna Strong: a Daughter of the American Revolution
by Sarah Glenn Marsh
Best for: Younger kids, wannabe spies, secret code lovers
This thrilling picture book tells the story of Anna Smith Strong, a spy in the Culper Ring, a group of spies organized by George Washington and his spymaster to provide intelligence on the British troops. Strong had an especially unique method of sending messages — she used the laundry on her clothesline! Readers will also learn how to make their own secret code.
Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier
by Beth Anderson
Best for: Elementary readers, fans of Disney’s Mulan
Did you know that there really was a teenage girl who concealed her gender in order to fight in a war? Similar to Mulan, 18 year-old Deborah Sampson did just that! She was known as Robert Shurtliff in the Continental Army. Read this picture book to learn what happened.
Revolutionary War on Wednesday
by Mary Pope Osborne
Best for: Kids beginning to read chapter books, those looking for a gentle introduction to the war
In this great beginning chapter book series, siblings Jack and Annie travel to different time periods and places with help from a magical tree house. This adventure takes the kids to the American Revolution where they help General George Washington as he crosses the Delaware River.
I Survived the American Revolution, 1776
by Georgia Ball
Best for: Graphic novel fans, kids that are into war and survival stories
The popular I Survived series takes readers into perilous situations as seen through the eyes of kids. In this graphic novel, an eleven-year-old becomes caught up in a gunfight between American and British troops during the American Revolution. As with the other books in the series, the stories don’t shy away from serious and sometime scary topics and may not be best for sensitive readers. A chapter book version of the same title is also available (I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis).
The Declaration of Independence
Revolutionary Mary: the True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America’s Fight for Freedom
by Karen Blumenthal
Best for: Learning something new about the Declaration of Independence
Covering another forgotten figure of early America, this picture book tells the story of Mary Katherine Goddard one of the first printers tasked with using her press to make copies of the Declaration of Independence for wider distribution. In doing so, she risked her life by printing the treasonous document. She even signed her name to it, making her the only woman to sign the Declaration of Independence.
The Side-by-Side Declaration of Independence
by David Miles
Best for: Explaining the purpose of the Declaration of Independence to your child
This colorful book compares the formal language of the Declaration of Independence with a “plain English” version. It also includes context from the time, definitions and fun facts. Older children may want to read this themselves, while younger kids could probably use some explanations from an adult.
Celebrating America
Fireworks
by Matthew Burgess
Best for: A fun read-aloud that delights
Winner of the 2026 Caldecott for its radiant multimedia illustrations, Fireworks celebrates the joys of summer and the Fourth of July with quite a pop! You’ll want to read this one over and over again.
Happy Birthday, America
by Mary Pope Osborne
Best for: Reading aloud, explaining the 4th of July to little ones
This traditional picture book about a small-town Fourth of July celebration will prep kids for the upcoming festivities. An author’s s note at the end explains the history of the Fourth of July.
Her Right Foot
by Dave Eggers
Best for: Celebrating America at her best and starting conversations about advocacy
Have you ever noticed that Lady Liberty’s right foot is raised? In this book, Eggers explains that the freedoms (and the welcome to immigrants) that the Statue of Liberty represents require active participation and continued work. This longer than average picture book also includes the history and trivia you would expect for a book on the iconic statue.
America Celebrates
by Aubre Andrus
Best for: An overview of American history
This book is packed with colorful visuals and facts covering the last 250 years of American history. Each year is represented by one person, place or event. While many of these are familiar, the book also highlights often forgotten people like Sybil Ludington, the teenage girl who like Paul Revere, took a similar but less heard of ride to warn her community that the British were coming.
Happy Birthday, America
by Rebecca Baines
Best for: Those looking for themed activities
This interactive book from popular publisher DK combines American history with crafts, games and recipes.
