Independence Day will soon be here and what better way to celebrate and appreciate our country than to read some outstanding books which include non-fiction as well as historical fiction. The first four books are picture books and are good for all ages. The rest are good for ages eight and up.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the Race to Save Abraham Lincoln, by Beth Anderson and beautifully illustrated with hues of yellow and brown and created using drawings in pencil, traditional collage, digital collage and digital paint by Sally Wern Comport, is a riveting story that shows the strong character of our sixteenth President as well as a brave detective dedicated to protect him. When Ms. Warne and a few other Pinkerton detectives discovered a plot to kill the president when he arrived by train to Baltimore in 1861, they had to quickly come up with a plan to save his life. This true story is compelling and richly told and the amazing illustrations helps convey the mood of the times. Be sure to check out the interesting afterword and photos in the back of the book.
George Washington’s Spectacular Spectacles: The Glasses that Saved America, by Selene Castrovilla and nicely illustrated capturing the essences of the period by Jenn Harney, is a little known history when the Revolutionary War ended. The officers were worried they weren’t going to get paid after fighting for eight years. They were about to charge into Congress and demand their money. Reading about how their feelings changed when Washington took his glasses out of his pocket, will help you see how this affected an important part of history. Read why the men’s hearts changed and why the President had hidden his glasses from all. More information about this is found in the back.
The House on the Canal: The Story of the House that Hid Anne Frank by Thomas Harding, beautifully illustrated with mixed media by Britta Teckentrup, is a stunning exploration of four centuries of Amsterdam’s history through the lens of one iconic house. This tall, orderly home bore witness to the city’s growth and to the lives of its many residents — the last of whom were Anne Frank and her family. Told from the unique perspective of the house itself, this compelling narrative offers an extraordinary glimpse into the lives it sheltered. The text is concise yet lyrical, blending historical insight with rich visual storytelling. Additional fascinating information awaits readers in the back of the book.
A Fine Little Bad Boy: Quentin Roosevelt in the White House, by Barbara Lowell and wonderfully painted by Antonio Marinoni, is a rare look into the mischievous antics of the President’s child. Quentin was the youngest of Teddy Roosevelt’s six children and thoroughly took advantage of living in the White House. Some of his adventures included roller skating in the hallways and swimming in the fountains. His spirit of fun and exploring shadowed his father’s making this book a fun delight to read out loud! There’s more to learn about Quentin in the back.
The Painter and the President: Gilbert Stuart’s Brush with George Washington, by Sarah Albee and perfectly illustrated done in acrylic and pencil by Stacy Innerst, is an insightful book about how a famous painter was able to capture the most iconic painting of our first president. The President intensely disliked sitting still for his portrait. However, Stuart had a very unique way in capturing his models. The art in this book is exquisite and nicely reflects the way Stuart painted. The timeline found at the back is also most interesting! And Stuart’s painting did become iconic and lasting as it is on the dollar bill.
Rebels, Robbers, and Radicals: The Story of The Bill of Rights, by Teri Kanefield, is an excellent summary of the first ten amendments of the Constitution which constitutes The Bill of Rights and what they encompass. Each amendment has its own section that begins with a full page and colorful illustration that helps summarize what that amendment stands for. This book is written to guide young readers through the complexities of these rights so they can understand and appreciate them. And for more understating about the constitution, check out The Constitution Decoded: A Guide to the Document That Shapes Our Nation, by Katie Kennedy and illustrated by Ben Kirchner.
Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of WWII, BY Adam Gidwitz, is a page-turner historical fiction that is based on facts during World War II. Max has never left Germany and only speaks German but now he’s on his way to England alone, without his family where he will soon become a young British spy. This story is rich in humor, excitement and even a little magic. This is the first book in a two-book series. The second book is already available.
Speaking of America: United States Presidents and the Words That Changes History, by Jared Cohen and wonderfully illustrated by Vivian Shih, brings US history to life with quotes from each of our presidents. This informative look into these men also shows how our country has been shaped and the events that happened during their presidency. Each President is featured in the open page and kid-friendly in brevity. The illustrations help demonstrated the events that took place.
Rebellion 1776, by Laurie Halse Anderson is a gripping work of historical fiction set in the tense days of March 1776. As conflict brews in Boston, the Patriots are driving the Loyalists out of the city, deepening the divisions among its people. Thirteen-year-old Elisabeth is caught in the chaos—her father, her only living relative, has mysteriously disappeared. Meanwhile, a deadly smallpox epidemic spreads fear across the region. Fast-paced and compelling, this novel vividly captures the hardships and hopes that shaped the birth of a nation.
