Recommended Reads for America’s 250th Anniversary

Commemorate the innumerable ways the African American community has shaped the foundation of the United States in this stunning, poetic picture book from the Caldecott Honor-winning team behind Freedom in Congo Square.

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a board book to teach the littlest readers about the United States and its origins. From Hello, World!, a bestselling nonfiction series for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

The youngest readers will enjoy this concise but informative history of the American flag with beautiful and exciting illustrations of colonial life, Betsy Ross, George Washington, and Fort McHenry.

An adaptation for young readers of the outstanding adult bestseller by Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Jon Meacham and Grammy Award–winning artist Tim McGraw celebrating America and the music that shaped it.

This engaging story about native lands invites kids to trace history and explore their communities.

Before my family lived in this house, a different family did, and before them, another family, and another before them. And before that, the family lived here, not in a house, but a wigwam. Who lived where you are before you got there?

“America’s Government Teacher” and author of the New York Times bestselling The Small and the Mighty pens a hopeful picture book about twelve ordinary Americans who stood up to do the next needed thing.

The US Constitution brought to life for young readers!

In this visual celebration of the US Constitution and America’s founding fathers, Caldecott Medalist Peter Spier tells the stirring American tale of how this most important document came to symbolize freedom, justice, equality, and hope for all citizens.

There are two sides to every story. Rosalyn Schanzer’s engaging and wonderfully illustrated book brings to life both sides of the American Revolution.

The narrative introduces anew the two enemies, both named George: George Washington, the man who freed the American colonies from the British, and George III, the British king who lost them.

Revised and updated to include the winner of the 2024 presidential election, this photo-filled and fact-packed book is a timely must-have reference.

National Geographic presents the 45 individuals who have led the U.S. in this up-to-date, authoritative, and lavishly illustrated family, school, and library reference.

It’s all about us! Join former U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis on a lyrical journey through the United States to experience the wonders of America’s people and places through 200+ inspiring poems and stunning photographs.

What’s weird about U.S. presidents? Plenty! From Abraham Lincoln’s knack for gross pranks to Benjamin Harrison’s fear of electricity, you’ll discover weird but true facts about our nation’s leaders—updated to include our most recent presidents and a special feature on presidential pets!

It’s weird. It’s true. And now, it’s red, white, and blue! Explore the wonderfully wacky side of the United States of America Weird But True! style.

Until now, you’ve only heard one side of the story: how Abraham Lincoln defeated the Confederacy to end slavery, but the truth involves a vast network of abolitionists who would keep fighting for freedom long after the end of the war. Here’s the true story of the Civil War and Reconstruction, from the African American perspective.

Created in collaboration with Race2Dinner, here’s the harrowing true story of America’s history with boarding schools, and the forced assimilation of Indigenous kids and families.

Until now, you’ve only heard one side of the story, about migrants crossing borders, drawn to the promise of a better life. In reality, Mexicans were on this land long before any borders existed. Here’s the true story of America, from the Mexican American perspective.

Until now, you’ve only heard one side of the story: the “discovery” of America told by Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Colonists. Here’s the true story of America from the Indigenous perspective.

Until now, you’ve only heard one side of the story, but Chinese American history extends far beyond the railroads. Here’s the true story of America, from the Chinese American perspective.

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth behind the Revolutionary War with beloved educator/author Kate Messner. The fun mix of sidebars, illustrations, photos, and graphic panels make this perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about Christopher Columbus, and learn all about the Taino people.

Myths! Lies! Recycling scams? Discover the real story behind the first Earth Day celebration and some of the biggest US climate catastrophes–and their solutions!

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Smash the stories behind famous moments in history and expose the hidden truth. Perfect for fans of I Survived and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about the Salem Witch Trials in the hit History Smashers nonfiction series. Perfect for fans of the I Survived books and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about the Underground Railroad and Black Americans’ struggle for freedom.

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Smash the stories behind famous moments in history and expose the hidden truth. Perfect for fans of I Survived and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.

A festive board book celebration of national holidays and all-American traditions, featuring Thing One and Thing Two from Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat—just in time for America’s 250th birthday!

Laugh and learn with fun facts about voting, the history of democracy in America, and more, all told in Dr. Seuss’s beloved rhyming style and starring the Cat in the Hat—with 16 bonus pages of kid-friendly activities!

With this newly discovered and never-before-seen picture book by Dr. Seuss himself, celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America! From Alabama to Wyoming, learn the names of all 50 states with a little help from the Cat in the Hat.

When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #19: Abe Lincoln at Last!, they had lots of questions. What was it like to grow up in a log cabin? How did Lincoln become president? What was his family like? Why did the US fight the Civil War? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday, they had lots of questions. What was it like to live in colonial times? Why did the stamp Act make the colonists so angry? Who were the Minutemen? What happened at the Boston Tea Party? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

When Jack and Annie came back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #32: To the Future, Ben Franklin! they had lots of questions. What was Ben Franklin’s first job? How did a kite teach him about electricity? What are some of Ben’s most famous inventions? Why did he have so many nicknames? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts about Benjamin Franklin.