Living Books List: Early American History & Spine Books
My ultimate goal in creating this history living books list is to see what books I will want my own children relish and reflect upon as they grow through their elementary years. And I realized some sections of history that our own personal library is lacking in, as well as other time periods where it was very difficult to find living books, or any children’s books, on the subject.
Books are not meant to be read and “checked off a list,” so I truly hope that when selecting books, we don’t reading them quickly just to do it for the sake of doing it, or having “one per week”. Instead, my wish is that you will carefully select perhaps four to six books from these lists, and also perhaps Marshall’s This Country of Ours or Miers’ A Child’s First Book of American History (listed in the spine section just below), and savor each word, savor each chapter together.
Our goal as parents is to feed our children with information, of course, but we also should help them create context and relationships within that information. How do children learn best? The same way we all do – through a good story. Many of the books below are historical non-fiction stories, but many still are fiction stories to tell a story of that specific time period. These are the stories our children will remember.
While reading, encourage your child to listen attentively, and after the reading, ask them to narrate it back to you. “Tell me what we read.” “Can you tell me in your own words?” “What happened in the beginning? What happened next?” Let them speak – don’t correct them mid-sentence. It may seems strange to them at first, but stick with it, they will relish and love these times when they have center stage! Allow them to own their learning, to demonstrate this “act of knowing” (Charlotte Mason). My lists contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting a fellow homeschooling mom. Of course, the best idea would be to bring this list up while at the library. To begin, Beautiful Feet Books has a beautiful Early American History Primary and Intermediate Packs. These books are put in order for you with a lovely guide designed to help you and your child journal through history together. Their guides are lovely, and the literature choices cannot be beat! I have scoured many of these books and many are discussed below.
AMERICAN RELIGIOUS REFERENCE BOOKS
America’s Providential History by McDowell and Beliles: Whenever I pick this book up, I cannot put it down. Our great country is rich with the Providential hand of our great God and this book writes how the Magna Carta, Martin Luther, and John Calvin (and many more key figures and moments) all had a role in the development of our great nation.
Never Before in History by Richard Gardiner and Gary Amos: Another book that summarizes why the United States was formed and succeeded given the many influences over the centuries before its birth. I don’t know which one I prefer (this or America’s Providential History), but I appreciate that this beautiful collection includes many first source documents for the reader. I received this as a gift from my grandmother when I graduated from high school. Funny thing that it is now that I appreciate it most. Thank you Grandma!
“SPINE” VOLUMES THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY:
This Country of Ours by H.E. Marshall: This book is amazing, as is Marshall’s previous edition Our Island Storyabout the history of Great Britain. We will be listening to this classic book for free on burned discs using the free Librivoix version! I highly recommend reading one chapter at a time and having your child narrate back what was read, and doing so with about 1-2 chapters per week.
American History Stories by Mara Pratt are also lovely stories, especially for younger children. Though I have not read this version, I have heard it has less to omit (“savages”, etc.) I’m excited to read it, as we just ordered it ourselves!
America First: One Hundred Stories from Our Own History by Lawton Evans and illustrated by the amazing Milo Winter (think his beautiful Aesop’s Fables collection) is another beautiful compilation that I have been eyeing and of which I’ve heard wonderful things! If you find an older copy don’t pass it up.
Stories of Great American for Little Americans by Edward Eggleston: This lovely little volume was written in the late 19th century, but is relevant to our memory work about the United States today. It includes 49 stories of leading figures in American History to include Washington, Franklin, Audobon, and many more.
A Child’s First Book of American History by Earl Schenck Miers: This beautiful history book, illustrated by the incomparable James Daugherty, contains short 2-4 page chapters on many of the key moments in America’s history, many that are included in the memory work. An absolute delight to read for the elementary student.
EXPLORATION, DISCOVERY, & PILGRIM HISTORY
Leif the Lucky by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire: I highly recommend all of the D’Aulaire classics. The beautiful illustrations tell the story of Norseman Leif and his father Erik the Red. This book details his conversion to Christianity and subsequent travels to what is now North America.
Discovery of the Americas by Betsy and Guilio Maestro: I love how this book tells about all of the explorers before Columbus using lovely illustrations and living prose. Each of the European Explorations are briefly discussed: Dias, Vespucci, Balboa, Magellan, and Coronado.
Pilgrim Stories by Margaret Pumphrey: This book beautifully shows the struggle and plight of the pilgrims through their persecution in England, then as they travel to Holland, and finally in their decision to travel to the New World.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS – 1492
Christopher Columbus by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire: Including many unknown details about the great explorer, the D’Aulaires’ volume on Columbus is as vibrant as it is thought-provoking.
Where do you think you’re going Christopher Columbus? by Jean Fritz: Columbus thought he was to find gold and spices in the Indies when crossing the Atlantic, but when he discovered a New World, he aimed to continue going back. Fritz’s biographies shine with detail and legend.
Christopher Columbus by M. Lacey: Columbus sets sail across the Atlantic into the unknown in this easy reader.
Christopher Columbus, Discoverer of America by Bennie Rhodes: A biography of Christopher Columbus that reads in first person, detailing his desire to bring the Christian faith to new lands.
PILGRIMS AND MAYFLOWER COMPACT – 1620
The Pilgrims of Plimoth by Marcia Sewall: Beautiful illustrations accompany first person text to create the daily struggle and triumphs of the first Pilgrim colonists.
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dagliesh: This lovely book shares the story of the Pilgrims from their Mayflower Voyage through their treaty with the Native Americans and the first Thanksgiving feast.
Three Young Pilgrims by Cheryl Harness: This sweet picture books shares the first hand account of three fictional Pilgrim children.
Who’s That Stepping on Plymouth Rock? by Jean Fritz: Another volume by Fritz looking at the history of the rock the Pilgrims landed on.
Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims by Clyde R. Bulla: The story of the kind-hearted Native American who befriended the settlers and Pilgrims and was betrayed by greedy men. A beautiful story of character and survival.
The Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty: Only a few survived in this vivid account of the hardships the first Pilgrims went through during their voyage, settlement, disease, and first winter. Their faith in God helped create stepping stones to our great Nation today.
JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT FROM ENGLAND (1607)
**It’s important for children to understand the distinction between the Jamestown settlement, which had its beginning in 1607 when 104 Englishmen arrived in North America, and the Pilgrims at Plymouth who landed in 1620. Jamestown settlement was named for King James I and its purpose was furthering his wealth and monarchy.
Pocahontas by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire: Told from the young princess’ perspective and with beautiful vibrant illustrations, this true story comes to life vividly for young ones.
Pocahontas and the Strangers by Clyde Robert Bulla: The story of the young Powhatan girl who saved John Smith.
Jamestown, New World Adventure by James Knight: The tale of two children who learn of how their grandfather was a carpenter and one of the first Jamestown colonists. They learn of the harsh conditions that were endured during the beginning of the American settlement.
The Story of Jamestown, Cornerstone of Freedom by Marilyn Prolman: Classic story book details the story of the hard voyage and difficult living conditions in the settlement of Jamestown.
A Lion to Guard Us by Clyde Robert Bulla: The inspiring story about one girl who brought her family to Jamestown to find their father who sought work in America.
Best Living Books for Early American History
Incorporating living books into early American history studies brings the past to life, allowing children to connect deeply with stories of exploration, resilience, and diverse cultures. From the discovery of the Americas and the courage of the Pilgrims, to the struggles of Jamestown and the rich heritage of Native American communities, these narratives invite children to explore history in a meaningful, memorable way. With each book, they gain a broader understanding of the people and events that shaped early America, fostering curiosity and empathy as they journey through this foundational era.
