Colonial Williamsburg

Books About the Colonial Period:
An Annotated Bibliography of Children's Literature and
Teacher Resource Materials

Introduction

This bibliography is the result of requests from teachers, parents and students. The following bibliography include's children's literature relevant to the study of the colonial period. The books listed are readily available, appeal to younger readers, and include information on topics relevant to the study of Colonial America and Virginia history. As with all bibliographies, not all titles available are included in this list, but it is an excellent reference. New publications are introduced almost daily. Every effort has been made to insure the high quality of this literature

The reading abilities range from picture books, suitable for all ages, to historical fiction novels. Also included are non-fiction titles and titles that integrate most subject areas. Each entry has a suggested grade level; however, please remember that reading skills vary widely among students who are in the same classroom/grade level, so some students may find books from different grade levels equally readable. The notations at the end of each selection refer to the primary topic(s) addressed in the book. Use the following key to guide your selections:

Adler, Jeanne Winston, Editor. In the Path of War: Children of the American Revolution Tell Their Stories. Peterborough, New Hampshire: Cobblestone Publishing Company, 1998. Grades 6-8 (O, GOV, FAM)

Diary entries and letters from 1777-1783, written by young people in the thirteen colonies and Montreal, Canada, tell the story of the American Revolution from the perspective of children who were there.

Back to the top

B

Barrett, Tracy. Growing Up in Colonial America. Brookfield, Connecticut: The Millbrook Press, 1995. Grades 4-6 (O, FAM, WE)

Discusses life in the colonies, encompassing housing, child-rearing, clothing, food, chores, and leisure activities. Compares the different ways of life in the New England colonies and the Chesapeake. Illustrated with prints and photographs.

Brenner, Barbara. If You Lived in Williamsburg in Colonial Days. New York: Scholastic, 2000. Grades 3-5 (O, FAM)

In question-and-answer format, insights are given on the everyday lives of people in and around colonial-era Williamsburg, with special emphasis on the education, activities, and pastimes of children.

Back to the top

C

Carson, Jane. Colonial Virginians at Play. Williamsburg, VA: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1989. Grades 6-8 (O, FAM)

Examines leisure activities of Colonial Virginians. Social life, customs, games, dances, and entertainment are discussed.

Clifford, Mary Louise. When the Great Canoes Came. New York: Pelican, 1993. Grades 5-8 (NA)

A fictionalized version of the story of Jamestown from the Native American point of view. Cockacoeske, the female chief who succeeded Powhatan, tells a young boy the story of his people and their fate after Jamestown. Illustrated.

Collier, James Lincoln and Christopher Collier. Jump Ship to Freedom. New York: Dell, 1988. Grades 6-8 (AA, GOV)

*In 1787 a 14-year-old slave, anxious to buy his freedom, runs away to find help in cashing the soldier's notes received by his father for fighting in the American Revolution. Covers the Constitutional Convention.

Collier, James Lincoln and Christopher Collier. Who Is Carrie? New York: Delacorte Press, 1984. Grades 6-8 (AA, GOV)

A young black girl in late eighteenth-century New York City becomes involved in historic events while solving the mystery of her identity

Collier, James Lincoln and Christopher Collier. The Paradox of Jamestown, 1585-1700. Tarrytown, N.Y.: Benchmark Books, 1998. Grades 6-8 (O, GOV, AA, NA)

The first representative legislative body in North America and the introduction of the institution of slavery form the unhappy paradox of the Virginia colony. Analyzes the political, cultural and social background of the settlement and its early years.

Conley, Kevin. Benjamin Banneker: Scientist and Mathematician. New York: Chelsea House, 1989. Grades 5-8 (AA, GOV, WE)

The story of Benjamin Banneker of Maryland, a free black who becomes a noted scientist and author of an almanac. Of particular note, Banneker's correspondence with Thomas Jefferson concerning the "inferiority" of Africans, and Banneker's arguments against Jefferson's conclusion.

Cox, Clinton. Come All You Brave Soldiers: Blacks in the Revolutionary War. New York: Scholastic Press, 1999. Grades 4-8 (AA, GOV)

The story of the over 5,000 black men, free and enslaved, who enlisted in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Included is a description of William Flora, a free black who fought with the Americans at Great Bridge.

Back to the top

D

Dean, Ruth. Life in the American Colonies. San Diego: Lucent, 1999. Grades 4-6 (O, FAM)

The ins and outs of early American living. Compares and contrasts urban and rural life as well as examines the experiences of immigrants, Native Americans, and slaves. Illustrations include reproductions of period documents, prints, and maps.

Denenberg, Barry. My Name is America: The Journal of William Thomas Emerson, A Revolutionary War Patriot. Boston, Massachusetts, 1774. "Dear America" Series. New York: Scholastic Press, 1998. Grades 4-6 (O)

The events described and some of the characters in the "Dear America" series are based on actual historical events and people. The author of the journal is a fictional character, and his journal is a work of fiction that describes his part in the events of 1774 as the American Revolution begins.

Diouf, Sylviane A. Growing Up in Slavery. Brookfield: Millbrook, 2001. Grades 4-8 (O, AA)

Large-format text covering the slave trade from capture through the Middle Passage to resettlement. The narrative, informed by oral testimonies, focuses on children's lives under slavery and is supplemented by archival illustrations. Includes an extensive bibliography.

Back to the top

E

Egger-Bovet, Howard and Marlene Smith-Barazini. Brown Paper School, US Kids History: Book of the American Colonies. Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 1994. Grades 4-6 (O)

Describes daily life for a variety of the many peoples of early America through journals, letters, speeches, and activities. Games and stories are included as well as suggestions for their use in the classroom.

Equiano, Olaudah. The Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano. Adapted by Ann Cameron. New York: Alfred A Knopf, 1995. Grades 5-8 (AA)

An outstanding adaptation of Equiano's autobiography. Tells the story of his kidnapping in Benin, West Africa as a young boy in 1755. He was enslaved, purchased his freedom, and eventually wrote his autobiography. Includes a map of his travels, illustrations, and bibliography.

Erdosh, George. Food and Recipes of the Thirteen Colonies. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 1997. Grades 3-6 (O)

Favorite, common recipes prepared in the colonies. Includes information on seasonally and regionally obtained food items. Recipes can be prepared at home or in the classroom.

Back to the top

F

Feest, Christian F. The Powhatan Tribes. Indians of North America Series. New York: Chelsea House, 1990. Grades 5-8 (NA)

Examines the history, culture, customs, and changing fortunes of the Powhatan Indians of Virginia from before Jamestown until the present time. Illustrated. Bibliography and glossary included.

Forbes, Ester. Johnny Tremain. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1998. Original edition, 1946. Grades 5-8 (O, GOV)

This updated edition of a classic children's book is beautifully illustrated by Michael McCurdy. The Newberry Award-winning story of a Boston silversmith's apprentice who becomes involved with many leaders of the American Revolution has not been changed.

Freeman, Lucy. America's First Woman Warrior: The Courage of Deborah Sampson. New York: Paragon House, 1992. Grades 4-6 (W, GOV)

Biography of a woman who fought in the army during the American Revolution under the name of Robert Shurtleff. She later lectured about her experience.

Fritz, Jean. Can't You Make Them Behave, King George? New York: Coward-McCann, 1977. Grades 3-4 (O, GOV)

Biography of King George III, King of Great Britain during the time of the American Revolution.

Fritz, Jean. The Double Life of Pocahontas. New York: Putnam, 1983. Grades 5-8 (NA)

A biography of Pocahontas, which emphasizes her lifelong admiration of Captain John Smith. Tells the story of the roles the Indian princess played in two very different cultures.

Fritz, Jean. George Washington's Breakfast. New York: Coward-McCann, 1969. Grades 3-5 (GOV, FAM)

A young boy who has the same name and birthday as George Washington, wants to have everything in his life just as George Washington had it, but he cannot find out what George Washington had for breakfast.

Fritz, Jean. George Washington's Mother. New York: Putnam, 1992. Grades 2-4 (W, FAM)

Describes the life of George Washington's mother and her relationship with her children.

Fritz, Jean. The Great Little Madison. New York: Putnam, 1989. Grades 5-8 (O, GOV)

James Madison's life and contributions are described, from sickly childhood to President. The Constitutional Convention and Madison's leadership are covered in depth.

Fritz, Jean. Traitor, the Case of Benedict Arnold. New York: Putnam, 1981. Grades 5-8 (O)

A novel for young readers, giving a semi-fictional account of the infamous spy. Narrative places special emphasis on his early life. Includes a section of historical notes.

Fritz, Jean. Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? New York: Putnam, 1985. Grades 3-5 (O, GOV)

Brief biography of Patrick Henry, tracing his life from farmer to statesman.

Fritz, Jean. Shhh! We're Writing the Constitution. New York: PaperStar, 1998. Grades 3-5 (O, GOV)

Lively account (with whimsical illustrations) of the compromises and conflicts involved in the drafting of the Constitution. Appendices include historical notes and the full text of the 1787 Constitution.

Furbee, Mary R. Outrageous Women of Colonial America. New York: John Wiley, 2001. Grades 3-6 (O)

Biographical sketches of exceptional colonial-era women, most of whom have been absent from previous histories. Includes drawings, period engravings, illustrations, and a timeline.

Back to the top

G

Garwood, Val. The World of the Pirate. New York: Peter Bedrick, 1997. Grades 3-6 (O)

Survey of pirates' lives and exploits on the high sea.

Goor, Ron and Nancy. Williamsburg, Cradle of the Revolution. New York, Atheneum, 1994. Grades 4-6 (O, GOV, FAM, WE)

Overview, in guidebook style, of the events, sites, ideas, and people of Williamsburg instrumental in the move to independence. Illustrated with on-site photographs.

Graham-Barber, Lynda. Doodle Dandy!: The Complete Book of Independence Day Words. New York: Bradbury Press, 1992. Grades 4-6 (O, GOV)

Features a collection of patriotic words and historical facts as well as entertaining drawings. Utilizes a "Do you know?" format and includes chronologies and a list of other eighteenth-century revolutions.

Greenberg, Judith E. and Helen Carey McKeever. Journal of a Revolutionary War Woman. New York: Franklin Watts, 1996. Grades 6-8 (O, FAM)

The Mary Titus Post journal that chronicles the British occupation of Long Island, New York during the American Revolution. Carefully edited to preserve the writer's individual voice, while providing historical background.

Gregory, Kristiana. The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart. Valley Forge Pennsylvania, 1777. "Dear America" Series. New York: Scholastic Press, 1996. Grades 4-6 (O)

The "Dear America" series describes actual historical events and people through the use of a fictional diary. Abigail Jane Stewart is the fictional character who tells the story of her Valley Forge family's involvement in the events of the winter of 1777.

Gross, Ruth Belov. If You Grew Up With George Washington. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1982. Grades 2-3 (O, GOV, FAM)

Question and answer format about life in Virginia when George Washington was growing up. Covers everything from food and clothing to Indians, money, and how to get the news. Illustrations by Jack Kent.

Back to the top

H

Haskins, James and Kathleen Benson. Building a New Land: African Americans in Colonial America. New York: Harper Collins, 2001. Grades 3-6 (O, AA)

Overview of African-Americans' roles in early American history from exploration onward, both as slaves and as free men and women. Includes sections on slave resistance, slave revolts, the continuation of African traditions in the New World, and African-Americans during the Revolution.

Hakim, Joy. From Colonies to Country. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993. Grades 4-8 (GOV, NA, AA, FAM, O)

Covers American history from the French and Indian War to the Constitutional Convention. Includes chapters on women and children during the Revolution and ideas leading to the framing of the federal Constitution. Includes maps, illustrations, prints, quotations, and a chronology. A Teacher's Guide is available.

Hakim, Joy. Making Thirteen Colonies. Oxford A History of US Series. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993. Grades 4-8 (GOV, NA, AA, FAM, O)

Covers the colonization of the New World through the mid-eighteenth century. Includes illustrations,, maps, prints, quotations and a Chronology. A Teacher's Guide is available.

Halliwell, Sarah, Editor. Who and When? The Eighteenth Century: Artists, Writers and Composers. Austin, Texas: Raintree, Steck-Vaughn, 1998. Grades 5-8 (O)

Introduces some of the major artists, writers, and composers who flourished in Europe in the eighteenth century, whose works were also influential in the American colonies. Included are Hogarth, Reynolds, Copley, Defoe, Swift, Voltaire, Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel, among others.

Hamilton, Virginia. Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales and True Tales Told by Virginia Hamilton. New York: Blue Sky Press, 1995. Grades 4-8 (AA)

This collection of stories emphasizes the roles of women in African-American folk and fairy tales. Illustrations.

Hamilton, Virginia. Many Thousand Gone: African Americans from Slavery to Freedom. New York: Knopf, 1992. Grades 5-8 (AA)

Recounts the journey of black slaves to freedom via the underground railroad and an extended group of people who helped them. Includes background history of American slavery.

Hansen, Joyce. Breaking Ground, Breaking Silence: The Story Of New York's African Burial Ground. New York: Henry Holt, 1997. Grades 6-8 (AA, O, GOV)

Describes the discovery and study of the African-American burial site discovered in Manhattan in 1991 while excavating for a new building. Discusses what is revealed by these discoveries about the lives of blacks in colonial New York.

Harrah, Madge. My Brother, My Enemy. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1997. Grades 6-8 (NA, GOV)

Fourteen-year-old Robert Bradford, whose family has been murdered by Susquehannock Indians, joins a volunteer army of plantation owners in order to protect Virginia from Indian attacks. Naokan, a Susquehannock friend, tries to stop a massacre of English settlers and is captured; Robert plots his escape. Bacon's Rebellion in 1676 Virginia is brought to life through the stories of Robert and Naokan.

Haskins, Jim. Amazing Grace: The Story Behind the Song. Brookfield, Connecticut: The Millbrook Press, 1992. Grades 4-8 (AA, GOV)

The story of John Newton, a slave trader who became an Anglican minister, an advocate of abolition of the slave trade, and the composer of the famous hymn.

Hermes, Patricia. Our Strange New Land: Elizabeth's Diary - Jamestown, Virginia, 1609. New York: Scholastic, 2000. Grades 4-8 (O, FAM)

Part of the "Our America" series, "Elizabeth's Diary" is a fictionalized diary of a self-reliant young girl adjusting to her new life in the Jamestown colony. An appendix provides historical context.

Heymsfeld, Carla. Where Was George Washington? Mount Vernon, Virginia: The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1992. Grades 2-4 (FAM, GOV)

Liberty, the Mount Vernon cat, searches for George Washington all over the plantation and discovers that Jean Antoine Houdon, the French sculptor, is making a plaster cast of Washington's face.

Hilton, Suzanne. The World of Young George Washington. New York: Walker, 1987. Grades 5-8 (FAM, GOV, O)

George Washington's letters, diaries, and papers form the basis for this account of his boyhood.

Holler, Anne. Pocahontas: Powhatan Peacemaker. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1993. Grades 4-6 (NA)

Details the remarkable life of Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhatan, her friendship with the Jamestown settlers, abduction, conversion to Christianity, and her marriage to John Rolfe.

Back to the top

I

Isaacs, Sally. America in the Time of George Washington 1747-1803. Des Plaines, Ill : Heinemann, 1998. Grades 4-8 (O, FAM)

A social history of the emerging nation from the French and Indian War to the Louisiana Purchase.

Back to the top

J

January, Brendan. Science in Colonial America. New York: Franklin Watts, 1999. Grades 4-8 (O, WE)

Scientific advancement in early America, covering natural history, medicine, astronomy, and electricity.

Back to the top

K

Kalman, Bobbie. 18th-Century Clothing. Historic Communities Series. New York: Crabtree, 1993. Grades 4 6 (O)

Clothing of various social classes is examined. Included are discussions of accessories, hairstyles, shoes, and hygiene. Illustrated with drawings and on-site Colonial Williamsburg photographs.

Karwoski, Gail. Surviving Jamestown: The Adventures of Young Sam Collier. Atlanta: Peachtree, 2001. Grades 4-8 (O, WE)

Fictionalized narrative of Samuel Collier, a British boy who assisted John Smith on his voyage to the New World and the exploration and settlement of Jamestown. Includes an appendix explaining the book's factual background.

Kassem, Lou. A Haunting in Williamsburg. New York: Avon Books, 1990. Grades 4-6 (O)

Well-researched mystery about a young girl who visits Colonial Williamsburg and becomes involved in a 200-year-old story of her family and is asked, by a ghost, to right a wrong.

Kelso, William M. Jamestown Rediscovery II: Search for 1607 James Fort. Richmond, Virginia: APVA, 1996. Grades 6-8 (O)

Describes the major discoveries of the APVA Jamestown Rediscovery archaeological project's second year. Documentary eyewitness accounts are included to add to the archaeological interpretation.

Kent, Zachary. Williamsburg. Chicago: Children's Press, 1992. Grades 4-8 (O)

The history of Virginia's colonial capital from 1699 until the present. Includes the story of the twentieth-century restoration and is illustrated with color photographs.

Back to the top

L

Leiner, Katherine. First Children: Growing Up in the White House. New York: Tambourine Books, 1996. Grades 4-8 (O, FAM, GOV)

*Despite the "White House" in the title, the first two chapters concern children and grandchildren of Presidents who did not live in the White House: George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The use of original documents to describe family life of the two Presidents is enlightening.

Lukes, Bonnie L. The American Revolution. World History Series. San Diego: Lucent Books, 1996. Grades 6 - 8 (GOV)

Chronologically arranged background and history of the American Revolution. Excellent timeline included. Concludes with ratification of the American Constitution and election of George Washington as the first President of the United States.

Back to the top

M

McCaughrean, Geraldine. The Pirate's Son. New York: Scholastic Press, 1998. Grades 6-8 (O, GOV)

The son of an infamous pirate offers English orphans Nathan and Maud a home in Madagascar. The young people soon realize that the only way to defeat the pirates is to become pirates themselves.

McGovern, Ann. If You Lived In Colonial Times. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1964. Grades K-3 (O)

A simplified, entertaining description of the history, life, and customs of the Colonial period.

McKissack, Patricia C. and Fredrick L. McKissack. Rebels Against Slavery. American Slave Revolts. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1996. Grades 6-8 (AA, GOV)

Discusses slave resistance and revolts from the early sixteenth century through the American Civil War. Toussaint L'Ouverture, Gabriel Prosser, Denmark Vesey, Nat Turner, Cinque, and Harriet Tubman are among the leaders described. Illustrated.

Medlicott, Mary, Editor. The River That Went to the Sky. Twelve Tales by African Storytellers. New York: Kingfisher, 1995. Grades 3-5 (AA)

Stories from the rich storytelling tradition of twelve different modern African countries. Illustrations by Nigerian artist Ademola Akintola bring the stories to life.

Miller, Brandon. Dressed for the Occasion: What American Wore 1620-1970. Minneapolis: Lerner, 1999. Grades 4-8 (O)

Using material culture studies, sociology, and anthropology as a springboard, the book describes the reciprocal relationship between what colonial people wore and how they viewed themselves and others.

Miller, Susan Martins. The Boston Massacre. Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 2000. Grades 4-8 (O, FAM)

A novel for young readers. Uses fictional characters to flesh out the pivotal event and to extrapolate how children and families were drawn into conflicts on the eve of the Revolution.

Minks, Louise. Traditional Africa. World History Series. San Diego: Lucent Books, 1996. Grades 4-6 (AA)

Excellent timeline included. Begins with a chapter on the birthplace of humanity and includes good information on the kingdoms of West Africa and the development and implementation of the slave trade and its effects on African culture. Concludes with nineteenth and twentieth-century European colonialism and the carving up of Africa.

Moore, Eva. Good Children Get Rewards: A Story of Williamsburg in Colonial Times. New York: Cartwheel, 2001. Grades 2-4 (FAM, WE)

In this tale for younger readers, a brother and sister have a busy day in the bustling colonial capital.

Murphy, Jim. A Young Patriot. The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy. New York: Clarion Books, 1996. Grades 6-8 (O, GOV)

Joseph Plumb Martin enlisted in the American Army in July of 1775 and remained in the army until hostilities ended in 1783. He took part in major battles from New York to Yorktown and wintered in Valley Forge and Morristown. He wrote of his experiences in a memoir, and Jim Murphy adds the historical background. Original prints and documents are reproduced.

Back to the top

N

Newberry, John. A Little Pretty Pocket-book. London, 1744. Reprint edition with an introduction by M. F. Thwaite. New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, 1967. Grades K-8 (O, FAM)

Games, etiquette, and moral teachings for raising children in the mid-eighteenth century.

Nixon, Joan Lowery. Ann's Story, 1747. New York: Delacorte, 1999. Grades 3-6 (O, FAM, WE)

The title character, the daughter of Williamsburg's apothecary, must balance her love of learning with the expectations for a young woman in the colonial capital. Includes author's notes on the real Ann McKenzie and medicine as practiced in Williamsburg.

Nixon, Joan Lowery. Caesar's Story, 1759. New York: Delacorte, 2000. Grades 3-6 (O, AA, FAM, WE)

At Carter's Grove plantation, Caesar, a young field slave, is chosen by his master to be a house slave. Caesar must come to decisions regarding his family, his identity, and personal loyalty. Concludes with an author's note giving the details of the real Caesar's life.

Nixon, Joan Lowery. Nancy's Story. New York: Delacorte, 2000. Grades 3-6 (O, FAM, WE)

Nancy, daughter of silversmith James Geddy, grows up in Williamsburg in the midst of the Stamp Act crisis. Details about family life, local trades, and social life in Williamsburg are in both the narration and in the historical section at the end of the book.

Nixon, Joan Lowery. Will's Story. New York: Delacorte, 2001. Grades 3-6 (FAM, WE)

Will Pelham, son of the town jailer, sees his father's work firsthand. While living above the jail, he gains sympathy for Emmanuel, who is imprisoned for being a runaway slave. Includes author's notes and sections on childhood and crime and punishment in 18th-century Virginia.

Back to the top

O

O'Dell, Scott. My Name is Not Angelica. New York: Dell, 1989. Grades 4-6 (AA)

Sixteen-year-old Raisha is kidnapped from her home in Africa and is sold into slavery on the island of St. John, where she becomes involved in the great slave rebellion of 1733.

O'Dell, Scott. The Serpent Never Sleeps: A Novel of Jamestown and Pocahontas. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 1987. Grades 5-8 (O, NA)

A young woman who sails from England to follow the man she loves to the colony of Jamestown, is shipwrecked off Bermuda. She eventually makes her way to Jamestown.

Osborne, Mary Pope. Standing in the Light: The Captive Diary of Catharine Carey Logan. Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania, 1768. "Dear America" Series. New York: Scholastic Press, 1998. Grades 4-6 (NA, O)

The books in the "Dear America" series are written in fictional diary form. The events and some of the characters described are based on actual historical events and people; however, Catharine Carey Lagoon is a fictional character, and her journal, depicting her capture by Indians, is a work of fiction.

Back to the top

P

Perrin, Pat. Architecture: An Image for America. Grades 4-8 (O, WE)

Using Thomas Jefferson as a key figure, the book discusses how architectural style helped build the notion of "America." Illustrations throughout.

Perrin, Pat and Wim Coleman, eds. Crime and Punishment: The Colonial Period to the New Frontier. Carlisle, MA: Discovery, 1998. Grades 4-8 (O, GOV)

An overview of how crime was perceived, codified, and punished in the early republic.

Porter, Connie. Addy's Wedding Quilt. Middleton, WI: Pleasant Company, 2000. Grades 2-5 (AA, FAM)

Addy, an African-American girl, makes adjustments to life as a free person while sewing a quilt for her parents' upcoming church wedding. Part of the "American Girl" series; includes illustrations from Colonial Williamsburg

Back to the top

Q

*Quackenbush, Robert M. Daughter of Liberty: A True Story of the American Revolution. New York: Hyperion, 1999. Grades 4-8

Novelized depiction of Wyn Mabie, a young girl who volunteered to be a courier for George Washington in 1776.

Back to the top

R

Rinaldi, Ann. Wolf by the Ears. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1991. Grades 6-8 (AA)

Harriet Hemings, who is rumored to be the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings, must choose between life in the "velvet cage" of Monticello as a slave and escape to possible freedom.

Rinaldi, Ann. Cast Two Shadows: The American Revolution in the South. San Diego: Harcourt Brace and Co., 1998. Grades 6-8 (AA, FAM, GOV)

The story of the oppressive British occupation of South Carolina in 1780, told by fourteen-year-old Caroline. Caroline's father is the master of the plantation; her mother and grandmother are slaves.

Rinaldi, Ann. Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatley. San Diego: Harcourt Brace and Co., 1996. Grades 4-6 (AA, FAM)

Fictionalized biography of an eighteenth-century African woman brought to New England as a slave. She published her first poem as a teenager and gained renown throughout the thirteen colonies as a black poet.

Roundtree, Helen C. Young Pocahontas in the Indian World. Yorktown, Virginia: J&R Graphic Services, Inc., 1996. Grades 6-8 (NA)

A factual account of the life and environment of Pocahontas as she was growing up in Virginia. Illustrated with photographs of the Indian Village at Jamestown. Highly recommended for Native American background.

Back to the top

S

Saari, Peggy, ed. Colonial America: Primary Sources. Detroit: UXL, 2000. Grades 4-8 (O)

Reference/anthology work of twenty-four period documents. Consists largely of diary entries, poems, and first-person narratives.

Sakurai, Gail. The Jamestown Colony. New York: Children's Press, 1997. Grades 4-6 (O, NA)

Account of the first permanent English settlement in North America, describing tragedies, disasters, and successes.

*Samford, Patricia and David L. Ribblett. Archaeology for Young Explorers. Uncovering History at Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg, Virginia: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1995. Grades 4-6 (O)

Describes and illustrates archaeology and its methods, from how to know where to dig to what to do with what is found. It is specific to Colonial Williamsburg and is an excellent introduction to archaeology.

Schouweiler, Tom. The Lost Colony of Roanoke. "Great Mysteries" Series. San Diego: Greenhaven, 1991. Grades 4-6 (O, NA)

Examines the first English attempt to colonize North America and the mysterious disappearance of the colonists. Possible solutions to the mystery are discussed as evidence is analyzed.

Scopino, A.J. Struggle for Religious Freedom in America. Carlisle, MA: Discovery, 1997. Grades. 4-8 (O, GOV)

Describes the conflicts surrounding religious liberty in the colonies, from English settlement to the drafting of the Constitution.

Severence, John B. Thomas Jefferson: Architect of Democracy. New York: Clarion Books, 1998. Grades 5-8 (GOV)

This biography focuses equally on Jefferson's accomplishments and the beliefs behind them. Jefferson's family life and his contradictory attitudes about slavery are also examined. Illustrated.

Schurfranz, Vivian. A Message for General Washington. New York: Silver Moon Press, 1998. Grades 3-5 (O)

Hannah Winslow sneaks behind enemy lines in British occupied Yorktown, Virginia in 1781, to report the British army's position to General Washington. Although her journey is filled with danger, she is ultimately successful.

Skirvington, Janice. How Anansi Obtained the Sky God's Stories. Chicago: Children's Press, 1991. Grades K-5 (AA)

An Anansi the Spider trickster story of West Africa, illustrative of the teaching methods of Africa, which become the basis of African-American storytelling in the colonies.

Small, David. George Washington's Cows. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1994. Graes K-2 (O)

Picture book. Rhymed couplets and detailed illustrations tell the "real" reason George Washington went into politics. Although not "history," manners and clothing are illustrated with humor.

*Smith, Carter, Editor. The Arts and Sciences, A Sourcebook on Colonial America. American albums from the collections of the Library of Congress. Brookfield, Connecticut: The Millbrook Press, 1991. Grades 6-8 (O, WE)

The beginnings of America's artistic traditions are discussed and illustrated, and the discoveries, inventions, and experiments that contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge are presented. Timelines, prints, photographs, and diagrams are included.

*Smith, Carter, Editor. Battles in a New Land, A Sourcebook on Colonial America. American albums from the collections of the Library of Congress. Brookfield, Connecticut: The Millbrook Press, 1991. Grades 6 - 8 (O, GOV, NA)

Through timelines, pictures, maps, and documents, all aspects of Colonial conflicts are brought to life from the earliest contact with Native Americans to the Revolutionary War.

*Smith, Carter, Editor. Daily Life, A Sourcebook on Colonial America. American albums from the collections of the Library of Congress. Brookfield, Connecticut: The Millbrook Press, 1991 Grades 6-8 (WE, O)

Work and enterprise in the thirteen colonies is presented through prints, documents, and engravings. Both rural and urban work is explored.

*Smith, Carter, Editor. The Explorers and Settlers, A Sourcebook on Colonial America. American albums from the collections of the Library of Congress. Brookfield, Connecticut: The Millbrook Press, 1991. Grades 6-8 (O, NA)

The earliest explorations and settlements in North America are described, using maps, engravings and drawings. Timelines are also included.

*Smith, Carter, Editor. Governing and Teaching, A Sourcebook on Colonial America. American albums from the collections of the Library of Congress. Brookfield, Connecticut: The Millbrook Press, 1991. Grades 6-8 (O, WE, GOV)

Explores the roots of American government, the development of religion and education in the thirteen colonies, and discusses the events that led to the demand for independence from Great Britain. Illustrated with prints, documents, and maps.

*Smith, Carter, Editor. The Revolutionary War, A Sourcebook on Colonial America. American albums from the collections of the Library of Congress. Brookfield, Connecticut: The Millbrook Press, 1991. Grades 6-8 (O, GOV)

Describes and illustrates the historical, political, military, social, and cultural aspects of the Revolutionary War through a variety of images created during the period. Timelines and illustrations are included.

Steins, Richard. Colonial America. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 2000. Grades 3-6 (O, NA)

Copiously illustrated, the book offers an overview of the continent from English settlement to the French and Indian War. Explores the regional, ethnic, and religious differences in the colonies as well as the relations between Europeans and Native Americans.

Sullivan, George. Slave Ship: The Story of the Henrietta Marie. New York: Cobblehill Books, 1994. Grades 6-8 (O, AA)

The story of one of the few slave ships to be scientifically studied; its remains were recovered, recorded, and preserved by marine archaeologists. The Henrietta Marie was a 120-ton, three-mast merchant slaver that sank in a violent storm after delivering its human cargo to Jamaica in 1699. Covers history of the slave trade as well as archaeology. Illustrated.

Back to the top

T

Thomas, Velma Maia. Lest We Forget: The Passage from Africa to Slavery and Emancipation. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1997. Grade 4 to adult (AA)

A three-dimensional interactive book with photographs, documents, and text to tell the story of slavery, from Africa through the middle passage to the new world, and finally on the road to emancipation.

Tripp, Valerie. Changes for Felicity. Book Six. Middleton, Wisconsin: Pleasant Company, 1992. Grades 3-5 (O, GOV, FAM)

Ten-year-old Felicity Merriman and her family and friends face changes in their lives and relationships as the American Revolution begins in the colonies.

Tripp, Valerie. Felicity Learns a Lesson. Book Two. Middleton, Wisconsin: Pleasant Company, 1991. Grades 3-5 (O, GOV, FAM)

Nine-year-old Felicity attends lessons with Miss Manderly in penmanship, stitchery, dancing, manners, and the service of tea. Felicity must come to terms with divided loyalties when her father, a storekeeper, refuses to stock or sell tea in his store. "A Look Back" section discusses 18th century education.

Tripp, Valerie. Felicity Saves the Day. Book Five. Middleton, Wisconsin: Pleasant Company, 1992. Grades 3-5 (O, GOV, FAM)

Felicity is spending the summer on her grandfather's plantation, and Ben, her father's apprentice who has run away to join George Washington's army, asks for help.

Tripp, Valerie. Felicity's Surprise. Book Three. Middleton, Wisconsin: The Pleasant Company, 1991. Grades 3-5 (O, GOV, FAM)

Book Three in the Felicity series takes place during the Christmas season and tells the story of Felicity's new gown for a ball at the Governor's Palace. "A Look Back" discusses Christmas customs in 18th century Williamsburg.

Tripp, Valerie. Happy Birthday, Felicity! Book Four. Middleton, Wisconsin: Pleasant Company, 1992. Grades 3-5 (O, GOV, FAM)

Felicity overhears a message that means danger to Virginians. When her parents do not believe her, she decides to warn the colonists herself.

Tripp, Valerie. Meet Felicity, An American Girl. Book One. Middleton, Wisconsin: Pleasant Company, 1991. Grades 3-5 (O, GOV, FAM)

The first in a series of stories about Felicity Merriman, a nine-year-old girl who lives with her family in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1774. Felicity, with the help of her friends and family, rescues a mistreated horse. The book concludes with "A Look Back," which places the story in historical context.

Back to the top

W

Waters, Kate. Mary Geddy's Day: A Day in Colonial Williamsburg. New York: Scholastic, 1999. Grades 3-6 (O, FAM)

July 4, 1776 as seen through the eyes of a young Williamsburg girl. The elements of domestic life, such as food preparation and period dress, are displayed. Illustrated with color photos of Colonial Williamsburg interpreters.

Wilbur, C. Keith. Revolutionary Medicine 1700-1800. Chester, Connecticut: The Globe Pequot Press, 1980. Grades 6-8 (O, WE)

Good overview of the medical profession, including knowledge and methods of treatment 1770-1800. Illustrated with drawings of tools, people, and symbols of the profession.

Wilbur, C. Keith. Pirates and Patriots of the Revolution. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 1997. Grades 6-8 (O, GOV)

Describes naval operations and privateering during the period of the American Revolution.

Wilmore, Kathy. A Day in the Life of a Colonial Blacksmith. New York: PowerKids, 2000. Grades 3-6 (WE)

The work, products, and life of a typical blacksmith in 1770s Maryland.

Wilmore, Kathy. A Day in the Life of a Colonial Printer. New York: PowerKids, 2000. Grades 3-6 (WE)

How a printer of a newspaper acquired news, used a printing press, and distributed the paper.

Wood, Marion. The World of Native Americans. New York: Peter Bedrick, 1997. Grades 3-5 (NA)

Surveys the customs and ways of Native Americans, emphasizing not only similarities but also differences between tribes and their changes over time and place.

Wood, Peter H. Strange New Land: African Americans, 1617-1776. The Young Oxford History of African-Americans Series, Vol. II. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996. Grades 6-8 (AA)

Examines the lives of African-Americans in the American colonies from the 16th century, when the first slaves were brought over by the Spanish, to the beginning of the American Revolution. Includes illustrations, chronology, maps, charts, and prints.

Back to the top

Y

Yetter, George H. Williamsburg Before and After. Williamsburg, Virginia: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1988. Grade 4 and up (O)

Tells the story of the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg's historic buildings, including their history, architecture, restoration or reconstruction, and conservation, through color photography, drawings, and text.

Back to the top

We welcome your comments, suggestions and information about other titles of children/adolescent/young adult literature that will be helpful to those seeking books about Colonial America and Virginia history. Please send your suggestions to:

The Learning Resource Center
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187

Or call (757) 220-7497