The following books on life in colonial America can bring this 'long ago' period to life for students who may be struggling to relate to the people and lifestyle of the era. As with so much of history, it takes a personal story to make the events seem real to students and children's books are perfect for accomplishing this.
Thankfully, historical fiction for children has really expanded in recent years, with many more authors turning their attention to books set during various historical time periods. Teachers love to see this shift happening, as it makes our job so much more fun! :)
The following children's books depict life in colonial America. The
interest age increases as you move down the page. Note: This is a two
page list, with books for older kids on page two.
Homespun Sarah
by Verla Kay
1st grade - 4th grade
Colonial Kids
An Activity Guide to Life in the
New World by Laurie Carlson
Kindergarten - 6th grade
Tattered Sails
by Verla Kay
Kindergarten - 3rd grade
Mayflower 1620
A New Look at a Pilgrim Voyage
by Peter Arenstam
1st grade - 4th grade
Pilgrims of Plymouth
by Susan Goodman
1st grade - 4th grade
Day in the Life Series
Samuel Eaton's Day, Sarah Morton's Day, and Tapenum's Day -- by Kate Waters
1st grade - 4th grade
Elizabeth's Jamestown Colony Diary
(My America series) -- by Patricia Hermes
2nd grade - 5th grade
John Smith
Escapes Again
by Rosalyn Schanzer
2nd grade - 4th grade
Squanto's Journey
Story of the First Thanksgiving
by Joseph Bruchac
2nd grade - 5th grade
1607: A New Look
at Jamestown
by Karen Lange
3rd grade - 6th grade
The Salem Witch Trials
An Unsolved Mystery
from History
by Jane Yolen
3rd grade - 6th grade
A Journey to the
New World
Diary of Remember Patience Whipple (Dear America series)
3rd grade - 6th grade
You Wouldn't Want to Be
an American Colonist!
A Settlement You'd Rather Not
Start by Jacqueline Morley
3rd grade - 6th grade
Weetamoo: Heart of
the Pocassets, 1653
(The Royal Diaries)
4th grade - 7th grade
To see more books on life in colonial America (especially for older kids), click here or click the arrow below.