Life in Colonial America
Best Children's Books

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.

Great Kids Books on
Life in Colonial America

Ox-Cart Man
by Donald Hall
Kindergarten - 3rd grade



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



Shadows in the
Glasshouse

(History Mysteries)
by Megan McDonald
3rd grade - 6th grade



A Journey to the
New World

Diary of Remember Patience Whipple (Dear America series)
3rd grade - 6th grade



Enemy in the Fort
(History Mysteries)
by Sarah Masters Buckey
4th grade - 7th 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.