As America approaches its 250th anniversary, readers have a unique opportunity to revisit the people, events and ideas that shaped the nation's founding. To accompany Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt’s documentary series “The American Revolution,” PBS Books has curated a reading list that explores the Revolutionary era through nonfiction, historical fiction and children's literature. Whether you're looking for a detailed account of the war itself, compelling stories inspired by the lives of America's founders, or engaging books for younger readers, these selections offer a variety of perspectives on the struggle for independence and the individuals who helped define a new nation.
Nonfiction
“1776” by David McCullough
“Founding Mothers and Ladies of Liberty” by Cokie Roberts
“African Founders” by David Hackett Fischer
“The First Conspiracy” by Brad Meltzer
“Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” by Walter Isaacson
Historical Fiction
“A Girl Called Samson” by Amy Harmon
“My Dear Hamilton” by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
“The Traitor’s Wife” by Allison Pataki
“America’s First Daughter” by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
“Tell the Bees That I Am Gone” by Diana Gabaldon
“The Hamilton Affair” by Elizabeth Cobbs
Children’s Books
“History Smashers: The American Revolution” by Kate Messner
“Guts & Glory: The American Revolution” by Ben Thompson
“Washington, Adams, and Jefferson” by C.A. Worman
“Rebellion 1776” by Laurie Halse Anderson
“The History of the American Revolution” by Emma Carlson Berne
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Learn more at arkansastv.gov/america250.
Watch “The American Revolution” on PBS Passport.
Corporate funding for “The American Revolution” was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for “The American Revolution” was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. “The American Revolution” was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.