Wallner, A. (1994). Betsy Ross. New York: Holiday House.Grade K-3. Picture book/Biography.

This story, illustrated with colorful folk art, chronicles the life of Betsy Ross and her contribution to the Revolutionary cause. Elizabeth (Betsy) Griscom was born to Quaker parents in 1752 in Philadelphia. Betsy became skilled in needlework as a child. She apprenticed in an upholstery shop where she met and married John Ross. Betsy was widowed three times and had seven children. George Washington came to Betsy’s upholstery shop to ask her to make a flag to represent the 13 American colonies. On June 14, 1777, Betsy’s flag was adopted as the official flag of the United States of AmericaT

Kent, D. (2004). Phillis Wheatly. Chanhassen, MN: The Child’s World. Grades 4-6. Biography.

Phillis Wheatley is taken from West Africa and sold into slavery. She was purchased by John Wheatly of Boston as a household servant to his wife. The Wheatleys taught her to read and write, almost unheard of at the time. Phillis could not find a publisher in the colonies that would publish her poetry. Her works on the Revolutionary War were published under the pseudonym, Phillis Peters. There is a timeline of Ms. Wheatley’s life, a glossary, and a listing of additional books and web sites. This well written, yet easy to understand book, is a most for classroom libraries.

Fritz, J. (1974). Why don’t you get a horse, Sam Adams? New York: Coward-McCann. Ages 7-11.
Biography.

This is the story of events leading up to the Revolutionary War, told through the life of Sam Adams, leader of the Sons of Liberty. As he walks the streets of Boston, Sam warns citizens against taxes imposed by the British. As Paul Revere gallops through the city warning that the British are coming, patriot Adams is forced to flee for his life. A postscript explains that the facts in this book are true and taken from stories told by John Adams, his cousin, giving the story an unexpected twist.

Fradin, D.B. (2003). Who was Thomas Jefferson? (Illus. by John O’Brien). New York: Grosset & Dunlap. Ages 9-12. Biography.

Thomas Jefferson, lawmaker and later the third president of the United States, was a multi-talented man. In addition to being a statesman and author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was an architect, farmer, musician, and inventor. This interesting and well-written biography tells the story of a shy man, whose life was varied and complex. The pen and ink drawings illustrate life in colonial times and certain events of the Revolutionary War. This book is a great reference on the life of an American hero.

Abraham, P. (1970). Benjamin Franklin. New York: Scholastic. Easy early reader: Biography.

Benjamin Franklin is portrayed as a brother, tradesmen, scientist, inventor, and statesmen during a life devoted to learning. Franklin represents his country as he helps write the Declaration of Independence. Included is a glossary of new words, as well as a listing of suggested books and web sites. Benjamin Franklin would be an excellent choice for English language learners.

Rockwell, A. (2002). Only passing through: The story of Sojourner Truth. New York: Dragonfly Books. Illustrated by Anne Rockwell. Picture book/biography. Grades 3-6. This book tells the story of Sojourner Truth as she transforms from an enslaved young girl to an emancipated women speaking out against slavery. Be sure to do a picture walk first!
2001 Coretta Scott King Honor Award - illustrations