5 Books for Kids Who Love History and Hamilton!

King George: What Was His Problem? Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn’t Tell You About the American Revolution, by Steve Sheinkin, illustrated by Tim Robinson
This book is the brilliant creation of a former historical textbook writer frustrated that the books he wrote couldn’t contain all the cool, fun information he found out about political leaders of the past. What comes from that edited information is this amusing, yet highly  informative middle grade guide book that shares little known facts about King George and the American Revolution. And it does it in a way that will your teen reader enthralled while also not overwhelming them with historical data. I wish all history books looked like this one when I was in school!

Alexander Hamilton: Little Lion, by Ann Hood, illustrated by Denis Zilber
One of the best parts of studying history is looking at all the fictional stories that come out of real life experiences. This book is a prime example of this. A work of young fiction, this story tells the tale of a set of twins who use a magic treasure chest to take them back in time. All the way to when Alexander Hamilton was a young man in St. Croix and about to travel to America. It’s a chance for the reader to see a spot in time from a child’s perspective with an entertaining dose of whimsy and magic thrown in!

Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud, by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain, illustrated by Larry Day
Every child can relate to not always seeing eye to eye with a good friend. Which was exactly what happened between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams—two good friends with personalities that often contradicted each other. A fun glimpse for young readers into the important, yet sometimes volatile, relationship between two friends who finally learned how to work together to help forge what became our nation’s governmental structure.

George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides, by Rosalyn Schanzer
A king and a president. Eich with their own side of the story to tell. An incredible, illustrated look at the lives of two Georges—George Washington and King George III. Each leaders in their own countries, fighting for what they think their lands should be. This book is an amazing opportunity to bring home the concept that no side is completely right or without blame. Colorful artwork might make this seem a simple picture book, but it is far more than that. There’s something new for everyone to learn and you’re left with a better understanding of what the leaders at that time were up against.

Alexander Hamilton: The Outsider, by Jean Fritz
This is the book of all books for young readers about Alexander Hamilton. Written by a famed historical biographer, the book takes you on the ride of Hamilton’s life. Starting with his challenging younger years and the road to the treasury, you are amazed by all the obstacles Hamilton faced and overcame in his 47 years alive. This is the perfect biography for your young reader, or even their parent, interested in learning the backstory of Hamilton and why he is more than just the man on the $10 bill.