Looking for meaningful ways to teach your kids about American history, bravery, and national pride? These patriotic children’s books are a great place to start. With stories that honor veterans, explore the origins of our flag, and highlight the values that shaped our country, this list is perfect for sparking thoughtful conversations.
Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion
By Jane Barclay; illustrated by Renne Benoit. Best for ages 6+
This is a beautiful book about a young boy who is curious about his grandfather’s life. He learns of his grandfather’s bravery in the war, and together they march with other veterans in a parade. As they leave a wreath for his grandfather’s friend who never made it back from the war, the young boy learns a lesson about never forgetting their heroic deeds.
Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
By Jeff Gottesfeld; illustrated by Matt Tavares. Best for ages 8+
July 2, 1937, is not a day most of us know, but it is the date that the guarding of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier began. Beautifully illustrated by Matt Tavares, this book is told from the point of view of a soldier who has passed away as he describes the rituals performed by the sentries on duty.
The Worn-Out Flag
By Karen Bowen; illustrated by Olha Tkachenko. Best for ages 6+
Miguel and Sam are the sons of a Marine. Together, they learn a valuable lesson about our nation’s flag and what the stars and stripes mean. After hearing the story of how their father went from a Scout to a Marine, the boys have even more respect for their father and our country.
The Star-Spangled Banner
By Peter Spier. Best for ages 6+
Peter Spier beautifully illustrates Francis Scott Key’s lyrics to give readers a sense of what “broad stripes and white stars through the perilous night” might have really looked like. Kids will learn the history of the War of 1812 while also getting to see a reproduction of Francis Scott Key’s original manuscript.
America: A Patriotic Primer
By Lynne Cheney; illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Best for ages 6+
With a letter on every page, Cheney takes children through the entire patriotic alphabet! Your children will learn that “A is for America, the land we love,” and more! Younger children will love working their way through the alphabet while older children glean insights about our nation, citizenship and equality.
Let Liberty Rise!: How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty
By Chana Stiefel; illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Best for ages 6+
One hundred years after the United States gained its independence from Britain, our friends from France sent us a gift: the Statue of Liberty. There was only one problem — it needed a pedestal. When Joseph Pulitzer launched a campaign encouraging Americans to send their spare change to help pay for it, schoolchildren from around the country sent in their coins. It was their enthusiastic efforts that allowed this gift from France to be seen by the world.
Long May She Wave: The True Story of Caroline Pickersgill and Her Star-Spangled Creation
By Kristen Fulton; illustrated by Holly Berry. Best for ages 6+
Meet Caroline Pickersgill, whose family is known for their excellent craftsmanship in flag-making. After stitching together the first American flag, Caroline and her family watch in nervous anticipation as the British attack Baltimore in 1814. Would the flag they sewed stay standing over Fort McHenry?
How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.
By Marjorie Priceman. Best for ages 6+.
Before you can make a cherry pie, you are going to need the tools to do it! Join a little baker and her dog as they travel around the United States looking for some of our country’s natural resources to make their supplies: coal, granite and clay, just to name a few. After reading, get your little bakers in the kitchen for some cherry-pie-making of your own!
Johnny Tremain
By Esther Hoskins Forbes. Best for ages 11+.
Johnny is a 14-year-old silversmith apprentice when he injures his hand and is forced to find a different job. He begins working as a messenger for the Sons of Liberty and finds himself caught up in the Boston Tea Party. Join him as he meets Samuel Adams and has other exciting adventures during the Revolutionary War.
Delena Soukup is a patriotic homeschooling mom of nine who loves coffee, discussing children’s literature with strangers and chronicling her domestic adventures on Instagram at @thecoffeecurriculum.