Visiting Washington, DC

Recommended Books and Links > Books and Links for Children of All Ages

• Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids - Introduces children to how the government works, covering the Constitution, how laws are made, the branches of government, and citizenship. From the GPO.
  

• Also see Books and Puzzles for Children

• See which books recent vistors have selected, on HobnobBlog

A Kid's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Revised and Updated Edition

"A Kid's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Revised and Updated Edition," by Miriam Chernick (Author), Richard Brown (Illustrator) (Harcourt Paperbacks 2008). "For children on school trips or traveling with their families, here is kid-friendly information about popular monuments, museums, exhibits, shopping, sporting events--and even day trips outside the immediate metropolitan area. Originally published in 1989, this handy guide now features completely updated text and photographs, along with the puzzles, games, and wonderful tidbits of trivia that have made it one of the most useful D.C. guidebooks for children. A Kid's Guide to Washington, D.C. is the perfect traveling companion for any youngster who wants to play an active role in planning a family vacation."

Kids' Travel Guide - Washington, DC: The fun way to discover Washington, DC with special activities for kids, coloring pages, fun fact and more!

"Kids' Travel Guide - Washington, DC: The fun way to discover Washington, DC with special activities for kids, coloring pages, fun fact and more!," by Kelsey Fox and Shiela H. Leon. "Watch as your kids become little experts on Washington, DC: its relevant history, what the city looks like, its transportation system, and many more fun and fascinating facts about the city. Your little tour guide will take you through Washington, DC s attractions ... Be sure to visit the best sites for kids: The National Mall, the famous White House, the inspiring National Museums, and the many magnificent monuments and memorials plus all the fun things to do in Washington, DC! "

Underground Train

"Underground Train," by Mary Quattlebaum (Yearling Books 1999). "My daughter, Isabel, and I live in DC at the metro stop that Quattlebaum describes in 'Underground Train,' and we love this book. The language is poetic, the story easy to identify with, and the illustrations nicely fit the action. I heartily recommend 'Underground Train' to families with train-riding kids everywhere." --Amazon.com reader

D is for Democracy

"D is for Democracy," by Elissa Grodin, Victor Jahasz, hardcover (Gale 2004). "Elissa Grodin takes readers of all ages on an A-Z trip through our government's structure, from its earliest beginnings to definitions of basic components and concepts (including immigration and taxation). Engaging, disarming, and frequently thought-provoking artwork from illustrator Victor Juhasz emphasizes the magnitude of the subject. From founding fathers, first ladies, and the First Amendment to the presidential oath of office, D is for Democracy details the political processes, parties, and people of democracy, American-style."

House Mouse, Senate Mouse

"House Mouse, Senate Mouse," by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl S. Barnes (Illustrator), hardcover (Vacation Spot Publishing 1996). "The Squeaker of the House and the Senate Mouse-jority Leader have a big job to do: Miss Tuftmouse's second grade class in Moussouri has written Congress with an idea for a law to declare a National Cheese!  'House Mouse, Senate Mouse' teaches children about our nation's Capitol building and takes them through the legislative process...."  A fun book with delightful, 4-color illustrations.  Highly recommended.

A Kid's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Revised and Updated Edition

"A Kid's Guide to Washington, D.C.," by Diane C. Clarke (Author), Richard Brown (Illustrator) (Gulliver Books 1989). "We bought this book for my 6 year old before a trip to D.C. He had just started reading over the previous year, and he read it during the entire drive and during our stay. He was able to look up all of the sites we planned to visit, and was so proud to share facts he learned with us. It was perfectly targeted to a young child, and he has picked it up to read many times since. He did not actually complete many of the activities (he is much more of a reader than a writer at this point). I only wish there was a book like this for every one of our trips! " --Amazon reader

Woodrow, The White House Mouse

"Woodrow, the White House Mouse," by Peter W. Barnes, Peter J. Barnes, Cheryl Shaw Barnes (Illustrator), hardcover (Vacation Spot Publishing 1996). The same author and illustrator of House Mouse, Senate Mouse give a tour of the White House and talk about the Presidency.

Our Country's Presidents

"Our Country's Presidents: Completely Revised and Expanded," by Ann Bausum, hardcover (National Geographic 2005). "If ever a book was designed for opening the eyes of Jr. High students, as well as adults looking for a bit of a "refresher course," this is it. It presents our presidents in a quick, concise manner, that makes one want to delve further into their lives and times. Without being ponderous, and/or preachy, it is informative, while also being one heck of a page turner. Get it. Read it. Share it." --Amazon.com reader

Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court

"Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court," by Peter W. Barnes, Peter J. Barnes, Cheryl S. Barnes (Illustrator), hardcover (Vacation Spot Publishing 1996).   "As an attorney, this is a book I share with children with whom I work and who ask me about what the Supreme Court is, what law is and how decisions are made, why the process interests me, and what I do. The book is truly delightful and offers an entertaining introduction to the courts." --Amazon.com reader.

Alexander, the Old Town Mouse

"Alexander, the Old Town Mouse," by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes (Illustrator), hardcover (Vacation Spot Publishing 1996). About historic Old Town Alexandria, VA, just across the Potomac from Washington, DC.

The Wall

"The Wall," by Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler (Illustrator), paperback (Reading Rainbow Book, Houghton Mifflin Co. 1992). Also available in hardcover. "A boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. "Before this powerful book is half finished, readers will be deeply moved. Bunting's understated prose captures the meaning of the memorial to the American people. . . . Himler's gauzy watercolors are a perfect accompaniment." --School Library Journal, starred review.

Shh! We're Writing the Constitution

"Shh! We're Writing the Constitution," by Jean Fritz, Tomie De Paola (Illustrator), paperback (Paper Star 1998). "The award-winning author takes readers behind the scenes at the Constitutional Convention for a good-humored history lesson, enlivened by dePaola's quirky illustrations. Full color." Also available in hardcover.

Washington, D.C. Guidebook for Kids

"Washington, DC Guidebook for Kids," by Carol Bluestone and Susan Irwin, paperback (Noodle Press 2000)

The Great Little Madison

"The Great Little Madison," by Jean Fritz, paperback (Paper Star 1998). "Fritz draws young readers behind the scenes, into James Madison's private life, his worries for his country, his friendship with Thomas Jefferson, and his happy partnership with his wife, Dolley. Illustrated with black-and-white paintings and engravings." Also available in hardcover

If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution

"If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution," by Elizabeth Levy, Joan Holub (Illustrator), Richard Rosenblum (Illustrator), paperback (Scholastic 1992). "[R]eaders are taken behind the locked doors of the Philadelphia State House during the dramatic Constitutional Convention."

Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?

"Will You Sign Here, John Hancock," by Jean Fritz, Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator), Margot Tomes (Illustrator), paperback (Paper Star 1997). "A biography of the first signer of the Declaration of Independence outlining all that he did for himself as well as what he did for Massachusetts and his new nation."

If You Lived At The Time Of The American Revolution

"If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution," by Kay Moore, Daniel O'Leary (Illustrator), paperback (Scholastic 1998). "In a lively question-and-answer format, this book reveals what life was like--especially for children--during the Revolutionary War."

The Fourth of July Story

"The Fourth of July Story," by Alice Dalgliesh, Marie Nonnast (Illustrator), paperback (Aladdin 1995). "Believing that children 'have a right to know that Independence Day is more than fireworks and picnics,' two-time Newbery Honor author, Alice Dalgliesh, makes history come alive in this accessible story of America's birthday."

A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy

"A Young Patriot: The American Revolution As Experienced by One Boy," by Jim Murphy, paperback (Clarion Books 1998). "Joseph Plumb Martin enlisted in the Connecticut militia in 1776 as a sixteen-year-old. Using Martin's first-person account of his participation in the Revolutionary War as his primary source, Murphy tells the story of one teenager's life as a soldier. Murphy weaves Martin's story into a broader tale, giving background about the causes of the Revolution and providing an account of the unfolding of the war, the significant battles, and the war's end. As he has in previous books, the author shows a talent for choosing and explicating details that make history both personal and fascinating. The description of the winter at Valley Forge includes the fact that the soldiers were too tired and hungry even to build themselves shelter from the cold; Washington had to bribe the soldiers by offering a prize of twelve dollars to the group who finished building a hut first."

And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?

"And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?" by Jean Fritz, Margot Tomes (Illustrator), paperback (Paper Star 1996). "Everyone knows about Paul Revere's big ride to Lexington. But not everyone knows the harrowing details and narrow escapes along the way. Did you know that Paul Revere forgot his spurs on his famous ride? Or that he whittled false teeth to make extra money?"  Also available in hardcover.

Phoebe the Spy

"Phoebe the Spy," Judith Griffin (Author), Margot Tomes (Illustrator) (Putnam Juvenile 2002). "Someone is planning to kill George Washington, and young Phoebe Fraunces is trying to save his life. Phoebe gets a job as George Washington's housekeeper, but her real job is to work as a spy. She listens and watches very carefully, and she meets her father every day to tell him what she has learned. One day Phoebe's father tells her that Washington is planning to leave town in a few days, and the person plotting against him will act before then. Phoebe is very frightened, but she is determined to figure out who is after Washington before it's too late. . . . "

North by Night: A Story of the Underground Railroad

"North by Night: A Story of the Underground Railroad," by Katherine Ayres (Yearling 2000). "A 16-year-old girl with two suitors undertakes a daring plan to help slaves along the Underground Railroad. According to Publishers Weekly, 'The heroine's dramatic self-actualization is at least as important as the period setting.'"

My Brother Sam Is Dead

"My Brother Sam Is Dead," by James Lincoln Collier (Scholastic Paperbacks 2005). "This book describes the fictional adventures of the Meeker family of Redding, Connecticut, though much of the context of the story -- including setting, characters and situations -- is true. The action takes place between April 1775 and February 1779. Tim Meeker begins as an 11-year old boy; his father runs the town's tavern and general store and remains loyal to the English king, while his beloved older brother Sam has just run off to join the Rebels and fight for freedom from the British. " -- Amazon reader

Johnny Tremain

"Johnny Tremain," by Esther Hoskins Forbes (Houghton Mifflin 1943). "This story of a tragically injured young silversmith who ends up hip-deep in the American Revolution is inspiring, exciting, and sad. Winner of the prestigious Newbery Award in 1944, Esther Forbes's story has lasted these 50-plus years by including adventure, loss, courage, and history in a wonderfully written, very dramatic package. It's probably not great for little guys but mature 11-year-olds or older will find it a great adventure."

We're There! Washington, DC

"We're There! Washington, DC," by Elizabeth Skinner Grumbach (KidQuest 2005). "Visiting Washington, DC with your kids? This book is sure to engage and entertain your children with fun scavenger hunts and puzzles relating to what you are seeing as you explore our nation's Capital. Beautiful photography and eye-catching graphics will keep your children busy at museums along the Mall, at the Capitol Building and Supreme Court and at other major attractions around Washington, DC. We've even included activities to keep them happy while waiting for a meal or on line! This interactive book becomes a personalized keepsake of their trip by the end of the visit."

Grace's Letter to Lincoln

"Grace's Letter to Lincoln," by Peter And Connie Roop (Author), Stacey Schuett (Illustrator) (Hyperion 1998). "On the eve of the 1860 presidential election, as war clouds gather and the South threatens to secede, eleven-year-old Grace decides to help Abraham Lincoln get elected by writing and advising him to grow a beard."

Civil War On Sunday

"Civil War On Sunday," by Mary Pope Osborne (Author), Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) (Random House 2000). "Traveling back in time from the rumbling thunderstorms of present-day Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, to the booming of Civil War cannonballs near Richmond, Virginia, Jack and Annie set out on their 21st Magic Tree House adventure. The mysterious Morgan le Fay, magical librarian of Camelot, the long-ago kingdom of King Arthur, has left the brother and sister a message in their magic tree house, asking for their help saving Camelot. "Please find these four special kinds of writing for my library: Something to follow, Something to send, Something to learn, Something to lend." Jack and Annie enthusiastically transport themselves to a field near the fighting, and soon are enlisted as volunteer nurses assisting none other than Clara Barton, legendary "Angel of the Battlefield," as she drives her horse-drawn ambulance right onto the battlefields to help save wounded soldiers--including one with a very special connection to Jack and Annie."

A Kid's Guide to the White House: Is George Washington Upstairs?

"A Kid's Guide To The White House: Is George Washington Upstairs?" by Betty Debnam (Andrews McMeel 1996). "Find out how the White House was built, and meet the first families and their pets that have lived there. Take a tour of the public rooms and visit the big back yard."

Time For Kids: Benjamin Franklin: A Man of Many Talents

"Benjamin Franklin: A Man of Many Talents." By Kathryn Hoffman Satterfield (Harper Trophy 2005). "Benjamin Franklin: A Man of Many Talents is well written and easy to read. The book quickly covers many of the important events from Franklin's life. The artwork is relevant and colorful. This book will make a great addition to any family's or school's history library!" --Amazon.com reader

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