The Secret Tales of Colonial America

Here are some links to the best books about Colonial America.  I have read all of these and HIGHLY recommend them.  Looking back over these make me wish I was back in 4th grade where we teach colonial history!

Molly Bannaky was sentenced to life in the colonies after the cow she was milking turned over the pail of milk for a second time.  Instead of being hung, she boarded a ship alone and was assigned to a monied colonist.  This is the story of her indenture....and her life after!

Benjamin Banneker has been known throughout history as a great scientist, a surveyor, farmer, and writer.  But, did you know that he was the son of Molly Bannaky (above) and the slave that she freed?

This book is an absolute favorite of students...it has a tongue-in-cheek outlook of the decisions made by King George the III and the causes of the American Revolutionary War.  

This book, also authored by Jean Fritz, is the tale of her grandmother, who grew up as a pioneer in Western Pennsylvania during the 1700's.  There were no children to play with....and really no time for play as the land had to be cleared, the crops planted and harvested, and then, there was preparing for winter...

Have you ever heard of Deborah Sampson who was given away as a  child because her mother was so poor?  She worked as a Nanny and did chores for a family until she was 18.  With no prospects for marriage, she decides to join the 'cause' and becomes a soldier in the Continental Army.  When she gets shot..she gets found out.