Best Colonial Williamsburg Books for Kids
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My family visited Colonial Williamsburg 11 times during our 15 years of homeschooling, and many of those trips were during homeschool days. Over the years, I found that reading books before (and sometimes after) our visits made the experience even more meaningful. Stories gave my children a little background for what they were seeing and helped them connect the places and people in front of them with the history they were learning at home.
If you’re planning a family trip to Colonial Williamsburg, or want to add some interesting history books to your homeschool, these Colonial Williamsburg books for kids are a great place to start. I’ve included picture books, chapter books, and books about historical figures your children may encounter as they explore Colonial Williamsburg. Reading these children’s books will help you prepare to be transported to colonial times.
If you are not planning a field trip to Colonial Williamsburg, these books can supplement a Colonial America history unit study.
Best Colonial Williamsburg Books for Kids
Colonial Williamsburg Picture Books
If You Lived in Williamsburg in Colonial Days by Barbara Brenner and Jennie Williams
Last update on 2026-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If You Lived in Williamsburg in Colonial Days is technically a picture book, but it is written in a question-and-answer format. Children can read the book cover to cover, or they can skip around and read the answers to questions they find interesting. They will learn about colonial houses, what people typically wore in the 1770s, colonial schools, why there was an English governor, and what type of events occurred in the taverns on Duke of Gloucester Street.
Hogsheads to Blockheads: The Kids’ Guide to Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area by Barry Varela
Last update on 2026-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I debated whether or not to include this book, because I haven’t read it and can’t find a sample online. However, it was published by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and consistently receives high reviews from people who have read it. Reviews say that the book is informative and engaging.
Exploring Colonial Williamsburg from A to Z by Chris Kinsley
Last update on 2026-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This book is perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Each page features real photographs of areas around Colonial Williamsburg. I think young children will really enjoy finding each photo location while touring the historic area. If I were going again with young children, I would pack this in my field trip bag and pull it out when they were starting to get tired and needed a little encouragement to keep going.
D is for Drums: A Colonial ABC Story by Kay Chorao
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Hardcover Book
Last update on 2026-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This book was researched and approved by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and written and illustrated by Kay Chorao. In typical alphabet book fashion, every letter corresponds with an item found in Colonial Williamsburg. Some of the terms might be new to children, such as ‘frock’, but there is a glossary in the back to help children learn new vocabulary terms.
If your children enjoy this book, or even if they just like the idea, consider creating your own alphabet book during a Colonial Williamsburg field trip. Families can find items that begin with each letter, take a picture of the object, personal, animal, etc., and then create a book on Shutterfly.
Colonial Williamsburg Chapter Books
The History Detective Club Series by Wendy Neugent
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This historical fiction set of books is perfect for upper elementary or middle school students who are curious about Williamsburg and the Revolutionary War. It is a time-travel mystery that blends real events with creative liberties to keep kids interested. The series begins in 1774 and ends in 1781.
- Seeds of Rebellion
- The Powder is Lit
- The Die is Cast
- Tidings of Liberty (This book is set at Christmas in Williamsburg in 1776.)
- Whom Can We Trust Now?
- So Hardly Got
The Colonial Caper Mystery at Williamsburg by Carole Marsh
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In this fictional mystery book, the characters visit present-day Colonial Williamsburg to visit family friends. While dining at Christina Campbell’s Tavern, they learn that an important map has disappeared. The children, of course, want to solve the mystery and find the map. Readers will notice many Colonial Williamsburg locations mentioned in the book – Christina Campbell’s Tavern, the wig shop, Duke of Gloucester Street, and Market Square. I like that there are book club discussion questions at the end. A book club with Colonial Williamsburg books for kids, Colonial treats, and a Colonial craft or two would be really fun!
Colonial Courage Series by Abbey Reilly
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This two-book historical fiction series is set in Williamsburg in 1775. Sam and Mary, two children around the age of 12, work with their parents, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson to defeat the British military. The reviews describe this as a great book if you want to focus on the Revolutionary War.
Felicity American Girl Series by Valerie Tripp
- Ameriican Girl
- Youth
- Girls
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
American Girl fans will love the Meet Felicity series. These were my daughter’s favorite Colonial Williamsburg books for kids when she was around 10. She read the books and then pretended to be Felicity strolling the cobblestone streets of Williamsburg.
Felicity moves to Williamsburg shortly before the Revolutionary War begins. I feel like teaching the Revolutionary War through the perspective of a young girl is a gentle way to begin teaching about the founding of America.
- Meet Felicity: An American Girl
- Felicity Learns a Lesson: A School Story
- Felicity’s Surprise (This is another historical fiction Christmas book.)
- Happy Birthday Felicity! A Springtime Story
- Felicity Saves the Day: A Summer Story
- Changes for Felicity: A Winter Story
- Gunpowder and Teacakes: My Journey with Felicity
- A Stand for Independence
- Love and Loyalty (This book is set before 1774.)
Mystery on Church Hill by Steven K. Smith
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mystery on Church Hill is the second book in The Virginia Mysteries. This series takes place in historic sites all around Virginia, including Richmond, Jamestown, Mount Vernon, and Monticello. Mystery on Church Hill begins in Richmond and then transitions to Colonial Williamsburg.
When the main characters, Sam and Derek, arrive in Colonial Williamsburg, they explore George Wythe’s workshop. The Wythe house is one of the homes typically open for guided tours for visitors.
Colonial Williamsburg Books for Kids About Historical Figures
Historical figure reenactors can be seen in the Colonial Williamsburg Colonial area. Sometimes they are walking around the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg and interacting with visitors. Other times they are giving a speech or performance. Knowing a bit about these characters can help children engage with the experience and ask appropriate questions.
George Washington
George Washington is one of the most remembered Founding Fathers and is one of the historical figures families may encounter when visiting Colonial Williamsburg. Before becoming the nation’s first president, Washington served as a military leader during the American Revolution.
“George Washington” can frequently be seen strolling around the Palace Green in Colonial Williamsburg. My family has had the pleasure of chatting with him on multiple occasions. He always stays in character and will not discuss the ending of the American Revolution or his time as the first president of the United States.
A Picture Book of George Washington by David Adler
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This picture book biography is a great resource for children who want to learn about the life of George Washington. I like that this book explains a bit about his childhood. George Washington’s childhood would be a great topic of conversation if your children happen to meet this Founding Father in Colonial Williamsburg.
I Am George Washington by Brad Meltzer
- Hardcover Book
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I Am George Washington is another biography written for children. It does a good job explaining adult concepts, such as war, in a way that is appropriate for children. Brad Meltzer and David Adler, mentioned above, are generally considered the gold standard for authors who write biographies for children.
The author, Brad Meltzer, offers free teacher resources to accompany this book on his website.
George vs George: The American Revolution as Seen From Two Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Families might get a chance to chat with George Washington during their visit to Colonial Williamsburg, but there is another George who is frequently mentioned in the Revolutionary City – King George. This book explains the Revolutionary War from the perspective of both men.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was one of the most influential figures of the American Revolution and the early United States. He first came to Williamsburg in 1760 to attend the College of William and Mary. This college is next door to historic Williamsburg. He also studied under the instruction of George Wythe.
“Thomas Jefferson” can be found walking around the historic area, but he also gives speeches on the Palace Green Stage.
A Picture Book of Thomas Jefferson by David Adler
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A Picture Book of Thomas Jefferson by David A. Adler is a biography that introduces young readers to the life of Thomas Jefferson. The book covers Jefferson’s childhood, his work as a lawyer and statesman, his role in writing the Declaration of Independence, and his presidency.
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library Barb Rosenstock
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thomas Jefferson became a voracious reader as soon as he learned to read. This picture book explains how his love of reading led Jefferson to build a personal library. His personal library was used to rebuild the Library of Congress after the War of 1812. Of course, that is after the time period discussed in Colonial Williamsburg, but it might interest some young readers.
Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry is best known for his speeches, including his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech, which he delivered in 1775. He came to Williamsburg around the same time as Thomas Jefferson and for the same reason, to become a lawyer. After becoming a lawyer, he spent time as a representative in the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg.
Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May by Jean Fritz
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? by Jean Fritz is an interesting biography that introduces children to the life of Patrick Henry. It tells the story of his childhood in Virginia to his rise as a lawyer, statesman, and the voice for American independence. Jean Fritz uses the recurring date of May 29, Patrick Henry’s birthday, to highlight important moments in Henry’s life.
James Madison
James Madison was a Virginia statesman and one of the Founding Fathers. He spent time in Williamsburg during the Fifth Virginia Convention. He helped write the Virginia Declaration of Independence, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
A Picture Book of Dolley and James Madison by David Adler
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This biography explains the lives of James Madison and his wife Dolley. While most of the events happen outside of Williamsburg, this book will help children better understand the Father of the Constitution.
Marquis de Lafayette
The Marquis de Lafayette was a wealthy young French nobleman who became an important ally of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. He volunteered to fight alongside the Continental Army and became a close friend of George Washington. Lafayette played an important role in the American victory at Yorktown
“Marquis de Lafayette” can frequently be found on the Palace Green, typically riding a horse.
Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette by Selene Castrovilla
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This historical fiction picture book explains Marquis de Lafayette’s involvement in the Revolutionary War. It also explores the special friendship between the General of the Continental Army and the young Frenchman.
James Lafayette
James Lafayette was an enslaved man who served in the Continental Army as a spy. He managed to infiltrate the British army. He shared information about British strategy and plans with Marquis de Lafayette, which helped the Continental Army win the Battle of Yorktown. He also gave false information to the British commander to create confusion and misdirection.
A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent by Anne Rockwell
- Hardcover Book
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A Spy Called James by Anne Rockwell tells the true story of James Lafayette, an enslaved man who became a spy for the American military during the Revolutionary War. James gathered information that helped the Americans defeat the British at Yorktown. After the war, James returned to slavery and then fought for his own freedom.
I hope these Colonial Williamsburg books for kids are helpful! As with all book lists, please preview the selections to make sure you find the content appropriate for your children. Ten years of blogging has taught me that everyone has a different definition of appropriate.
A visit to Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful way to bring American history to life. Instead of reading about colonial life in a history textbook, children can walk through historic buildings, watch tradespeople produce period-appropriate goods, and meet people who help them imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago. This was our favorite homeschool field trip location. Even now, my adult children visit Colonial Williamsburg as often as possible.
Keep reading . . .
- Colonial Williamsburg Homeschool Days: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- Learning American History Through Literature
- What to Teach in an Elementary History Curriculum
- Salem Witch Trial Books for Kids
- Best Historical Fiction Christmas Books for Kids
- Alexander Hamilton for Kids
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