On July Fourth, 2026, the United States will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There has already been a number of events celebrating the 250th with many more to come. What better way to get your students engaged in learning about this time period than by reading some books!
Revolutionary War Texts
Each of the books below can stand alone or you might consider forming text sets around the books, their themes, their topics, etc. Many of these books already have teaching guides that accompany them for immediate use in the classroom as you finish off the year or as a great back-to-school reading in the fall.
Award-winning Author Avi presents this story of treason, revenge, and thrilling real historical events. His website contains teaching resources, reading group guides, and much more. What’s interesting about this particular story is that it contains a British perspective concerning their occupation in the United States.
Almost five years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution hung in the balance. In late May 1781, General Cornwallis invaded City Point, VA, and quartered his army there. As 16-year-old Susanna Bolling served the British general and his officers dinner, she overheard their plans to capture General Lafayette and crush the American rebellion once and for all. Under the cover of darkness, she snuck out of her house through a secret underground tunnel and canoed downriver. Then she grabbed a neighbor’s horse and rode ten miles to warn Lafayette. But would she make it back home by sunrise without detection?
Make sure you check out the author’s website to see other Revolutionary War books she has written!
This engaging book provides a chance for young readers to learn about the death-defying attempts of black Americans to gain the inalienable rights promised in the Declaration of Independence. By stepping into the shoes of thirteen men and women—stand-ins for the fifth of the population left out of most textbooks—readers can appreciate how the American Revolution rattled the chains of slavery and expanded the boundaries of freedom beyond the Founding Fathers’ intentions.
There is a wonderful teacher’s guide that accompanies this book on the author’s website.
Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth behind the Revolutionary War with beloved educator/author Kate Messner. The fun mix of sidebars, illustrations, photos, and graphic panels make this perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.
You might already be a fan of the History Smashers series and this one is no different. There are so many misconceptions about what really happened in 1776, and the endless facts in this book really helps clarify what really happened. Kate Messner has also been known to be available for author visits, both in-person and virtually.
What are your plans to celebration the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution? Leave your ideas in the comments below!
Studying amphibians is a natural interest for most students. After all, some amphibians hop, they stick out their tongues to catch their meals, and they go back and forth from land to water. Studying amphibians is also a great way to expand students’ critical thinking skills through STEM. Luckily, some great books can help teachers, parents, librarians, and others on this mission.
First of all, what is an amphibian? By definition, they are a cold-blooded vertebrate animal that usually has two different life stages in two different habitats. That is, larval in a water stage, and breathing in a land environment. Amphibians include frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. Caecilians are also included, though they are not as well known. The word amphibian derives from the Greek words “amphi”, which means “both sides”, and “bio”, which means “life”. This refers to the two stages of life in two different environments.
Many engaging books teach and inspire children to learn more about amphibians.
Background knowledge:
A good way to introduce amphibians as a subject is to assess your students’ background knowledge and introduce some key vocabulary words. The following links show the life cycle of frogs. I’ve also included a list of some vocabulary words related to amphibians, gleaned from some of the books in this month’s list. The words are:
Ectothermic, vertebrate, aquatic, metamorphosis, and herpetologist.
Amphibian Vocabulary: a list of amphibian vocabulary from books from the list. Tier 2 and 3, also includes a worksheet to help students use and understand words.
KWL Chart: Can be used to introduce amphibians, and gauge what students already know about them, what questions students have, and what they might want to learn!
Amphibian Acrobats by Leslie Bulion Illustrated by Robert Meganck
This book is a cleverly written and whimsically illustrated book on amphibians that could be used in a classroom in many ways. It is oriented around a variety of poem styles that describe various amphibians (including caecilians!), and each entry also provides factual information on the habitat, lifecycle, and other details on each animal.
Some of the other information in the book is actual notes on the kinds of poems, with specific vocabulary and details on each type of poem. There is also information on the current state of amphibians in the world, and how they need our help; they have included resources on how to help. There is also a great world map that lists where specific native amphibians live, and it also includes their specific threat of extinction.
The language in each poem is engaging, with inventive and colorful words describing each creature and their activities. For example:
The Daredevil Free-Climbers:
We will teethe scummy plants,
Then slurp termites and ants,
When we’re fat burrow frogs, down below!
(Amazing Amphibians, page 39 ebook)
I love the use of “scummy” and “slurp termites and ants”, it’s very visual! And, I’m sure that students would enjoy it also!
Different writing techniques are also used, which could be utilized in class:
The Flag Waver:
A rival hopped up next to him, boi-oing!
A rival hopped up next to him.
Frog’s foot shot out-FLAG! -Take a Swim! Boi-oing!
(Amazing Amphibians, page 31 ebook)
We can always use a new way to introduce onomatopoeia! And this would be great as a read-aloud, to get students interested, and to make them think about word usage, and how to hook their readers.
Activities:
As the book focuses on poetry and the creative use of language, I thought a wonderful way to extend the ideas in this book was to have students write their own creative pieces. This could be adapted to fit many grade levels. One possibility is that students could pick their own choice of amphibian to research, and then write a “mini” research project on it. I have attached a mini book template below. Of course, it could also be done in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Another idea is to have each student write a poem. Again, they could choose the amphibian of their choice. A haiku would be a great way to start, and a template is attached below. The class could even write a haiku together, and then be released to write their own. I would also focus on the use of creative, imaginative language to specifically describe their amphibian. The teacher/parent could read aloud several of the poems, and have students pick out the language that catches their attention, or can make them visualize their amphibian!
Another possible idea is to combine the mini research project with a poem, so that they can produce their own Amphibian Acrobats!
Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple
Do you know a student with burning questions about frogs, like how do they jump so high and why do some of them live underground? If so, then Annette Whipple’s Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs is a must for your home or classroom. It would be great for a read-aloud, or for dipping into to answer some of those questions.
Another great feature of this book is that Annette has prepared a textbook example of a Teacher Guide for a nonfiction guide. It is a downloadable package with many treasures inside. It includes activities for writing, reading, and STEM/STEAM activities; altogether, there are 8 ELA and 11 STEAM activities. It also includes 4 printable items, including “Lifecycle of a Frog” and “Frog Facts”. There are also some hands-on activities, such as origami frog math. All in all, it is a great addition to the book itself, and teachers/librarians will enjoy having these ready-made activities available for their use!
Amazing Amphibians: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring Frogs, Toads, Salamanders and More by Lisa J. Amstutz
This is an amazing book, chock full of ideas to increase your knowledge of amphibians. It provides factual information, while also giving students many different ways to explore, including through art, cooking, in nature, games, writing, researching, and other hands-on STEM activities. This would be great for many ages and educational settings, from preschool through at least middle school. I think it would be useful for many settings, including schools, homeschools, and nature centers. I’ve chosen a few to highlight below, with some additional sources. However, there are step-by-step instructions for each activity in the book. It would make an excellent purchase for your personal library, or search for it in your school or town library.
Activity: Making a Frog/Toad Abode (Page 95)
Amphibians in general are at risk for habitat destruction, which can impact their life cycle. One way that humans can help is to provide shelter and a safe habitat. One of the activities in Amazing Amphibians details how to build a “toad abode”, though it can obviously be for frogs as well. It is on page 95, and it lists material requirements, as well as instructions on how to build it. It is a hands-on activity, and would work for many ages, with some adaptations. It could also be artistic, as some builders encourage decorating the “houses” with mosaic tile and other decorations. Listed below are some videos that give examples and further instructions on how to build them.
A section of this book covers the frog life cycle, and many other books cover it as well. (I’ve provided a link to a Nat Geo Kids section on the Life Cycle of Frogs in the first section). After they’ve gotten a general introduction, this activity of making “faux” frog eggs would be great for many ages.
This activity uses water beads, water, and green food coloring. I did locate another option (more earth-friendly) that used chia seeds, and included creating a whole mini habitat. The video is attached below.
For kids who are truly interested in studying amphibians and reptiles, there is an online program that is coordinated by the Amphibian Foundation. It includes “camps” for younger students and classes for amphibian pet owners. There is a modest cost (see information below).
For older students who are interested in further training, there is a Junior Master Herpeologist Program, which is an 8-week online certification program for kids ages 12-14.
There are other programs available; click on the link below for more information.
This month’s theme brings mountains right into your classroom! How can students learn about these major landforms—the highest places on Earth? Here are a few ideas to try in the classroom let students climb their peaks by opening these books.
At the Top of the World: The greatest mountains on Earth (and how to climb them)by Robin Jacobs and Ed J. Brown
An engaging, beautifully illustrated guide to eight of Earth’s most iconic peaks, merging mountain geology, ecosystems, cultural stories, and climbing challenges. Accessible text explains routes, risks, gear, and knots with vibrant visuals that inspire curiosity and adventure. Perfect for young explorers and budding climbers alike.
Activity
Have students pick a peak and make an exciting travel poster or PowerPoint about it. Provide some inspiration, like these fun imaginary planetary travel posters from NASA: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galleries/visions-of-the-future/. Students should include an interesting slogan and some fun facts (even the dangerous ones) about the mountain they chose. Invite students to share their posters or presentations with the class and see which peak may be their next extreme travel destination!
Danger on the Mountain! True Stories of Extreme Adventure by Gregg Treinish and Kitson Jazynca
A thrilling collection of true adventure tales that plunge readers into wild mountain quests, extreme terrain, and close encounters with nature’s fiercest challenges. Gregg Treinish’s real-life exploits, told through gripping, kid-friendly storytelling, inspire courage, curiosity, and respect for the natural world while keeping young explorers on the edge of their seats.
Activity
Go on a mountain safari through this book to find animals that live on the mountain habitat, like wolverines, lung, or bears! Have students research the mountain animal of their choice and then create a list of details about the animals, such as what they eat, how they care for their young, how they hunt, and where they live. Then ask students to create a short story about their animal, using details they found during their research. It could be a “day in the life” story or an especially dangerous moment or a fun adventure. If students would like, encourage them to draw an illustration to go with their story. Display stories and pictures on a story walk through the classroom and invite students to read as they explore.
Survival Scout: Lost in the Mountainsby Maxwell Eaton III
The first in a graphic novel series, Scout and her brother set off on an epic backpacking adventure, only to immediately get lost. Instead of panicking, Scout gets to work, taking an inventory of their belongings, building a shelter, and signalling for help. Visual diagrams, wilderness survival tips, and plenty of humorous moments make this a captivating read for adventurous kids!
Activity
How do you tell a story in panels? Take a look at this book with your students and study one page and what its panels tell. Invite students to create an alternate page right after the one you just looked at. Provide a blank sheet of comic panels, like one of these provided by ComicKids: https://www.comickids.org/comic-sheets-and-comic-bubbles . And also provide some markers or coloring pencils. Tell students to take the story in a totally new direction and see what they can come up with. Invite students to share their new pages with the class.
Karen Latchana Kenney is a children’s author and editor who loves creating all kinds of STEM books and classroom content. Find her at https://www.karenlatchanakenney.com/.
In today’s Author Spotlight, Jo Hackl chats with award-winning author John Claude Bemis about his new graphic novel, Rodeo Hawkins & the Daughters of Mayhem. John Claude Bemis is the...
From the Mixed-Up Files is the group blog of middle-grade authors celebrating books for middle-grade readers. For anyone with a passion for children’s literature—teachers, librarians, parents, kids, writers, industry professionals— we offer regularly updated book lists organized by unique categories, author interviews, market news, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a children's book from writing to publishing to promoting.
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