25+ Books About Washington DC for Kids
Whether you are going on a trip to Washington DC or want to transport yourself their in the comfort of your own home, I’ve rounded up my favorite picture and chapter books about Washington DC. Pop in your email address below and I’ll send the printable list right to your inbox!
A few weeks ago, I got a DM from a reader saying she was visiting Washington DC with her kids this summer and wanted some good picture books and chapter books to read before their trip.
Well, what could be more fun than working on a list of books about Washington DC or that relate to famous sites there?
(Spoiler: not many things)
I picked some of my own favorites and asked my Instagram community to share their favorites too!
Whether you’re traveling to Washington DC this year or just want to explore the city from your couch, I hope you’ll find this book list useful!
P.S. Many of these are also great picks if you want books to read about the 250th anniversary of the United States this year!
BOOKS ABOUT WASHINGTON DC FOR KIDS TO READ
The Wall by Eve Bunting
A very powerful site to visit in Washington D.C. is the Vietnam Memorial Wall and this picture book gives a very real and reverent depiction as a little boy and his father take a trip to find his grandfather’s name etched into the wall.
The People in Pineapple Place by Anne Lindbergh
If you have a middle grade reader who enjoys a touch of magic mixed with history, this is a fun pick. After moving to Washington, D.C., August stumbles upon a hidden street where seven children from another time are invisible to everyone but him, leading to an unforgettable adventure through the nation’s capital.
Framed! by James Ponti
Ella has loved the City Spies books, so when I discovered this mystery series by the same author, I snagged them all for Ella who blew through them in a week. This book follows Florian Bates who is the only kid that the FBI Director has on speed dial (and a kid that a whole lot of criminals want taken care of). After a move to DC, Florian and his new friend Margaret uncover a mystery that involves a major crime ring, the FBI and the National Gallery. It’s up to them to solve the mystery AND get their homework done.
Larry Gets Lost in Washington DC by John Skewes and Andrew Fox
There is a whole series of these pictures books that take place in different places (San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Portland, etc.). Follow Larry the pup on a fun, kid-friendly tour of Washington, D.C. as he gets separated from his family and explores famous landmarks while trying to find his way back to them.
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales by Nathan Hale
This series is fantastic and teaches so much about history. Everyone has heard of the famous spy, Nathan Hale, famous for his last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” But did you know that he is also a fantastic storyteller? Follow these entertaining and educating stories which Nathan Hale tells to his executioners.
Ranger in Time Series by Kate Messner
Ranger is a trained search and rescue dog, but when he can’t pass the test to become an official search and rescue dog, he still finds a way to save the day – by time traveling! This is a fun historical fiction book with a brave golden retriever. Book #10, Ranger in Time: Night of Soldiers and Spies, is set during the Revolutionary War, making it a perfect companion to the many Revolutionary War sites and museums you can visit in Washington, D.C.
The Star Spangled Banner by Peter Spier
With gorgeous illustrations and plenty of fascinating history, this book tells the story behind “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the events that inspired our national anthem. It would be an especially fitting read as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, helping kids connect with an important piece of our nation’s story.
We The People by Peter Spier
The Constitution can feel like a big, intimidating topic, but Peter Spier makes it surprisingly accessible for kids. Packed with detailed illustrations and history, it’s a great way to help young readers understand one of the most important documents they’ll encounter in Washington, D.C.
The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
Long before there were fireworks, cookouts, and parades, there was a fight for independence. This classic picture book does a wonderful job introducing young readers to the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence and why the Fourth of July became such an important American holiday.
If You Grew Up with George Washington by Ruth Belov Gross
This was a nonfiction picture book series I remember as a kid, packed with interesting facts and illustrations. It gives readers a glimpse into what life was like for young George Washington, from the homes and schools to the food, clothing, and daily routines of Colonial America.
Our Flag Was Still There by Jessie Hartland
If you’re planning a stop at the Smithsonian, this fascinating picture book tells the story behind the enormous Star-Spangled Banner on display there. It’s a fun and engaging way to learn how a giant flag, a famous poem, and the War of 1812 all came together to create our national anthem.
How to Make Cherry Pie and See the USA by Marjorie Priceman
Part baking adventure and part geography lesson, this charming picture book follows a young baker and her dog as they travel across the United States gathering everything needed to make a cherry pie from scratch. While it’s not set in Washington, D.C., it’s a fun way to explore the many regions and resources that make up our country, and a perfect read for celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry, illustrated by Brittany Jackson
My girls were so into this picture book about a little girl who visits the National Portrait Gallery in DC and sees the iconic portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama hanging there, inspiring her to go after whatever she dreams of doing with her life.
Look Out, Washington DC by Patricia Reilly Giff
For kids who enjoy realistic school stories, this 1990s chapter book follows the Polk Street kids on an overnight field trip to Washington, D.C., complete with plenty of mishaps, homesickness, and sightseeing. A fun bonus is the included guide to D.C. attractions, though you’ll definitely want to double-check any location information since the book is more than 20 years old!
The Capital Mysteries Series by Ron Roy
This is the same author of the A to Z Mysteries series, but in this series, all the mysteries take place in the Capital! In the first installment, KC becomes convinced the president has been replaced by a clone. So, she and her best friend set out to solve the case while exploring famous D.C. landmarks along the way.
The Virginia Mysteries Series (Book #7: Spies at Mount Vernon) by Steven K. Smith
Fans of Magic Tree House, The Hardy Boys, and National Treasure will love this adventure-filled series. In book seven, a game on the National Mall turns into a real-life spy chase that takes the kids from the Capitol to historic Mount Vernon and a state dinner.
For Which We Stand by Jeff Foster
Government can feel complicated, but this book does a fantastic job breaking down big topics like the Constitution, elections, and the branches of government in a way that’s actually interesting and easy to understand. If you’ve ever wanted a kid-friendly guide to how our country works (and how ordinary people can help create change) this is a great place to start.
Daniel’s Story by Carol Matas
If you’re planning a visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum, this moving novel helps put a child’s name and face to the history. Following Daniel’s experiences during the Holocaust makes the museum visit even more meaningful for older kids.
I am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer
I LOVE this series (I’ve read many of them and haven’t found a dud yet. They pretty much all make me weepy too) and it’s such an accessible way to get a good overview of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life from his early childhood on. (I Am Abraham Lincoln would be another great one to read!)
Kitty Kat, Kitty Kat Where Have You Been? Washington DC by Russell Punter, illustrated by Dan Taylor
If you are familiar with the classic kitty cat nursery rhyme, this would be the perfect book for even the littlest readers. Kitty Kat embarks on a tour of our nations capital, seeing sights like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the world’s biggest library!
You Can’t Take a Balloon into the National Gallery by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, illustrated by Robin Glasser
If a trip to Washington DC includes a stop at the National Gallery, this would be a fantastic book to read before. It’s a wordless picture book that follows a runaway balloon as it floats through the National Gallery.
Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier
This book gives a beautiful overview of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and how his big words changed the world.
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her life speaking up when something wasn’t fair, and this picture book introduces young readers to the woman behind those famous dissents. I especially love how it shows kids that standing your ground and disagreeing respectfully can be a powerful way to create change.
Kids on the March by Michael Long
This inspiring nonfiction book highlights the real stories of young people who helped shape American history through protests, marches, and activism. From the Civil Rights Movement to climate strikes and beyond, it shows kids that their voices can make a difference.
S is for Smithsonian by Roland Smith and Marie Smith, illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
If you’re planning a visit to Washington, D.C., this alphabet picture book is a fun way to introduce kids to the incredible treasures housed in the Smithsonian museums. It’s packed with fascinating facts and memorable exhibits of one of the world’s largest museum collections.
Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson
One of the greatest manhunts in American history lasted a wild 12 days as Union cavalry pursued John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of Abraham Lincoln. What really impressed me about Chasing Lincoln’s Killer is the fact that Swanson kept the story so streamlined. This book is extraordinarily tightly edited at just 200 pages – there is not a wasted word. This is the YA version of Swanson’s Manhunt, which I have also heard great things about. (Full review here)
City Spies by James Ponti
This book was on my 2020 Summer Reading Guide and I’m delighted that Ella enjoyed it too. City Spies is the story of five kids from all over the world brought together to operate out of a secret MI6 base in Scotland, working on cases that adults can’t get anywhere near. It’s clever and funny and fast-paced and a total kid pleaser.
The Genius Files by Dan Gutman
In this fun novel, Coke and Pepsi have to evade their crazed health teacher and two guys in bowler hats by accomplishing some pretty crazy feats. Jumping off cliffs, escaping their burning school and jumping off sand dunes are just a few of the challenges they face in this thrilling tale.
And if you’d like a printable copy of this list that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!
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