Children's Books About Massachusetts

Preschool

• In "Nicholas: A Massachusetts Tale" by Peter Arenstam, a mouse decides to record his family's history. To do this, he travels across the state, visiting landmarks such as the Berkshire Mountains, Boston, Plymouth, and Martha̵7;s Vineyard. Adam Gamble's "Count to Sleep Massachusetts" is a board book that enumerates its way throughout Boston, including the Charles River, the harbor, the USS Constitution and the Boston Marathon. Gamble also wrote "Good Night Massachusetts." Gloucester, Salem, Cape Cod, Old Sturbridge Village, Fenway Park and Harvard University are few of the notable sites mentioned.

Early Elementary

• My First Book About Massachusetts" by Carole Marsh introduces basic state facts such as the state nickname, song, motto and the state bird -- the black-capped chickadee. In addition, Marsh offers information about the area's history, weather and industry. In "M Is For Mayflower: A Massachusetts Alphabet" by Margot Theis Raven, early readers practice the alphabet while learning about the Bay State's colonial history, beginning in Plymouth, Mass. Notable Massachusetts natives are identified, including John F. Kennedy, Emily Dickinson and Henry David Thoreau. "Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey won the 1941 Caldecott Medal for picture books. Set in Boston, it follows a duck family traveling throughout the town to their new home in the Boston Public Gardens.

Middle Elementary

• In "Boston and the State of Massachusetts: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know," author Kate Boehm Jerome presents a tremendous number of facts and interesting points about the state, such as geographical regions, history, important sites, museums and economics. "Midnight Rider" by Joan Hiatt Harlow is historical fiction set in the Revolutionary days of the Massachusetts colony. A 14-year-old girl joins the Sons of Liberty to fight for independence. Acclaimed author Shirley Jackson examines a darker part of Massachusetts history in "The Witchcraft of Salem Village." Jackson traces the development of the true story from the young girls who initiated the accusations through the executions.

Later Elementary

• Kate Boehm Jerome introduces older readers to the area in "Massachusetts: What's So Great About This State?" She covers landmarks, history and famous residents, such as Dr. Seuss. "Weetamoo: Heart of the Pocassets, Massachusetts" by Patricia Clark Smith tells the story of Native Americans living in New England during the 17th century. The book relates the interactions between Algonquin tribes and the Pilgrims. M. P. Barker's "A Difficult Boy" is a historical novel set in 19th century Massachusetts. It describes the lives of two teenage boys placed in indentured servitude.