These are some of my favorite books related to the real historical people and events in The Dreamer.
Shop using these links (either for these books or anything else you buy on Amazon) and your purchase will help support The Dreamer with no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Books on the Historical Events in The Dreamer:
Igniting the American Revolution: 1773-1775
Derek W. Beck
So entertaining, you’ll forget this book is non-fiction. Derek Beck’s debut examines the events that escalated to the first shots of war at Lexington Green.
The War Before Independence: 1775-1776
Derek W. Beck
The second book in the series, this volume connects the dots between the Battle of Bunker Hill and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Paul Revere’s Ride
David Hackett Fischer
A detailed examination of the battles of Lexington and Concord from both the American and British perspectives. The real story is much bloodier than the version you learned in history class.
Washington’s Crossing
David Hackett Fischer
A look at the bleak events that lead to Washington’s historic crossing of the Delaware, Christmas Day, 1776 from the perspectives of the American, British and Hessian generals.
1776: The Illustrated Edition
David McCullough
Hardback and beautiful, this fully illustrated edition contains full-scale reprints of maps, letters, newspapers, and more referenced in David McCullough’s modern classic. The Dreamer follows the events in 1776 very closely for the curious reader.
The Battle for New York
Barnet Schecter
The battles covered in The Dreamer are each given a chapter in this book which looks exclusively at New York. Includes self-guided Revolutionary War New York City walking tours!
Invisible Ink: Spycraft of the American Revolution
John A. Nagy
Improve your 18th-century spy craft! Contains many anecdotes of actual espionage by both the British and Americans throughout the Revolutionary War, as well as a historical examination of those techniques.
Paul Revere and the World He Lived In
Esther Forbes
The streets of Colonial Boston spring to life in Forbes’s classic history. Get to know the people of Boston and the things they cared about.
Biographies of Characters in The Dreamer:
Dr. Joseph Warren: The Boston Tea Party, Bunker Hill, and the Birth of American Liberty
Sam Forman
The definitive biography of Joseph Warren containing brand new research. Written by Sam Forman, contributor to The Dreamer blog.
Documentary Life of Nathan Hale
George D. Seymour
An exhaustive collection of every primary and secondary source related to Nathan Hale from his college days to his muster rolls. This is essentially the Nathan Hale bible.
Alexander Hamilton
Ron Chernow
Over 800 pages, this book is almost as long as one of Hamilton’s essays. Details the entire amazing but tragic life of The Dreamer’s favorite Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton.
Washington: A Life
Ron Chernow
This epic biography pulls back the veil on the mischaracterization of America’s first president as a cold, stoic, wooden-teethed statue. Get to know the real man behind the myth.
New to the Revolution? Start With One of These:
1776
David McCullough
A great entry point for anyone new to the American Revolution, while still breathing fresh life onto familiar for history buffs. This book is the best place to start if you want to know more about the real events that make up the backdrop of The Dreamer.
A Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier
Joseph Plumb Martin
The autobiography of a young Continental soldier who served from New York to Yorktown. Unlike most histories that talk about battles from the top down, this first-hand account puts you in the well-worn shoes of the men on the ground.
Johnny Tremain
Esther Forbes
A beloved classic coming-of-age story about a hot-headed silver smith’s apprentice whose life changes dramatically when it intersects with the Sons of Liberty in Colonial Boston.
Countdown to Independence
Natalie S. Bober
Beginning fifteen years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this book examines each year from both sides of the Atlantic. The prefect primer for understanding why America went to war.
Love Comics? Check Out These Graphic Novels:
Wynonna Earp Volume 1: Homecoming
Beau Smith and Lora Innes
Graphic novel adaptation of the SyFy television show, Wynonna Earp. Written by the series creator and illustrated by me! Everyone’s got demons. Hers fight back.
Colonial Comics:
New England 1620 – 1750
A collection of true short stories written by historians and illustrated by comic book creators. Perfect for both classrooms and history lovers!
Colonial Comics, Volume II:
New England, 1750 – 1775
Featuring two stories that I wrote: The Spunkers Club—a true misadventure of Harvard’s bodysnatching medical students, and Hale’s Yale—a reminiscence of Benjamin Tallmadge about his teenage antics with his best friend, Nathan Hale, during their time at Yale.
One Dead Spy (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales #1)
Nathan Hale
The story of Nathan Hale’s heroic sacrifice, as told by Nathan Hale himself… and written by (a different) Nathan Hale. If you love Nathan, how can you resist?
The Revolutionary War in Popular Culture:
The American Revolution
Mini-Series
This three-part mini-series focuses on lesser known heroes of the American Revolution. I was interviewed on the first two episodes. Watch me talk about Joseph Warren, the Battle of Lexington and other events relevant to The Dreamer!
John Adams
HBO Mini-Series
The Founding Fathers spring to life in my favorite Hollywood adaptation of the Revolutionary era. Based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning biography by David McCullough.
Hamilton
(Original Broadway Cast Recording)
The smash-hit rap musical tells the story of the incredible “Founding Father without a father.” I am unashamedly obsessed with Hamilton. Join me.
Hamilton: The Revolution
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter
A behind-the-scenes look at the historic making of Hamilton the Musical. The book itself is a gorgeous work of art for bibliophiles of all kinds.