On Books: Revolutionary War Recommendations

It has been said that homeschooling is the education of two generations at once. And how true this has been in our home. Steve and I have been reading literature and history books to include in the kid's studies and to fill in some of the gaps in our own education. The satisfaction and reward of studying the same historical period together are sufficient enough to cause me to re-structure our history studies. I'm currently shifting the schedule so that we all follow the same time period based on the oldest student's current study. We will read aloud an overview of the period as a group and then each student will have their own individual readings in the period based on interests, reading level, etc. I am using the book All Through the Ages: history through literature guide by Christine Miller as a starting point for book selections.
Here are a few of our recommendations for the revolutionary war era: 

A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American Republic by John Ferling
A comprehensive account of the military history, battle by battle. Suggest for the upper years. 

Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War for Independence by John Ferling
A companion to A Leap in the Dark. Covers the political history. Also for the upper years.

Time Enough for Drums by Ann Rinaldi
In my search for historical fiction for the middle to upper years I came across this book suggestion. I found it in the teen section under "romance". If you know me you know that location and classification automatically earn the book 2 strikes against it. But you can't judge a book by its location/label any more than you can its cover. This book weaves historical events with well-developed fictional characters. The protagonist exhibits the development of exceptional character formed under trying circumstances in the context of family and under the leadership and protection of her father. Offers an illustration of historical courtship. Recommended for middle to upper years. Suggested essay or discussion topic: Compare and contrast Mother's final advice to Jemima with the advise you would give. What does her advice indicate about her worldview? What scriptural references would you give to support your conclusions?

1776 by David McCullough. John Adams, also by McCullough.
Both suggested for the upper years. 

Abigail Adams by Natalie S. Bober.
Recommended for the middle to upper years. Bober weaves engaging narrative with excerpts from Abigail's letters. This account of the relationships between Abigail and John and other historical icons from the 1700's would specifically appeal to the relational disposition of girls.

Countdown to Independence by Natalie S. Bober.
Also middle to upper years. 

George Washington's World by Genevieve Foster.
Covers the events from around the world during the lifetime of George Washington.

King George: What Was His Problem?: The Whole Hilarious Story of the Revolution by Steve Sheinkin and Tim Robinson

Ben Franklin by  Ingri D'Aulaire and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire.
Recommended for the early years. But who doesn't love a good picture book? Also recommended George Washington by the same authors.

HBO did a series entitled John Adams based on McCullough's book. Our entire family enjoyed it (although the producer took some artistic liberties with historical events). However it does require some strategic editing so we recommend either being quick with the remote or pre-watching (be especially on the alert during Ben Franklin's time in France). 

If you have other recommendations leave me a comment and add to the list!