Pennsylvania

Take a trip through the Keystone State, from Philadelphia and home of the Declaration of Independence and Liberty Bell, to Lancaster County and the Amish, Gettysburg, Pocono Mountains, and Hershey, famous for its chocolate, plus fun facts about sports, wildlife and history. (Easy reader)

"I am a strong believer in luck and I find the harder I work the more I have of it." Amusing, useful, inventive book, just like Ben Franklin – from almanac to bifocals, the Constitution, electricity, his accomplishments from A to Z, plus fun sayings, cartoon style illustrations. (Picture book)

Pictorial history of Ben Franklin, including his own writings, and 21 activities to do: make and fly a kite, play a glass armonica, design a turkey seal for the United States, dip candles, cook a French feast or hasty pudding, and more. Excellent historical illustrations, good for older kids. (Chapter book)

Go with Larry and his dog Pete on an adventure through Philadelphia. While Larry orders a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, Pete disappears. Larry searches down Elsfreth's Alley, past the Betsy Ross House, into Franklin Court, to Independence Square, City Hall, up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and finds Pete at the Philadelphia Zoo. (Picture book)

Find the animals in Philadelphia – two monkeys, one camel at Independence Hall, peacock and polar bear at Rittenhouse Square, three kangaroos at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and more than a hundred animals in this charming rhyming story. (Picture book)

The taste of Italian pizzelle pastries, and the Bertolizzi family are whisked to Philadelphia. Staying in the historic Liberty Hotel, they explore the city, and sample local foods – soft pretzels and Pennsylvania Dutch apple pie. But can they save the Liberty Hotel with a food fund-raiser? (Chapter book)

History of the Declaration of Independence, from Thomas Jefferson, sitting in a house in Philadelphia, writing this historic declaration of freedom from Great Britain, debate by the Continental Congress, signers of the document, with historical illustrations. (Chapter book)

Illustrated history of the Liberty Bell, symbol of freedom. On July 8, 1776, this bell rang to celebrate the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, and became the symbol of the fight to end slavery. (Picture book)

"Four score and seven years ago, our father brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

A few words spoken by President Lincoln to dedicate a cemetery for the soldiers who died at Gettysburg is now one of the most famous speeches in American history. (Chapter book)

Before you visit Gettysburg battlefield, read about the Civil War between Union and Confederate armies. Find out about this turning-point battle - who were the generals, where were Union and Confederate troops situated, Pickett's Charge, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, plus illustrations, maps and historic photos. (Chapter book)

Overview and first-hand accounts of life at Valley Forge, the winter quarters of George Washington and Continental Army during the American Revolution. Excellent historical illustrations, with maps and sites at Valley Forge. (Chapter book)

1777, Valley Forge. Fictional diary of Abigail Stewart and her family living at Valley Forge. Set against a backdrop of life in Washington's headquarters, visiting relatives in British-held Philadelphia, sewing for soldiers, the story spans the long winter at Valley Forge, until the army departs to fight the British, and win. (Chapter book)

Celebrate Pennsylvania Dutch Easter with painted eggs. Children discover beautiful painted eggs in the attic, made by their grandmother when she was a little girl. Soon it's a tradition, the children painting eggs and hanging them on an Easter egg tree. Charming illustrations in a folk art style. (Picture book)

It's Feburary 2, and everyone is waiting for Phil. Will Phil see his shadow, or is spring on the way? Everyone in the crowd is excited, one girl wears a groundhog hat ... (Easy reader)

Find out about this yearly holiday on February 2, where Punxsatawney Phil will foretell when spring will arrive, plus origins of the holiday and fun facts about groundhogs. (Picture book)