It is a remarkable thing to stand in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial or to walk through the halls of the Capitol Building. The sights and the sounds throughout Washington, DC, inspire all of us as Americans, connecting us to our past and our future. If you are looking for a way to deepen that connection, try using literature. A good book has the power to bring our capital city to life, especially for students who are exploring it for the first time. 

Here is a list of books that can transform a student trip to DC: 

March by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin & Nate Powell

Connection: The Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial/Lincoln Memorial

Before visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial or the steps of the Lincoln Memorial (where MLK gave his “I Have a Dream” speech), dive into March, a graphic memoir trilogy that follows Congressman John Lewis’s journey from a young activist to a national leader. Students see not just the history, but the people behind the headlines. 

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

Connection: National Museum of African American History and Culture

This powerful novel brings discussions about race, justice, and activism into sharp focus. As students explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture, this book serves as a contemporary counterpart to the historical exhibits, prompting conversations about progress, struggle, and the enduring hope that drives the African American experience. 

Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman

Connection: The Lincoln Memorial

Seeing the Lincoln Memorial is awe-inspiring, but understanding the person behind the statue is even more so. Freedman’s award-winning biography makes Lincoln relatable, with personal anecdotes and rich images that bring the iconic leader to life. 

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson

Connection: Ford’s Theatre

Standing where Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theatre hits differently when you’ve read Swanson’s fast-paced, thriller-style account of the chase for John Wilkes Booth. Perfect for middle and high school students, it turns history into an edge-of-your-seat mystery. 

A Spy Called James by Anne Rockwell

Connection: National Archives/National Museum of American History 

Introduce younger students to James Lafayette, an enslaved man who became a spy for George Washington. His story connects powerfully to exhibits like those at the National Archives or the Smithsonian's Revolutionary War exhibits. 

When Audrey Met Alice by Rebecca Behrens

Connection:  The White House 

This book offers a unique perspective on the White House through the eyes of the first daughter, Audrey. It is an isolated existence to live in the most famous house in the world, but when Audrey comes across the diary of Alice Roosevelt, she begins to feel less alone. It’s a great story about a modern eighth grader who gets a fun history lesson from the words of a girl who lived it nearly a century before. 

The United States Capitol: Its Architecture and Decoration by Henry Hope Reed & Anne Day

Connection: The Capitol Building 

The U.S. Capitol is home to the legislative branch of the U.S. government and receives millions of visitors each year. This stunning book offers detailed imagery of the Capitol, both inside and out. Bonus material includes biographies of the designers and builders, as well as a glossary of architectural terms.   

On Hallowed Ground:  The Story of Arlington National Cemetery by Robert M Poole

Connection: Arlington National Cemetery 

On Hallowed Ground traces the powerful history of Arlington National Cemetery, beginning with the emotional return of four Vietnam War servicemen nearly 40 years after their disappearance. Author Robert Poole explores how Arlington transformed from the former estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee into the nation’s most revered burial ground. This non-fiction book gives a moving account of how this hallowed ground came to represent the nation’s enduring gratitude to its fallen heroes. 

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P Figg by Rodman Philbrick

Connection: The Lincoln Memorial/Gettysburg

This Newbery Honor book introduces the reader to the Battle of Gettysburg. Set in 1863, our plucky protagonist, Homer, leaves home in search of his big brother, who was sold into the Union Army. It is a book full of big adventures and laugh-out-loud humor, with enough levity to drive home the impact of war. 

George Washington, Spymaster by Thomas B. Allen

Connection: The Washington Monument/Mount Vernon 

This award-winning National Geographic book is a riveting story of spies, double-agents, and secret codes. The non-fiction book shares the remarkable role played by the first commander-in-chief, General George Washington, in the American Revolution.  

Travel Tip for Teachers:

Build a pre-trip book club or assign a “D.C. Reading Passport” where students check off locations that match their reading. Pair it with journaling prompts or reflective blogs that answer: 

• How did this book change the way you saw this site? 

• What problems or big ideas in the book can you still see happening in the world today?  

• If you were giving a tour based on your book, which places in D.C. would you include, and what would you say about them?

Washington, DC, is a living library of voices past and present. These books, and so many more like them, give students the context and curiosity to see every site as a story waiting to be told. 

Click the arrows below to see the books!