There’s something about autumn that draws us back to books. The crisp mornings, the golden light slanting through the windows, and the early evenings all invite us to gather as a family with stories in hand. Reading together helps us slow down, connect, and enter into the beauty of the season while learning about the people and places that shaped history.
This autumn book list is divided by age so you can easily find stories to share with your children, whether they are just beginning to enjoy picture books or are ready to wander into the pages of classic literature.
Young Children (Picture Books)
For little ones, we’ve chosen picture books that highlight simple living, gratitude, and stories of early America. These are perfect for reading aloud while snuggled under a quilt or during morning time.
Ox-Cart Man — Donald Hall
On the Mayflower — Kate Waters
Squanto’s Journey — Joseph Bruchac
Many Hands: A Penobscot Indian Story — Angeli Perrow
Hiawatha and the Peacemaker — Robbie Robertson
(Note: the illustrations may feel intense for sensitive children.)
Elementary & Early Readers
As your children grow, they begin to hunger for longer stories filled with history and adventure. These early chapter books and illustrated tales open the door to the world of the Pilgrims, Squanto, and the shaping of our nation’s beginnings.
Seabird — Holling C. Holling
The Pilgrims of Plimoth — Marcia Sewell
The Landing of the Pilgrims — James Daugherty
The Thanksgiving Story — Alice Dalgliesh
Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims — Clyde Robert Bulla
Older Kids & Chapter Books
For children ready to step into longer novels, these stories carry themes of courage, resilience, and wonder. They provide a way for older readers to connect with both the beauty of the natural world and the complexity of human character.
Miracles on Maple Hill — Virginia Sorensen
Jane of Lantern Hill — L.M. Montgomery
The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien
For Parents
We never outgrow the need for good books. These titles invite us, as parents, to reflect on nature, history, and the endurance of the human spirit. They can inspire us to bring more peace and depth into our own homes and rhythms.
We Took to the Woods — Louise Dickinson Rich
Walden — Henry David Thoreau
The Last of the Mohicans — James Fenimore Cooper
Bringing Books to Life This Fall
As we read these stories, we can also bring them to life through simple activities: baking seasonal recipes, exploring nature trails, pressing autumn leaves, or painting scenes inspired by the books. Pairing stories with hands-on experiences helps our children truly enter into history and nature with delight.
This is the heart behind our curriculum, Playful Pioneers Volume 2. Designed for elementary students (ages 5–12), this literature-based resource makes American history, science, and geography come alive. Rooted in Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, it focuses on storytelling, hands-on projects, and nature study to cultivate curiosity and a love of learning.
Through monthly themes exploring each region of the United States, children encounter some of American history’s most significant figures and events, paired with rich science and geography activities that deepen their understanding of the world. It’s a beautiful way to weave history, nature, and family connection into your homeschool rhythm this fall and beyond.
Get a free sample week of Playful Pioneers Volume 2 here!
A Season for Storytelling
Fall is a reminder that beauty can be found in slowing down, gathering close, and telling stories. Whether your family is just starting out with picture books or diving into long novels, these autumn reads can help anchor your homeschool days in connection, curiosity, and joy.
Which book will you read first this season?