Booklist

Historical Christmases

Industrial Revolution

1708 – 1913

The Industrial Revolution was a transformative period marked by rapid advancements in technology and industry. Beginning in Britain and spreading globally, it saw the rise of factories, mechanized production, and urbanization, drastically altering economies and societies, and laying the foundation for the modern industrial world. You can find books about the later child labor reform movement here.

Picture books

The Bobbin Girl

Story of a girl working in a cotton mill

Leather Shoe Charlie

Appealing introduction to the benefits and costs of the Industrial Revolution

Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin

Graphic novel introduction to Eli Whitney and his most famous invention

Chapter books and novels

So Far From Home: The Diary of Mary Driscoll, An Irish Mill Girl

Fictional diary of an Irish immigrant, working in a Lowell mill

Lyddie

Novel of a girl working in a Lowell mill

The Clock

Story of a girl sent to work in a wool mill

Non-fiction books

What Was the Industrial Revolution?

Excellent overview of the revolution, its inventions, and how it changed the world

Mill

Beautifully detailed exploration of mill building and use during the Industrial Revolution

Industrial Revolution

Photo-rich introduction to life during the Industrial Revolution, as well as its events and inventions

All Aboard! Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine

Engaging introduction to an inventor and his steam engine

Industrial Revolution Reference Library: Primary Sources

Collection of primary sources from the Industrial Revolution, with introductions and explanations

Smokestacks and Spinning Jennys: Industrial Revolution

Exploration of the major inventions that made up the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution in America: A Primary Source History

Thorough overview for middle and upper-grade readers, with primary source excerpts

Biographies

The Story of Eli Whitney

Biography of Eli Whitney, whose inventions drove the Industrial Revolution

The Mill Girls

Engaging story of three real-life girls who worked in mills

Activities

The Industrial Revolution: Investigate How Science and Technology Changed the World with 25 Projects

Exploration of the innovations of the Industrial Revolution, with corresponding projects

The Industrial Revolution for Kids: The People and Technology That Changed the World, with 21 Activities

Introduction to the Industrial Revolution, with corresponding activities

Google Sites

Report abuse