Books paired with field trips & movies
Pair your reading adventures with meaningful, local field trips! Below are curated book recommendations alongside Virginia-based field trip ideas to help bring stories—and history—to life. We've also included sweet fictional picks and movies to enjoy with your family. Comparing a book to its movie adaptation is a wonderful conversion topic. Of course, I always think the book is better.
🛳️ Iron Thunder by Avi
Virginia Field Trip: The Mariners' Museum and Park
💡 Tip: Only $1 entry! Explore many artifacts, including items from the USS Monitor.
Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone
Follow the story of Jamestown and the early English settlers.
Virginia Field Trips:
🎨 The Restorationists (3-book series) by Carolyn Leiloglou
Virginia Field Trips:
🖌️ Visit the author’s website for book club resources and art-based study guides.
📖 Additional Sweet Stories (great for movie comparisons)
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The Secret Garden
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Swiss Family Robinson
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Because of Winn-Dixie
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Charlotte's Web
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The Wild Robot
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
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Mary Poppins
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The Wizard of Oz
🎬 Consider watching the movies after reading—then compare! Which version did your kids enjoy more?
Note: Every family has different book/movie preferences so please research to be sure the titles are appropriate for your children.