Modulo

Liberty’s Kids

Recommended Ages

2nd+ grade

Liberty’s Kids is an animated TV series that brings the American Revolution to life through the eyes of young reporters working for Benjamin Franklin’s newspaper. Each episode covers key events—like the Boston Tea Party or the signing of the Declaration—mixing historical figures with fictional characters and newsroom framing. Elementary and middle school students enjoy the adventure and clear storytelling, which make timelines and cause-and-effect easier to follow. The series is widely available online and on DVD, making it a convenient, engaging supplement to U.S. history units.

Elementary and middle-school students (roughly ages 7–13) who enjoy story-based, visual learning and families looking for a secular, episode-based introduction to the American Revolution to pair with books and hands-on projects.

Pros

Animated PBS series about the American Revolution that secular reviewers and homeschoolers consistently praise as engaging, surprisingly historically rich, and a great springboard for discussions about the founding era, perspectives, and primary events. 

Cons

Focuses mainly on the Revolutionary War period and simplifies or dramatizes some events; animation and pacing may feel a bit dated to some modern kids, and it’s a supplement, not a complete history curriculum with readings and assessments.

Because it’s an off‑the‑shelf media product, ESA and charter policies vary; some will fund educational DVDs or streaming subscriptions as part of history instruction, while others do not. Check your program’s rules on media purchases and approved vendors.

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Liberty’s Kids
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Skills

What kids will learn
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History
History
US History
US History
Social Studies
Social Studies
Civics
Civics

Liberty’s Kids Mission

The mission of Liberty’s Kids is to make the story of the American Revolution vivid and relatable for children by following fictional young reporters as they witness real historical events. Through fast-paced animation, memorable characters, and appearances by figures like Benjamin Franklin, the series aims to teach viewers about the founding of the United States, the complexity of the era, and the importance of civic ideals such as liberty and representation. It is designed to work equally well as entertaining television and as a springboard for history discussions at home or in the classroom.

Liberty’s Kids Story

Liberty’s Kids was conceived by writer-producer Kevin O’Donnell and developed for television with animation veteran Michael Maliani and DIC Entertainment. Premiering on PBS Kids in 2002, the forty-episode series follows three young apprentices working for Benjamin Franklin’s print shop as they cover events from the Boston Tea Party through the ratification of the Constitution. The show brought in an all-star voice cast, including news legend Walter Cronkite as Franklin, and earned Daytime Emmy nominations for its educational impact. After its original run, Liberty’s Kids found a second life on DVD and streaming, becoming a beloved resource for families and teachers introducing children to the Revolutionary era.

About Modular Learning

FAQ: Additional Details about Liberty’s Kids

A typical “Liberty’s Kids” day might involve dimming the lights, grabbing a snack, and watching a 20‑minute episode about the Boston Tea Party or Paul Revere. You hear the theme song, kids lean forward during dramatic moments, and afterward everyone is buzzing with questions: “Was that character real?” “Did it really happen that way?” You might end by locating the event on a map or jotting a few notes in a history notebook.

Liberty’s Kids is an animated TV series (available on DVD and streaming) that teaches American Revolutionary War history through the eyes of fictional teen reporters. Families often use it as a video‑based spine, watching episodes in chronological order and optionally adding discussions, notebooking, or related readings to deepen understanding.

Adult involvement ranges from “press play and watch together” to leading structured discussions and assigning follow‑up reading or projects. Co‑viewing is recommended, especially at first, so you can address misconceptions or emphasize multiple perspectives.

No formal prerequisites beyond an interest in US history and the ability to follow a narrative animated show. It’s generally appropriate for elementary and middle‑school students; very sensitive children may appreciate previewing a few episodes with an adult.

Liberty’s Kids uses animated stories about the American Revolution, making it accessible for younger ADHD, autistic, and dyslexic learners who benefit from visual storytelling. Families can watch episodes together, pause to clarify events, and supplement with diverse perspectives to balance the narrative.

If purchased as DVDs or digital seasons from a major retailer, returns and exchanges follow that platform’s media policy. Physical discs may be returnable if unopened or defective; digital episodes are often non‑refundable once purchased. Always verify terms before buying, especially if using public funds.

Not ideal as the sole US history resource for high-school credit or for families currently prioritizing non-US or global history; very sensitive children may need guidance during scenes involving war, injustice, or loss, even though they’re handled gently.

History Quest or Story of the World (with careful selection for secular families) for narrative history, Crash Course US History for older kids, and curated read-alouds and historical fiction such as “Johnny Tremain” to deepen understanding beyond the show.

The series is complete and no longer producing new episodes, but it continues to be rereleased on various platforms and often comes bundled as a full‑series DVD collection. Homeschool bloggers and curriculum writers frequently create new guides and schedules around it.

Watch one or two episodes per week in historical order, pause to locate events on a map and timeline, and invite your child to choose a character or event from each episode to narrate, draw, or research briefly for a simple notebooking page.

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Meet Kevin and Michael

Kevin O’Donnell and Michael Maliani are the creative forces behind Liberty’s Kids. O’Donnell is a writer and producer who has worked on numerous animated series and later founded the educational media company Animated Intelligences; Liberty’s Kids is based on his original concept of using young reporters to cover the Revolution. Maliani is a longtime animation director and producer whose credits include Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?, Strawberry Shortcake, and many other children’s shows. Together they partnered with DIC Entertainment to develop Liberty’s Kids for PBS, blending storytelling, history, and high production values in a way that still feels fresh to today’s young viewers.