The Rush Revere book series has become one of the most notable and influential literary efforts to bring American history to life for young readers. Created by Rush Limbaugh—a legendary conservative radio host—and co-authored by his wife, Kathryn Adams Limbaugh, the series merges storytelling with patriotic themes, historical figures, and time travel adventures.
These books were designed not just to entertain, but to educate children about the foundational values and key events in U.S. history through engaging characters and imaginative scenarios. Since the release of the first book in 2013, the Rush Revere series has become a bestselling and award-winning collection embraced by educators, parents, and young readers across the country.
This article offers a comprehensive look at the Rush Revere series—its origins, authors, themes, educational value, and cultural impact.
Who Are the Authors of the Rush Revere Series?
The Rush Revere series is the joint creation of Rush Limbaugh and Kathryn Adams Limbaugh.
Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh was a renowned conservative radio broadcaster whose show, The Rush Limbaugh Show, aired nationwide for more than 30 years. Known for his political commentary and larger-than-life personality, Rush was also deeply passionate about patriotism, the U.S. Constitution, and American history. He envisioned the Rush Revere series as a tool to make these topics accessible and appealing to younger generations.
Kathryn Adams Limbaugh
Kathryn, Rush’s wife, played a critical role in co-authoring and shaping the books. With a strong background in writing, research, and education, Kathryn helped ensure that the historical content was accurate, age-appropriate, and educational. She also oversaw many of the series’ publishing and outreach efforts after Rush’s passing in 2021.
Together, the Limbaughs created a series that continues to resonate with families, schools, and homeschoolers alike.
Overview of the Book Series
The Rush Revere books follow a modern-day substitute history teacher named Rush Revere, who travels through time with his talking horse, Liberty, and a group of students. Each book focuses on a different foundational event or era in American history.
Titles in the Series:
- Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims (2013)
- Introduces readers to the journey of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower, the founding of Plymouth Colony, and the first Thanksgiving.
- Rush Revere and the First Patriots (2014)
- Explores the pre-Revolutionary period, introducing figures like Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry.
- Rush Revere and the American Revolution (2014)
- Focuses on the Revolutionary War, including the sacrifices made by American colonists and soldiers.
- Rush Revere and the Star-Spangled Banner (2015)
- Centers around the War of 1812 and the creation of the national anthem.
- Rush Revere and the Presidency (2016)
- Highlights the lives of America’s early presidents, especially George Washington and John Adams.
Each book blends humor, fantasy, historical accuracy, and moral lessons to make early American history not just informative—but fun.
Educational Purpose and Themes
The Rush Revere series is aimed at children aged 8–12, though many parents and educators find its lessons suitable for a wider age range. The books are often used in homeschool curricula, classroom libraries, and after-school programs.
Key Educational Themes:
- Patriotism and Civic Responsibility
Each book encourages pride in American ideals and emphasizes the importance of understanding civic duties. - Historical Accuracy with Fictional Narration
While the characters are fictional, the historical content—dates, speeches, and figures—is rooted in real events and archival sources. - Respect for Founding Values
The series promotes respect for the Constitution, liberty, independence, and religious freedom. - Moral Lessons and Critical Thinking
Children are prompted to reflect on personal responsibility, courage, sacrifice, and teamwork.
Critical and Commercial Success
The Rush Revere series received significant praise, particularly from conservative audiences, educators, and parents seeking alternatives to mainstream children’s literature that aligned with traditional American values.
Accolades and Recognition:
- New York Times Bestsellers: Multiple books in the series topped the New York Times Best Seller list for children’s literature.
- Children’s Choice Book Award: Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims won the Author of the Year award at the 2014 Children’s Choice Book Awards, based on young reader votes.
- High Reader Ratings: The books continue to maintain strong reviews on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble.
Despite criticism from some academic circles for being politically slanted, the books are widely regarded by readers as engaging, age-appropriate, and informative.
Classroom and Homeschool Use
The Rush Revere series has found a lasting place in homeschooling communities and private religious schools, particularly those that emphasize American founding principles and conservative values.
How the Books Are Used:
- History Lessons: Chapters are often used as read-alouds to introduce American historical periods.
- Discussion Prompts: Teachers and parents use the questions and activities at the back of each book to stimulate conversations.
- Writing Assignments: Students are encouraged to write about what they learned, reinforcing comprehension and critical thinking.
- Creative Projects: Time-travel themes inspire role-play, dioramas, and history fairs.
Kathryn Adams Limbaugh has supported these educational efforts by donating classroom copies, engaging with schools, and continuing to promote the series through outreach.
Rush Revere as a Character: Making History Fun
One of the most innovative aspects of the series is the personality-driven storytelling. Rush Revere, the central character, is portrayed as enthusiastic, humorous, and deeply respectful of American history. His horse, Liberty, adds comic relief and acts as a curious, often skeptical voice that children relate to.
Why This Works:
- Relatability: Young readers connect with Liberty and the student characters, making complex historical events easier to understand.
- Immersive Learning: Time travel allows characters to witness historic events firsthand, bringing history to life.
- Interactive Dialogue: The conversational tone helps readers feel as if they’re part of the adventure, not just learning facts.
This approach moves away from dry textbook history, instead using narrative immersion to make the past relevant and exciting.
Continued Promotion and Legacy
Since Rush Limbaugh’s passing in 2021, Kathryn Adams Limbaugh has taken the lead in preserving and promoting the Rush Revere brand.
Ongoing Initiatives:
- School and Library Donations: Thousands of copies have been distributed to schools, particularly those with limited resources.
- Rush Revere Scholars Program: An offshoot scholarship initiative that encourages young students to pursue education in American history, civics, and law.
- Digital Expansion: The books are available in eBook and audiobook formats to meet modern educational needs.
Kathryn has reiterated that the books are not just about her and Rush—but about equipping the next generation with the knowledge and pride needed to be informed, responsible citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Rush Revere book series about?
It is a children’s book series that teaches American history through the adventures of a time-traveling teacher named Rush Revere and his talking horse, Liberty.
Who are the authors of the series?
The series was written by Rush Limbaugh and co-authored by his wife, Kathryn Adams Limbaugh.
Are the books historically accurate?
Yes. While the main characters and time travel elements are fictional, the historical events, speeches, and figures are accurate and based on real historical records.
What age group is the series best for?
The books are ideal for children aged 8–12, though older readers and families may also enjoy them.
Can the series be used in classrooms?
Yes. The books are widely used in homeschool programs, private schools, and some public school settings as supplemental history materials.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless Educational Journey
The Rush Revere book series stands out in children’s literature for its unique blend of history, imagination, and patriotic spirit. Through compelling storytelling, time travel adventures, and accurate historical narratives, Rush and Kathryn Limbaugh created a tool for learning that is both educational and entertaining.
By introducing young readers to the ideas of liberty, sacrifice, and American heritage, the Rush Revere books continue to inspire curiosity about the nation’s founding—and empower students to carry that legacy forward. As Kathryn Limbaugh continues to promote the series and engage with educators, the impact of Rush Revere is far from over.