Independence Day: The Fourth of July
From the smallest home-town celebrations to the grand gathering on the National Mall for the Fourth of July Fireworks, people all over America are proud to come together to pay tribute to the birthday of a country that has evolved into the nation we are today. For many, the Fourth of July signals the real beginning of summer, so many of the traditions we associate with celebrating the Fourth are tied to hot summer days: pool side fun, watermelon eating contests, and, of course, fireworks. Prepare to celebrate the event with your own family and friends by sharing some of the following books -- a sure fire way to bring the holiday to life-then continue the fun by reading more about our nation's early days.
Reviews
Apple Pie 4th of July
Janet S. Wong
Pictures by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
In a lyrical look at a young Chinese-American girl's 4th of July in her family's convenience store, Wong paints a unique picture of the evolving diversity in U.S. culture. On a day that celebrates the independence of our nation, we mostly see patriotic portrayals of our Federalist period when European Americans and European culture dominated our society. This book shows that this holiday can be celebrated in a diversity of ways, including a trip through a Chinese buffet after a parade. The young girl doubts anyone will want Chinese food on such an American holiday, but her father points out that fireworks are Chinese. Folks do eventually come to enjoy their Chinese food. After the store closes, the family goes up to the roof to watch the fireworks and eat apple pie. This 4th of July book celebrates the diversity that is the true spirit of the freedom we are celebrating on Independence Day. 2002, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Alexandria LaFaye, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Aug. 1, 2002; United States
Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2003; Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Asian Pacific American Award for Literature Winner 2004 Illustration United States
Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended 2003 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
2X2 Reading List, 2003; Texas
South Carolina Picture Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; South Carolina
Texas Reading Club, 2004; Texas
ISBN: 0-15-202543-X
The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America
Bob Raczka
Bob Raczka is in the advertising business, and the experience shows. His ninth art concept book for younger readers pairs a select image of a work of art--traditional and modern paintings, folk art, photographs--with a crisp three-to-six-word sentence (“America is a Country” with Jasper Johns’ Map; “America is Jazz” with Stuart Davis’ The Mellow Pad; “America is Immigrants” with George Bellows’ Cliff Dwellers.) Snap, snap, snap, the ideas flow with the rhythm of a ten second television commercial spot. Designed for the attention span of today’s kids? Perhaps. But slow down and really look and the images are still there, safe and sound on the pages of a book. And some of the choices, especially the photos of Berenice Abbott and William Klein, are worth the time it takes to study them--with or without the patriotic messages attached. Two back pages list the individual artists with brief biographical comments. 2008, Millbrook Press, $25.26. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-7508-5
ISBN: 0-8225-7508-6
The Biggest Parade
Elizabeth Winthrop
Illustrated by Mark Ulriksen
The mayor asks Harvey to lead the biggest parade Bonesport has ever seen. Harvey is so excited, he starts making lists right away to include everyone in town, all except for his dog, Fred. Harvey loves parades, but Fred does not. He had a bad experience in a parade and wants no part in another. Harvey begs Fred to take just a small part. Fred always refuses. The day of the parade finally comes and everyone in town has a part. It is the biggest parade Bonesport has ever had. There is only one thing wrong. There are no spectators since everyone is in the parade. Everyone in town except Fred. Fred makes up for the lack of an audience by making as much noise as he can. He jumps up and down, flaps his ears and proves to be a wonderful one-man audience. 2006, Henry Holt and Company, $16.95. Ages 3 mo. to 4. Reviewer: Jennie DeGenaro (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 31, 2006; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7685-1
ISBN: 0-8050-7685-9
Deborah Heiligman
How do you celebrate Independence Day? All over the United States we celebrate by showing the flag, watching or participating in parades, enjoying a picnic, and fireworks, concerts and time with family and friends. It also offers an opportunity to learn about American history and why we celebrate this holiday. Heiligman's text is concise and gives a brief overview of the setting of America, the establishment of the colonies and their desire to break away from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776 which is why that is our country's birthday. Many of the full color illustrations show kids having a great time at picnics, participating in parades, and playing games. As it day ends and the sky grows dark, it is lit by fabulous displays of fireworks which according to the author remind us of the war for freedom and the beauty reminds us of the ideals of the United States of America. It is to Heiligman's credit that mention is made that not all Americans celebrate, specifically some Native Americans who lost their native lands. The closing pages include some facts, an activity, recipe, glossary, information about independence days in other countries of the world and places to find out more information. Don't miss the essay on the final page which parents and teachers can share with young readers. 2007, National Geographic, Ages 5 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4263-0074-5
The Declaration of Independence
Dennis Brindell Fradin
Independence was a hard-fought battle, won by our ancestors many years ago. When the young colony that is now America wanted to make decisions for itself, the mother country of Britain disapproved. The result was a bitter war known as the Revolutionary War. Many men and women who are now well known names to school children fought for the right to be independent--men like former presidents Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and John Adams. As a result of their efforts, citizens today enjoy freedoms that many other nations do not. The document that marks the beginning of the struggle for these freedoms is a declaration of the intention to be independent. Author Fradin has once again given young readers an excellent resource for reports, or just for informational reading. The words included in the glossary appear in bold print throughout the text. The author has included copies of original engravings, maps, and photos, as well as additional suggestions for further reading and web research. The timeline included in the text is particularly helpful for the reader. This is one of six titles in the “Turning Points in U. S. History” series. 2007, Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, $20.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joyce Rice (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-2129-0
ISBN: 0-7614-2129-7
The Declaration of Independence
Terry Allan Hicks
Fireworks, parades, and picnics on July 4 celebrate one of the most important events in the history of our country. It was on this day more than 225 years ago that the Declaration of Independence was signed. This document stating that Americans have the right to choose their own government also makes a formal resolution that the American colonies are and of right ought to be, free and independent states. Large blue stars on a number of the pages add extra information of interest for the reader. The author covers each step leading to the creation of this important document clearly and concisely. Families everywhere in this country should read it together. This story also notes that the Declaration, once having been approved, was printed originally on parchment paper and signed by each of the delegates. The expression put your "John Hancock" on this when referring to the signing of a document was carried down from the first signing of the Declaration. Only John Hancock and the secretary of congress at the time, Charles Thomson, actually signed the document on July 4. The other signatures were added at a later date. There is so much information here for young minds that it can be overwhelming. However, Hicks makes it interesting and attractive to the reader. The Declaration of Independence may be cracked and faded but through books like this, a part of the "Symbol of America" series, the words and message are still there; they have guided our country for over 200 years. 2007, Marshall Cavendish Corporation, $28.50. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Joan Elste (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-2135-1
ISBN: 0-7614-2135-1
Lisa McClatchy
Illustrated by Tammie Lyon
It is the 4th fourth of July and Eloise and Nanny are excited about the holiday parade. Eloise dresses in red, white, and blue and off they head for seats in the grandstand. What a parade it is--bands, floats, mounted police, and more. Of course Eloise is never content to just watch.,; she manages to get into mischief and even ends up being part of the parade. The story and illustrations are much like the originals by Kay Thompson and Hillary Knight. Eloise is the star of an entire collection in the "Ready-To-Read" series of which this is a level 1 book. 2007, Aladdin/Random House, Ages 4 to 6, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-3523-0
ISBN: 1-4169-3523-1
Fireworks
Vicki Cobb
On the 4th of July, displays of fireworks light up the skies all over our country. Viewers "ooh and aah" throughout, awaiting the grand finale that sometimes seems to have no end yet other times is far too short. Regardless, these displays are stunning, and the science behind their production is far more complex than one might think. The evolution of fireworks starts in this book with a discussion of playing with fire, the discovery of black powder, cannons, and mortars. Exploding shells, the colors and timing of the fireworks, and avoiding nasty surprises follow. The treat for readers is the number of science experiments that can be done with materials commonly found at home. Growing a crystal garden, and performing a flame test to see what colors certain metals give off when their compounds are heated are just two of them. See if you can visualize your favorite fireworks--could it be a Chrysanthemum with Titanium Salute or a Gold Brocaded Kamuro? Discover the names of many popular displays, as they are described and photographed at the end of the book. The author has written a number of books for children that aim to combine science and fun. This book is part of the "Where's the Science Here?" series that also includes the titles Junk Food, Sneakers, and On Stage and is highly recommended 2006, Millbrook Press, $23.93. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Cindy L. Carolan (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-7613-2771-1
ISBN: 978-0-7613-2771-4
The Fourth of July: An Independence Day Feast of Fun, Facts, and Activities
Carol Amato
Activities by Ann D. Koffsky
Illustrated by Nancy Lane
Here is a straightforward explanation of why we celebrate the Fourth of July and the various ways that the events surrounding the holiday have changed over the years. Little fact boxes sprinkled throughout are labeled “Extra Info” and they impart information--such as the list of the thirteen colonies on the map that outlines and names them, what actually happened at the Boston Tea Party, how firecrackers work, and some information about the 200th birthday of America. Each spread or single page contains a full color illustration along with text. Readers learn about the reason for the colonies coming together to break away from England, the battle for freedom that lasted for eight years, and information about those involved in drafting the Declaration of Independence. The final vote was taken on July Fourth, hence the day of liberty and freedom. In the 1800s celebrations included parades, speeches, picnics, military displays, and fireworks. Many of those traditions have continued and for those who may not be able to see a display of fireworks in person, they are even televised from the Capitol. The latter part of the book contain activities developed by Ann D. Koffsky--some are pretty simple like dancing on bubble wrap, filling balloons with confetti and bursting them, and making patriotic (red, white and blue) fruit kabobs or a liberty bell noisemaker. The book concludes with several of the songs most closely linked to the holiday, “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “America, the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” A useful book for teachers and homeschoolers with easily absorbed information and simple projects. Part of the “Let’s Celebrate Series.” 2007, Barron’s Educational Series, $8.99. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7641-3567-5
ISBN: 0-7641-3567-8
Karma Wilson
Illustrated by Raúl Colón
Wilson tackles a tough problem with her patriotic metaphor of baking "the first ever made on the Fourth of July." A cat and a dog with chef's hats begin by preheating the world "until fiery hot with a hunger and taste to be free." They set out to satisfy these appetites with "a crust of fruited plains..." A text- less double-page then depicts fields covered with huge fruits, with more falling from the sky, all being rolled into a crust by a gigantic rolling pin. And "that's just the start of an American pie!" Next she adds "purple mountain majesties" and "cupfuls of courage." And so the baking continues with ingredients borrowed from our nation's qualities of "sweet freedom," "spiced with ideas...from faraway lands," and "plenty of faith, hope, and love." The text is set in a large type face in short lines with rhymes. The single and text- less double-page illustrations are rendered in Colón's scratchy ink lines and watercolors. He incorporates historic images, such as Columbus's three ships and Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, into the imaginative cooking process. This stirring recipe should have readers standing proudly to attention. 2007, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-689-86506-0
ISBN: 0-689-86506-6
Independence Day
Trudi Strain Trueit
The book contains a short history of the birth of our nation with a brief explanation of the Revolutionary War. The battle between the colonists and the British is depicted with illustrations of the Boston Harbor Tea Party and a war scene. The book mentions the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson with appropriate dates. All of these facts hardly make it a rookie reader. Then the book goes into different ways people celebrate Independence Day, including facts about the date when the holiday became official, parades, flag flying, concerts, fireworks, and picnics. The book is full of pictures and illustrations for each of these activities. This can be used as a resource for a study of holidays or customs. An index is included. (Rookie Read-About Holidays). Nonfiction. Grades 2-4. 2006, Children's Press, 31p., $20.50. Reviewer: Maria Medina (The Lorgnette-Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 19, No. 4)).
ISBN: 0531124576
ISBN: 9780531124574
Independence Day
Trudi Strain Trueit
The book contains a short history of the birth of our nation with a brief explanation of the Revolutionary War. The battle between the colonists and the British is depicted with illustrations of the Boston Harbor Tea Party and a war scene. The book mentions the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson with appropriate dates. All of these facts hardly make it a rookie reader. Then the book goes into different ways people celebrate Independence Day, including facts about the date when the holiday became official, parades, flag flying, concerts, fireworks, and picnics. The book is full of pictures and illustrations for each of these activities. This can be used as a resource for a study of holidays or customs. An index is included. (Rookie Read-About Holidays). Nonfiction. Grades 2-4. 2006, Children's Press, 31p., $20.50. Reviewer: Maria Medina (The Lorgnette-Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 19, No. 4)).
ISBN: 0-53112457-6
ISBN: 978-0-53112457-4
N Is For Our Nation's Capital: A Washington, DC Alphabet
Marie Smith and Roland Smith
Illustrated by Barbara Leonard Gibson
Another Washington, DC, alphabet book? Yes, but this one is different enough to deserve a second look. It begins with Clara Barton--a "B" word? Not if she is called the "Angel of the Battlefield." A brief essay on her Civil War nursing work is followed by equally creative choices. "D" for "Dream" gives us Martin Luther King Jr. and his most famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial--with a nod to Marian Anderson on the same page. "I" for "Island" presents Theodore Roosevelt Island and the nature preserve in the Potomac. "Q" introduces the Adams presidents, father and son. "Y" is for the Navy Yard, seen from a lovely historical viewpoint, with mention of its role in both the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Some of the regular alphabet words chosen are equally novel: the Blair House; the X-l airplane that first broke the sound barrier, used as an introduction to James Smithson and the Smithsonian Institution. The Smiths have done their research well, and Gibson's watercolor portraits and landscapes add a graceful new look to our capital city. 2005, Sleeping Bear Press, $17.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58536-148-8
Olivia Forms a Band
Ian Falconer
Olivia dreams grandly, as children do and children should. When she is told the family will be going to see fireworks in the evening, she decides that there must be a band. She boldly proclaims, "We'll be the band!" The expressions on the faces of her parents and the piglets make it clear that Olivia is on her own, so Olivia declares, "I'll be the band." The illustrations of her efforts to collect everything she needs are hilarious. After she finds just the right outfit to wear, Olivia begins to practice. The noise has the family holding their ears and the cat's hair standing on end. Although Olivia is perfectly happy with the sound and convinced that she sounds like a real band, she decides not to bring the band instruments to the fireworks. She does primp and pose while getting ready to head out and, finally, the family leaves to have a picnic. The sunset is striking and they have a wonderful, but exhausting, evening. Olivia sleeps soundly that night, having yet another dream. H'm, Olivia on the Supreme Court? Why not? 2006, Anne Schwartz Books/Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, $17.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Book Sense Children's Picks, Fall 2006; American Booksellers Association; United States
Choices, 2007; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, May 1, 2006; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, April 3, 2006; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, June 2006; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 1-4169-2454-X
ISBN: 978-1-4169-2454-8
Summer
Alice Low
Illustrated by Roy McKie
In a rhyming text Low relates all the joys that summer brings such as sunny days with good things to eat like watermelon and cold ice cream cones. It is also a time to have fun outside--playing in the yard, swinging, catching butterflies, enjoying a water fight, swimming, and even spending a day at the beach. During the summer, we celebrate the 4th of July, and on that night the sky is lit up with beautiful fireworks. Today’s kids are in for a real treat when they see how much fun you can have without TV, I-pods, and the like. It really is a refreshing look at the kind of days that I remember as a child. It is all amusingly illustrated by Roy McKie. Part of the “Bright and Early Board Books” series. 2007 (orig. 1963), Random House, $4.99. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-83870-5
ISBN: 0-375-83870-8
Summer Beat
Betsy Franco
Illustrated by Charlotte Middleton
School is out and summer is a time for fun. A young girl named Em rides her skateboard over to her friend Joe’s house. It is a nice scene but she is not wearing knee pads or any other protectors. The two enjoy the coolness of the water sprinkler and relaxing in a hammock, but when a sudden summer shower arrives they have to race for cover. Throughout the text readers will enjoy words that represent the sounds in the scene “Pat a tat tat” for rain drops and “fizzle, fizzle” as the raindrops hit the outdoor barbeque. The food offers an opportunity to munch, crunch, and even spit (watermelon seeds). Other kids appear in the scene and suddenly it becomes apparent that this is a Fourth of July celebration. There is a parade filled with hoots and toots and then there is the pop of sparklers that sizzle and the bang of fireworks. Even when these two friends climb into their tree house and sleeping bags to settle in for the night, the “Summer sounds never stop.” A book that is fun to read aloud and one that young children just learning to enjoy summer time will quickly relate to. 2007, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, $15.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1237-8
ISBN: 1-4169-1237-1
| The Story of the U.S.A. |
America: A Patriotic Primer.
Lynne Cheney. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2002. Grades K-4.
An ABC book that introduces readers to the founding principles of the United States. Each letter of the alphabet stands for an idea ("S is for Suffrage," "T is for Tolerance") or for a historical figure ("J is for Jefferson," "W is for Washington"). Each idea is illustrated in words, through quotations from historical sources, and in pictures.
The Fourth of July Story.
Alice Dalgliesh. New York: Aladdin Books, 1956, reprint 1995. Grades K-4.
An American classic that describes how the thirteen colonies united for independence, the writing of the Declaration of Independence, carrying the news of independence across the colonies, the war against the British, and the election of George Washington as president.
Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence.
Russell Freedman. New York: Holiday House, 2000. Grades 5 and up.
This abundantly illustrated book covers the Boston Tea Party and the other events that led to the colonial uprising and revolt. It describes the Second Continental Congress, the formation of the Continental Army, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the drafting of the Declaration. Also discusses how this "living document" continues to speak anew to each generation. Includes the full text of the Declaration, a list of all its signers, a chronology of events covered in the book's chapters, and the efforts made to protect and preserve the document.
The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence.
Judith St. George. New York: Philomel Books, 2005. Grades K-5.
Chronicles the journey of the Declaration of Independence through American history. Since it was signed in 1776, the Declaration has been rolled up, copied, hidden away, and traveled by horseback, sailing vessel, mail truck, railroad car, and military tank. After being front and center of a new nation, it has escaped two British invasions and survived for more than two centuries of both peaceful times and devastating wars.
The Story of the Statue of Liberty.
Betsy Maestro. New York: Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Books, 1986. Grades 2-7.
Describes the creation of the Statue of Liberty given by France to the United States as a remembrance of the old friendship between the two countries, and explains how the statue is a symbol of hope and freedom to people who come to America. Provides a detailed account of how the sculptor came up with the concept and executed the sculpture. Contains lists of additional information about the statue, such as a table of dates, people who helped in the construction, dimensions of the statue, and more.
To view Fourth of July features from previous years, click one of the following links:
2006.
2004.
2003.
Updated 6/18/08
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