Independence Day: The Fourth of July, 2006
The following reviews were presented in our 2006 Independence Day feature.
Reviews
Biscuit's Fourth of July
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Illustrated by Pat Schories
Toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners will learn about some of the traditions of this patriotic holiday as a little girl and her puppy, Biscuit, prepare for the day. There are streamers to drape and flags to fly and apples to pick for an apple pie. There is a parade, a picnic and, of course, fireworks. Young children will enjoy lifting the flap on the right hand side of the page to see what mischief Biscuit creates. The brief text and simple full color illustrations make this appropriate for preschoolers. It is a good title for a patriotic story hour. Biscuit's fans will enjoy this addition to the series. 2005, HarperCollins, $6.99. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-009464-8
Fireworks at the FBI
Ron Roy
Illustrated by Timothy Bush
On their walk back to the White House after the 4th of July fireworks on the National Mall, KC, her best friend Marshall, her mother and her stepfather who is the President of the United States, see rockets shooting out of a window at the FBI Headquarters. A clean but charred pizza box holds a clue to the mystery. Astute KC and Marshall eavesdrop on a presidential conversation and discuss the case with the president as they get closer to solving the mystery. A map of Washington DC shows the location of many of the city's landmarks that are mentioned in the book. Readers can follow KC and Marshall as they move around the city. Full-page graphite drawings are interspersed throughout the text. This simple mystery is just right for readers ready for stories beyond the beginning reader section. Implausible but enjoyable. 2006, A Stepping Stone Book/Random House, $3.99 and $11.99. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-87527-1
ISBN: 978-0-375-87527-4
ISBN: 0-375-97527-6
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols
James Cross Giblin
Illustrated by Ursula Arndt
As we gaze up at the red, white and blue fireworks overhead this 4th of July, it is an appropriate time to reflect upon this great nation and the freedom we enjoy. In his book, Giblin provides us with just such an opportunity by taking us back in time to the days leading up to and following the first 4th of July and the men and women who made it possible. Like the freedom we have come to expect, we also anticipate certain happenings and symbolism on the day we celebrate our independence. Giblin gives us fascinating details about the origins of such traditions. He follows the growth of our nation and its reflection in our flag. We learn of the first fireworks displays and follow their technological progress. We discover the stories behind the paintings that have inspired spirit and the music that has reflected America's patriotism over the centuries. President Lincoln once said of the Declaration of Independence that it "gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to all of the world for all future time." In this book, Giblin and Arndt remind us that liberty is not something we should take for granted, but something we should take the opportunity to savor. 2001, Clarion Books, $7.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Leslie Verzi Julian (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-618-09654-X
The Fourth of July
Debra Hess
Using our nation's birthday as a key, Debra Hess unlocks the past in The Fourth of July. Asking readers to question why we celebrate the Fourth of July, Hess introduces them to the story of America's beginning. A brief history of the colonies' struggle with England and subsequent declaration of independence on July 4, 1776 answers the introductory question. However, the author encourages readers to learn even more with descriptions of July Fourth celebrations around the country and vivid, spectacular photographs. The inclusion of Native American celebrations in Arizona and stock car races in Florida subtly emphasizes how this national holiday has become a celebration of our freedoms and diversity. Additional information on Uncle Sam, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and the Liberty Bell weave together many of our patriotic symbols. Although this holiday is seldom celebrated in the classroom, The Fourth of July is an excellent, accessible resource about our nation's founding. 2003, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, $17.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-1711-7
The Fourth of July
Cynthia Klingel and Robert B. Noyed
Large text and bright illustrations will carry young readers through this briefing on what makes July fourth special in the United States. Although the history that led to this holiday is complicated, the meaning is fundamentally simple--Americans love freedom. This book makes that concept clear for children, who may only associate this holiday with the traditional fireworks. Parades and fireworks are symbolic parts of the Fourth of July for many Americans, but after reading this book, children will know that it is a holiday to celebrate with pride for all Americans who enjoy their freedom. Without going into historical detail, the book explains this significance. Repetitious images of flags throughout will keep young readers focused as they learn about the traditions of this patriotic holiday. An index and a reference section are included. There is also a note to parents and educators explaining what the publisher's reading levels are. They include phonics (beginning) readers, and nonfiction levels 1 through 4. This nonfiction Level 2 book is part of the "Wonder Books" collection. 2003, The Child's World, $21.36. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Cherie Ilg Haas (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5676-6954-9
Fourth of July Mice!
Bethany Roberts
Illustrated by Doug Cushman
The mouse family is dressed in colonial American costumes for their parade and Fourth of July celebration. They enjoy a picnic lunch of cheese and sunflowers, play a game of baseball, run sack races and go swimming. Baby Mouse is afraid of the water but takes the plunge to save "Mr. Mouse," his stuffed animal who falls into the water. A delighted Baby Mouse discovers he can swim. That evening, they enjoy sparklers and fireworks. This new book in the holiday series about this joyous mouse family will be enjoyed by preschoolers. The text is simple enough for those beginning to read who are already familiar with the activities of this day. 2004, Clarion Books, $13.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-618-31366-4
Fourth of July, Sparkly Sky
Joan Holub
Illustrated by Amanda Haley
If you are looking for a board book that will be appropriate for celebrating America's birthday then this one will do the trick. It is filled with red, white and blue and it highlights many of the activities that occur on the 4th of July. There may be picnics with lots of great activities and food like barbecue and apple pie. Towns and cites may have parades with floats and marching bands. When evening comes most places celebrate with a display of fireworks that usually draw plenty of oohs and ahs. Every page of this board book is filled with glitter that is sometimes difficult to see, but it does lend a tactile element to the book. 2003, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, $4.99. Ages 6 mo. to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-85718-7
The Great Cake Bake
Helen Ketteman
Illustrations by Matt Collins
What starts out as a great American tradition ends up as a food fight with a marriage announcement. Donna Rae is sure she will win the Fourth of July great cake bake with the most elaborate entry in all of Danville. One flaw with Donna Rae's cakes is that someone always gets hurt with her creations. That someone is Mayor Fargenberg. Her magnificent Boston Tea Party cake, complete with piers, sailing vessels and fountain of tea malfunctions as the Mayor closely examines the delicate confectionary delight. Her stunning Statue of Liberty cake, including gas-light torch was a blast--in more ways than one! Poor Mayor Fargenberg was left cleaner shaven than when he arrived. Donna Rae's final concoction, a replica of a cobblestone road and village where Paul Revere performed his famous ride, was truly the envy of all, even so far as borrowing her cousins' horse, Chester, for a dramatic effect. No mechanical malfunctions this time, but still the culminating cake event was upset with no cake left unscathed. Who won? Read this to find out as see who becomes engaged to be married, if you have not already figured that out. The text is engaging, the illustrations colorful, intricate and tight, and absolutely appropriate for this work. One tiny flaw--compared to other characters in the book Donna Rae appears quite juvenile, as if only a teenager, which seems out of place. This "flaw" is made up for by those delicious end papers of actual-size baking utensils. Bakers everywhere will applaud that talent. This is a fun story and meant to be ready anytime, anywhere. Enjoy! 2005, Walker and Company, $16.95 and $17.85. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8027-8950-1
ISBN: 0-8027-8952-8
Independence Day
Marc Tyler Nobleman
Part of the "Let's See" series of holiday books, Independence Day introduces early readers to the history and traditions of Independence Day. The book opens by looking at the philosophical impetus of July 4th. It then talks about the political situation in revolutionary America and the significance of the Declaration of Independence. The final chapters look at how Independence Day has been celebrated over the years and the symbols and traditions associated with it. Each double-page spread contains a photo, drawing, or historical print and a description of some aspect of the holiday. The book is well structured to facilitate the acquisition of foundational research and reading self-help skills with a table of contents, a glossary, index, and list of additional resources for children and families who want to know more about Independence Day. Words in the text that appear in the glossary are printed in bold type. Independence Day, and indeed the "Let's See" holiday series in general, is notable in that it provides thorough but age-appropriate insight into the historical political, social, and cultural events that created our national holidays. 2005, Compass Point Books, $19.93. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Courtney Angermeier (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0769-3
It's the Fourth of July!
Stan Hoig
Illustrated with photographs and old prints
In lively text with liberal quotes from newspapers and journals, readers learn about the events that preceded the Declaration of Independence, and the manner in which this great occasion has been celebrated through more than two hundred years. Hoig takes a look at the historic meaning of America's Independence Day and what it has meant to Americans. While all is not perfect, because there are individuals and groups still seeking opportunity and respect for their rights, the promise in the Declaration--that all people have an inherent right to equal opportunity in life--lives on. It's the Fourth of July! is illustrated with photographs and reproductions of old prints. 1995, Dutton, $15.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Oklahoma Book Award Finalist 1996 Children/Young Adult United States
ISBN: 0-525-65175-6
The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence
Judith St. George
Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
What an engaging way to get an overview of American history. The jaunty
text follows the whereabouts of the Declaration of Independence from its
inception to its current home at the National Archives. Readers will learn
that the forty-four lines were engrossed on a two-foot wide by
two-and-a-half-foot long sheet of parchment in 1776. To keep the document
safe, it traveled from Philadelphia to Baltimore and back again. It
continued to move to New York City, Washington City, and even back to
Philadelphia. When it finally arrived in Washington, DC it was again moved
several times. St. George makes her point about the constancy of the
document and its home in the "heart of the American people" as she traces
the major historical events and their influence on the changing locations
of the physical document. On page 14 she makes a brilliant analogy between
the United States and a one-year-old child:
"Like any one-year-old, the nation was toddling on unsteady feet."
Readers will garner information
from Hillenbrand's illustrations, as well. There are many humorous
touches, sometimes provided by the bald eagle found throughout the book,
but there are serious issues presented, as well. The burning of the White
House during the War of 1812 is depicted. The early twentieth-century park
scene shows a number of folk reading the newspapers with the issues in the
headlines. This is fresh, lively, and short enough for a bedtime read
aloud or a classroom introduction to American history. 2005, Philomel
Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, Ages 6 to 10, $16.99. Reviewer: Sharon
Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-399-27338-0
Looking for Uncle Louie on the Fourth of July
Kathy Whitehead
Illustrated by Pablo Torrecilla
It is July 4th in this Texas town and excitement abounds as young and old line the streets in anticipation of the colorful and festive holiday parade. The day's events are set in motion by the brilliant
acrylic paintings on the cover as crowds representing a multitude of cultures and reflecting their patriotism gather to view the parade. Joe, perched atop his father's shoulders, scans the area looking for someone and the title reveals that it is Uncle Louie. Will he join them on the sidelines or be a parade participant? Soon the procession begins and each two-page presentation reveals the entries as they march by--police on motorcycles, a marching military unit carrying American flags, the high school band led by baton twirlers, ethnic dancers on wagons, comic clowns, and riders on horses (Here the text and illustrations disagree on the appearance of the horses' manes--braided and free flowing.). Suddenly there is a flash of chrome announcing the arrival of the lowriders, and Joe spies one with Lady Liberty painted on the hood and driven by Uncle Louie. (A complete description of these customized cars appears in the verso.) Joe is whisked into the car and instantly becomes a participant rather than a viewer. The magnificently detailed illustrations blend with the easy-to-read descriptive story enriched with similes and creative language. It is a refreshing message of patriotism and unity that will be an instant attraction inviting readers to celebrate the star-spangled happening! 2005, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Barbara Troisi
ISBN: 1-5907-8061-2
Pyrotechnician
Mary Firestone
Kids who love fireworks, wonder how they work, or dream of lighting off the big, public displays on July 4th will certainly enjoy this book. It's a comprehensive look at the fireworks industry - history, manufacturing, cultural traditions in many countries, the chemistry and physics involved, and the variety of careers available in the industry. The chapter sequence could be better organized - chapters seem to jump back and forth between topics a bit - but the writing is clear and the tone is conversational, making it easy for young readers to grasp the content. The book would definitely benefit from more graphic material, particularly some photos of the fireworks manufacturing process and diagrams showing how shells are put together. Still, there's a great deal of interesting information here. Back matter includes an index and bibliography, suggestions for further reading and related websites, as well as an extensive glossary. This book is part of the 'Weird Careers in Science' series. 2006, Chelsea House Publishers, Ages 9 to 13, $25.00. Reviewer: Barbara Carroll Roberts
ISBN: 0-7910-8703-4
Saving Strawberry Farm
Deborah Hopkinson
Pictures by Rachel Isadora.
It is the Depression, and many folks are having a tough time making ends meet. Still, it is just about the Fourth of July, so Davey's mom is determined to make something of a picnic. She sends the boy and his younger sister, Rosie, to the market for a few supplies. There, Davey learns that Miss Elsie is about to lose her strawberry farm. The bank has scheduled an auction for that very day. The townspeople decide to try a penny auction, and Davey is enlisted to spread the word. Five o'clock rolls around. The crowds are gathered. Who will be the first voice to defy the auctioneer's call for a cool three hundred dollars? One brave boy with the conviction of right and wrong just may be what is needed. Deborah Hopkinson's research is clearly evident in the brief passages about the Depression and 1930s markets which accompany this lovely, heartwarming story of love, friendship, and community. 2005, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $16.99 and $17.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Choices, 2006; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
ISBN: 0-688-17400-0
ISBN: 0-688-17401-9
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Updated 06/30/06
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