Growing up in a country whose patriotism is so strong, can sometimes be daunting. Thankfully, authors throughout the United States have pulled together enough history to teach even our youngest citizens. From board books to alphabet books, all the way to adventure stories of the Statue of Liberty, we've got at least 20 different ways to teach about the Fourth of July.
So, before you head out this summer, make sure to stock up on the American history books for the July holiday season! Your kids will be begging for more stories and don't worry, we've got your back! Here's a list of 20 book recommendations.
1. America the Beautiful By Cholena Rose Dare
Age: 3-6
America The Beautiful is a wonderful book celebrating and teaching about our country. It is a great Fourth of July book as it represents the beauty we are celebrating.
2. The Night Before the Fourth of July By Natasha Wing
Age: 3-5
More than just a book stating facts, The Night Before the Fourth of July follows real-life references for your blossoming toddlers. It is a fantastic July 4th reference book!
3. I Spy With My Little Eye: 4th Of July! By Daniela Paulas
Age: 2-5
A cool book filled with all kinds of vibrant illustrations. Help your toddlers understand the different symbols of the Fourth of July with this interactive book.
4. Fourth of July Coloring Book By Years Truly
Age: 1-5
A cute book for children to understand and recognize different symbols that they might be seeing on the upcoming holiday! Work with children to explain each picture and have them recollect during the night.
5. Fourth Of July (Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme) By Emma Carlson Berne
Age: 5-7
With music included this lovely picture book will have your kiddos singing all through the Fourth of July. Join in the fun of a city parade and excite your little ones for the parades of their own!
6. It's Not About You, Mrs. Firecracker By Soraya Diase Coffelt
Age: 5-10
An opening to different moments in history that your kiddos will absolutely love reading about. American history is long and a bit complicated, but this awesome book helps bring those lessons to life!
7. The Fourth of July Story By Alice Dalgliesh
Age: 4-8
Peel back the layers of history with your little one. Take a walk through history with this book for school and home!
8. Fourth Of July Mice! By Bethany Roberts
Age: 6-9
Fourth of July Mice is not only an easy reader for children, it is also a beautiful book filled with an engaging story.
9. Apply Pie Fourth of July By Janet S. Wong
Age: 4-7
Feeling down about her parents cooking Chinese Food on the Fourth of July, this young Chinese girl growing up in the US soon realizes the importance of her culture and heritage!
10. Corduroy's Fourth of July By Don Freeman
Age: 0-3
Corduroy becomes a real parade goer in this simple book for babies. A wonderful book to introduce the holiday to your youngsters and explain what a typical Fourth of July will look like!
11. My Fourth of July By Jerry Spinelli
Age: 4-8
A story following a responsible young boy and all of his family traditions on the Fourth of July. Read this story the night before and make sure they wake up energized and excited about this fantastic holiday.
12. Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags By James Cross Giblin
Age: 10-12
This book shares deeper meaning with children who have aged out of the typical Fourth of July stories. Connecting existing knowledge with actual symbols and vocabulary. Learn not only about each symbol but why it is associated with this holiday.
13. Red, White, and Boom By Lee Wardlaw
Age: 4-7
One of the most perfect book picks for teaching or reading about the Fourth of July. Follow a story that travels across the country to learn about different cultures, traditions, and holiday celebrations.
14. Hat's Off For the Fourth of July By Harriet Ziefert
Age: 4-7
Hat's Off For the Fourth is a wonderful book filled with rhyme and rhythm following patriotic pastimes of parades and spectacular fireworks.
15. Happy Fourth of July, Jenny Sweeney By Leslie Kimmelman
Age: 5-6
Sometimes patriotic books can be hard to come by for our younger listeners. Thankfully, Happy Fourth of July, Jenny Sweeney is a simple book that will help connect your children's lives to books about the Fourth of July. Follow Jenny throughout her town to all of the Fourth of July festivities!
16. Lady Liberty's Holiday By Jen Arena
Age: 5-8
Fourth of July is all about celebrating our American heritage, what better way to celebrate than to read about the Statue of Liberty? Follow lady liberty as she goes on vacation throughout the entire US. Add Lady Liberty's Holiday to your list of books this July and you will not be disappointed.
17. The Story of America's Birthday By Patricia Pingry
Age: 5-6
A story about the true reason to celebrate the Fourth of July. It's never too early for an American history lesson and what better way than a story about a holiday that children are always excited for! The Story of America's Birthday teaches children the meaning BEHIND the fireworks and signature foods!
18. Hello, Fourth of July By Martha Day Zschock
Age: 2-5
Hello, Fourth of July follows as a family of eagles takes on the festivities of the Fourth of July. Revolving around symbols of the United States culture, with bald eagles as the main characters. Join the Eagles for family cookouts and thrilling fireworks.
19. F Is For Flag By Wendy Cheyette Lewison
Age: 3-5
The American Flag symbolizes many different aspects of American culture. Read through this story with your young ones and come to find how amazing this symbolization really is. A beautiful alphabet book that puts American history in simple terms for even the youngest minds.
20. What Does It Mean to be American? By Rana DiOrio
Age: 4-8
A nation full of diversity and unity is a tough one to actually understand your role. This story takes our little ones on an adventure through patriotism and what it really means to be American.
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