From the Declaration of Independence to the moon landing, July is a good month to feel a little patriotic pride. Celebrate with fireworks and new-to-you children’s books from your library. Rachel Hoyt of the Frisco Public Library shared these 10 titles that will get your kids into the spirit of history. If you’re a Frisco resident, you also want to check out the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge – read 10 books, win a prize. This list is a good place to start.
Looking for Uncle Louie on the Fourth of July by Kathy Whitehead; illustrated by Pablo Torrecilla
Way down in South Texas, Joe and his family attend an Independence Day parade with whirling batons, cowboy-booted dancers and a mariachi band. But as the anticipated lowriders arrive, Joe still can’t find his Uncle Louie. Infants–Grade 2
Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong; illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
The young Chinese-American narrator chides her parents for serving Chinese food on the Fourth of July. But by day’s end, as she and her family watch fireworks and eat apple pie, she learns a lesson about both of her cultures. Infants–Grade 2
Wind Flyers by Angela Johnson; illustrated by Loren Long
A boy tells the story of his great-great uncle, one of the Tuskegee Airman, a group of African-American pilots who fought in World War II. Infants–Grade 3
Molly, by Golly! The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter by Diane Ochiltree; illustrated by Kathleen Kemly
One day in 1818 when all the firefighters are out sick, a New York City house catches on fire and Molly Williams rushes to stop the blaze. Read the true story of America’s first female firefighter, Volunteer Number 11. Grades K–4
Red, White and Blue and Katie Woo! by Fran Manushkin; illustrated by Tammie Lyon
Katie and her friends JoJo and Pedro celebrate the Fourth of July with a red, white and blue party. Will a few mishaps spoil the fun? Grades 1–5
Celebrate Independence Day by Deborah Heiligman
Heiligman takes her readers on a journey around the country to see how different parts of the United States celebrate the Fourth of July, including fun facts, a glossary of terms, recipes and a resource guide. Grades 1–5
On Independence Day/El día de la Independencia by Judy Zocchi; illustrated by Rebecca Wallis
This bilingual book explores the customs and celebrations that surround the Fourth of July while introducing kids to the Spanish words for their favorite Independence Day activities. Grades 1–5
One Giant Leap: The Story of Neil Armstrong by Don Brown
Follow astronaut Neil Armstrong from his dreams of flying as a boy to when he gets his pilot’s license as a teenager to when he finally becomes the first person to walk on the moon. Grades 1–5
Kylie Jean: Singing Queen by Marci Peschke; illustrated by Tuesday Mourning
Kylie Jean learns that her Jacksonville, Texas, school is hosting a jubilee talent show. Kylie Jean wants to win so badly, but is winning the most important thing? One in a series of chapter books. Grades 2–5
July Jitters by Ron Roy; illustrated by John Steven Gurney
Four friends dress their pets for a special Fourth of July parade and contest – but now the animals have gone missing. Can the kids find their dog and pony in time for the event? This is the seventh in a series of gentle chapter-book mysteries. Grades 2–5
Published July 2013
Images courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers; Barbara Lambert; Picture Window Books, a Capstone imprint; Random House Children's Books; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; National Geographic
