Thematic Reading List: 25 Everything 4th of July Books
When we think about the 4th of July we not only think of America’s independence, but we also think of parades, fireworks, and picnics with family and friends. This reading list covers the meaning of Independence Day, the many types of things we do to celebrate the holiday, and a few chapter books with July 4th settings for our chapter book readers.
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What is the 4th of July? By: Elaine Landau Includes the food, outdoor fun, crafts and games for celebrating America’s birthday. |
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The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence By: Judith St. George Presents the story of how the original document that changed the fate of the nation still exists proudly today, despite being rolled up, transported on horseback, tucked away, improperly repaired, and kept under lock and key. |
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Paper Crafts for the 4th of July By: Randel McGee Eight crafts using common craft supplies like tissue paper, cardstock, glue, and string, reflect the red, white, and blue, summertime celebration. A two-page introduction explains the history of this national holiday, and each craft is introduced by a short explanatory paragraph. Crafts include patriotic placemats and an American flag pennant. |
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Parade Colors By: Barbara Barbieri McGrath In this board book with simple text the reader is invited to enjoy a colorful Fourth of July parade. |
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The Night Before the Fourth of July By: Natasha Wing In rhyming text based on “The Night Before Christmas,” a family, decked in red, white, and blue, heads to the Fourth of July parade, hosts a backyard BBQ with neighbors, dodges an afternoon thundershower, and watches the fireworks show. |
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Red, White, and Boom! By: Lee Wardlaw Parades, beach picnics, and fireworks in the park are some of the ways Americans celebrate the Fourth of July. |
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Fourth of July Fireworks By: Patrick Merrick Briefly explains the significance of the Fourth of July holiday, describes the origin and meaning of its celebration with fireworks, and discusses the making and safety aspects of fireworks. |
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Hurray for the Fourth of July By: Wendy Watson A small-town family celebrates the Fourth of July by attending a parade, having a picnic, and watching fireworks. Interspersed throughout the pages are patriotic songs and traditional rhymes. |
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The 4th of July By: Dorothy Goeller Simple text and photographs present a story with a 4th of July theme. Perfect for ages 4 to 6. |
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Looking for Uncle Louie on the Fourth of July By: Kathy Whitehead A boy gets a big surprise when the low riders take part in the Independence Day parade. A story that captures the thrill of watching an Independence Day parade in the American Southwest. |
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Celebrate Fourth of July with Champ, the Scamp By: Alma Flor Ada Champ the dog hitches a ride in the basket for the Fourth of July picnic. Includes nonfiction information about the holiday. |
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Snickerdoodle’s Star-Spangled Fourth of July By: Clare Ham Grosgebauer Uncle Yankee Doodle’s family and animal friends gather for a fourth of July celebration, and when it looks like the fireworks will be spoiled by the bouncy behavior of the firehouse dog, Snickerdoodle finds a solution and shines the spotlight on an unusual special guest. |
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The Great Cake Bake By: Helen Ketteman When her town hosts a Fourth of July cake competition, Donna Rae tries to bake the best cake ever, but with every patriotic confection she makes, something goes wrong. |
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July Jitters By: Ron Roy Bradley, Brian, Nate, and Lucy enter Polly the pony and Pal the dog in a July 4th pet costume contest, but when Independence Day arrives the animals are nowhere to be found. |
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Uncle Chente’s Picnic By: Diane Bertrand A big rainstorm and a power failure during a Fourth of July picnic in honor of Uncle Chente cause a change in plans, resulting in a very special family gathering. |
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One Final Firecracker By: Gregory Maguire A giant spider and several other odd creatures from the earlier books in the Hamlet Chronicles return as the small Vermont town celebrates a grammar school graduation, Miss Earth’s wedding, and the Fourth of July. |
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Wildfire By: Elizabeth Starr Hill Living with his great-grandmother in rural Florida, ten-year-old Ben looks forward to the Fourth of July celebrations, but the day becomes complicated by the presence of a new neighbor boy, a stray puppy, and local wildfires. |
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The Case of the July 4th Jinx By: Lewis B. Montgomery With the help of ace detective Dash Marlowe, sleuths-in-training Mio and Jazz investigate a so-called jinx at the local Fourth of July fair. |
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Independence Day Origami By: Ruth Owen Full-color step-by-step instructions teach children how to fold Independence Day-themed origami decorations. |
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Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags By: James Giblin Traces the social history behind America’s celebration of Independence Day and explains the background of such national symbols as the flag, the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell, and Uncle Sam. |
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The Explosive Story of Fireworks By: Kama Einhorn Includes information about the first fireworks, their appearance in Europe and Fourth of July fireworks. |
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Apple Pie Fourth of July By: Janet Wong A Chinese American child fears that the food her parents are preparing to sell on the Fourth of July will not be eaten. |
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Red, White, and Blue and Katie Woo By: Fran Manushkin As Katie, her parents, and friends celebrate Independence Day with a parade, games, a picnic, and fireworks, the few things that go wrong do not interfere with their fun. |
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Happy Birthday, America By: Mary Pope Osborne The whole family joins in a lively small-town celebration of Independence Day, including a parade, a picnic, music, and fireworks. An author’s note explains the origin of the celebration of July 4th. |
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The Story of America’s Birthday By: Patricia Pingry A simple introduction to the American Revolution, the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and the significance of the Fourth of July. |