Children's Books about the Fourth of July

Researched by James R. Heintze. All Rights Reserved.

Recreates the Fourth of July in 1836 in the fictional village of Prairietown, Indiana, to show how the holiday was celebrated in a typical frontier community.

Includes the following chapters: A summer holiday -- Celebrating our independence -- Thirteen English colonies -- A busy new world -- Growing apart -- The French and Indian war -- The king's taxes -- Angry colonists -- Trouble in Boston -- War breaks out -- The Declaration of Independence -- A nation is born.

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.

Butterworth, Hezekiah. In Old New England: the Romance of a Colonial Fireside. New York: D. Appleton, 1895. 281 pp.

These stories were originally published in the Century, Harper's and other magazines. Includes Milo Mill's Fourth of July poem.

Capucilli, Alyssa Satin. Biscuit's Fourth of July. Illustrations by Pat Schories. New York: HarperFestival, 2005. 1 volume (unpaged).

The dog Biscuit celebrates America's birthday--the Fourth of July.

Joined by an army of aunts, uncles, and cousins, eight-year-old Kay and her family celebrate the Fourth of July.

The thirteen colonies unite in the desire for independence, select Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence, and carry the news of independence across the colonial settlements.

The Pee Wees are planning on riding ponies in the Fourth of July parade, but Molly is the only one who doesn't know how to ride.

The story of the way in which Jeff, a boy on crutches, wins first prize in a parade is told. Facts of American history are presented.

Describes the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence as well as the personalities and politics behind its framing. Beginning with the Boston Tea Party, this stirring account introduces characters including Patrick Henry & Paul Revere, events such as the battles at Lexington & Concord, & ends with the Continental Congress & the drawing up of the Declaration of Independence. The events leading up to it plus the personalities and politics behind its framing.

Simple text and photographs explain Independence Day, how and why we celebrate it to honor the founding of the United States.

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.

Describes the origins and past and present celebrations of Independence Day.

Defines or explains various words, commonly associated with Independence Day, such as "barbecue," "fireworks," and "liberty," and gives their origin or historical background.

Describes the events of July 4, 1776; early celebrations of the day, and the symbols, patriotic music, fireworks, monuments and statues associated with this holiday.

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.

Eleven-year-old Molly has gotten off on the wrong foot in her new town by insulting the mayor's daughter, but with the help of her baseball prowess and two friends she hopes to redeem herself during the Fourth of July parade.

Claire learns from Ben Franklin and the Founding Fathers that the Fourth of July is more than just fireworks, it's the celebration of our freedoms.

Children see "Proud to be American" signs on cars and in windows everywhere. Yet have they any idea what the words really mean? Do they understand why they pledge allegiance to the flag, sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," and celebrate the Fourth of July? Do they know why the Liberty Bell was rung, who lives in the White House, why the Statue of Liberty holds a torch? It is the aim of Symbols of America to explain, in an engaging manner and with words young reaeders can readily understand, the origins and meanings of America's greatest symbols.

A collection of poems about traditional celebrations of America's independence, describing picnics, fireworks, and bicycle parades.

Holub, Joan. Fourth of July, Sparkly Sky. Illustrations by Amanda Haley. New York: Little Simon, 2003. unpaged.

Fourth of July poetry.

An anthology of poems about American independence.

Briefly explains the origins of such holidays as New Year's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Hanukkah.

Includes the following chapters: What is Independence Day? -- Under British rule -- War breaks out -- The Declaration of Independence -- A famous birthday -- Another big birthday -- Fireworks on the Fourth -- The Liberty Bell -- Other holiday symbols -- Celebrating Independence Day.

Town residents prepare to celebrate Independence Day with food, a parade, and fireworks.

Spending summer vacation on a Maine island, Rebecca misses her best friend Emily until she meets Amanda, who invites Rebecca to be in the Fourth of July parade.

On the hottest July day, one hundred hippos gather for their annual parade, only to be subtracted as they collapse from the heat while marching.

An anthology of more than 80 poems celebrating special days including birthdays, Halloween, the Fourth of July, and Columbus Day.

Introduces the history of Independence Day and explains how it is celebrated today.

A delightful book about Rodney's life and his exciting ride through inclement weather from Delaware to Philadelphia to cast the deciding vote on behalf of Delaware for independence.

Duffield published this through 6 editions. In 1934, Dodd, Mead published the most recent edition.

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.

Not even her brother's teasing can spoil Phoebe's excitement about being a Peewee Majorette in the Fourth of July parade.

Nelson, Robin. Independence Day. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, 2003. 23 pp. Illustrations.

A brief introduction to the history of Independence Day and how and why it is celebrated.

Rhyming text introduces aspects of this important national holiday.

The whole family joins in a lively small-town celebration of the Fourth of July, including a parade, picnic, music, and fireworks.

"A collection of American poetry that celebrates over 200 years of American life and history as illustrated by fine art from the collection of the National Museum of American Art." Includes texts of Emerson's "Concord Hymn" and James Russell Lowell's "Our Fathers Fought for Liberty."

As the tall ships sail into New York Harbor to celebrate the Fourth of July, a bald eagle soars in the sky overhead, a regal symbol with shining armor and eyes like canary diamonds.

The spirit of July 4th is studied from the events preceding the Declaration of Independence to current celebrations.

Simple text that explains why the 4th of July is celebrated as the nation's birthday.

Four energetic mice enjoy a parade and other festivities on Independence Day.

Discusses the origins and traditions surrounding the Fourth of July, President's Day, Armistice Day, and other American holidays.

Includes the following chapters: Fireworks spectacular -- The beginnings of a nation -- The Revolutionary War -- Through the years -- A day of pride.

The Fourth of July celebration along the coast of New Hampshire and Maine is presented in text and photographs.

Fiction.

Seymour, Tres. Jake Johnson: The Story of a Mule. Illustrations by Marsha Gray Carrington. New York: DK Ink, 1999. (unpaged)

Farmer Puckett's custom of hauling a wagonload of fireworks to the fairgrounds for the Independence Day social is endangered when his stubborn new mule Jake Johnson refuses to move.

Wheel's attempt to organize a Fourth of July carnival starring all of his friends, is threatened when the new kid in town starts to take over his gang.

The ten-year-old detective solves "The Case of the Missing Garlic Bread" and other food related mysteries. Includes menus and recipes for a Fourth of July party, a birthday brunch, and other occasions.

Young Jesse and his family are with a wagon train traveling from Indiana to Oregon when they stop to celebrate the Fourth of July, but Jesse is too young to go hunting with the men so he comes up with his own contribution to the festivities.

Lucky Hart and her team play a rival team on the Fourth of July. Topping off the celebration is a burst of fireworks.

Huff and Puff get even with their troublesome cousins by creating their own fireworks using lightning.

Watson, Wendy. Hurray for the Fourth of July. New York: Clarion Books, 1992. (unpaged)

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.

A boy gets a big surprise when the low riders take part in the Independence Day parade.

A Chinese American child fears that the food her parents are preparing to sell on the Fourth of July will not be eaten.

Spectators wait to see what will come next as they watch the town's Fourth of July parade.

This page last updated June 12, 2007.

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