Thematic Reading List: 25 Everything 4th of July Books

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

9780766037038 What is the 4th of July?
By: Elaine Landau

Includes the food, outdoor fun, crafts and games for celebrating America’s birthday.

014751164X 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.

1598453327 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.

1580895360 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.

9780448487120 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.

9780805090659 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.

156766640X 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.

0395536278 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.

9780766038066 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.

9781590780619 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.

159820131X 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.

0974188867 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.

9780802789501 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.

9780375868825 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.

1558853383 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.

9780618274802 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.

0374317127 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.

9781575653082 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.

9781448879229 Independence Day Origami
By: Ruth Owen

Full-color step-by-step instructions teach children how to fold Independence Day-themed origami decorations.

061809654X 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.

1481438484 The Explosive Story of Fireworks
By: Kama Einhorn

Includes information about the first fireworks, their appearance in Europe and Fourth of July fireworks.

9780152025434 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.

9781404859852 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.

9780312380502 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.

9780824918941 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.

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