The 4th of July is a date of great significance in the United States. As we approach this date let’s take a look at it’s history and indulge in some books to celebrate Independence Day.
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July 4th, 1776 the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. This document, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, is the foundation of the United States government. Since 1941, the 4th of July, or Independence Day, has been a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated with festivities including parades, fireworks, large family gatherings and more.
Books to Celebrate Independence Day
There are many historical aspects of Independence Day to explore and celebrate.
Topics such as:
- The Revolutionary War
- Common Sense published by Thomas Paine
- men like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams
- The Declaration of Independence
- slavery
- freedom
- modern day celebrations
As you can imagine this creates a wide variety of books to explore and celebrate Independence Day.
Books About the Declaration of Independence
Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence – This engaging account delves into the deep-rooted conflicts between the American colonies and the British crown, presenting the Revolution not as a sudden break between distant governments but an inevitable result of building pressure, spurred on by events and guided by the distinct personalities that would become the Founding Fathers. With a strong focus on cause and effect and the actions of important individuals, Give Me Liberty! traces the tensions that built up in the 1770s, including the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, and the early battles of the Revolutionary War, culminating in the signing of the Declaration in 1776, and its spread through the new American nation.
What is the Declaration of Independence? – On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever this country’s ties with Britain and announce a new nation—The United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and the Declaration of Independence made that official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War.
The 4th of July Story – What happened on the Fourth of July long before there were fireworks and parades? Alice Dalgliesh takes young readers back to revolutionary times, back to the colonists’ desire for freedom and the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Simple text captures the excitement of the era, telling how word of Independence traveled up and down the thirteen colonies, touching the lives of everyday people throughout the land.
Books About Fireworks and Modern-Day July 4th Celebrations
Blue Sky White Stars – Wonderfully spare, deceptively simple verses pair with richly evocative paintings to celebrate the iconic imagery of our nation, beginning with the American flag. Each spread, sumptuously illustrated by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson, depicts a stirring tableau, from the view of the Statue of Library at Ellis Island to civil rights marchers shoulder to shoulder, to a spacecraft at Cape Canaveral blasting off. This book is an ode to America then and now, from sea to shining sea.
My Fourth of July – Picnics! Singing! Fireworks! It’s time to celebrate the best day of all–the Fourth of July!
Fourth of July – On the Fourth of July, Americans remember the founding of the United States. On this day, people gather for picnics and watch parades and fireworks. Sing along as you explore Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme! Includes online music access.
Fireworks and Freedom – a children’s book that captures the excitement and joy of celebrating the Fourth of July. With vibrant illustrations and a captivating rhyming narrative, this book takes young readers on a journey through a day filled with patriotic festivities. Through its verses, children will learn about the symbols of freedom, the importance of unity, and the brave heroes who fought for their rights.
The Explosive Story of Fireworks! – In this book readers will learn all about how fireworks were invented in China over 2,000 years ago, how Queen Elizabeth I created a special honor for the person who created the best fireworks, and much more! A special section at the back of the book includes Common Core–vetted extras on subjects like social studies and math, and there’s even a fun quiz so readers can test themselves to see what they’ve learned!
Stories of our Founding Men and Women
John, Paul, George & Ben – Once there were four lads… John [Hancock], Paul [Revere], George [Washington], and Ben [Franklin]. Oh yes, there was also Tom [Jefferson], but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around. These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few…liberties. And to be honest, they were not always appreciated. This is the story of five little lads before they became five really big Founding Fathers.
Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word – An inspiring journey of courage, failure, and resilience. Thomas Paine’s persuasive Common Sense rallied Americans to declare independence against the mightiest empire in the world.
Leave It to Abigail! The Revolutionary Life of Abigail Adams – Everyone knew Abigail was different. Instead of keeping quiet, she blurted out questions. Instead of settling down with a wealthy minister, she married a poor country lawyer named John Adams. Instead of running from the Revolutionary War, she managed a farm and fed hungry soldiers. Instead of leaving the governing to men, she insisted they “Remember the Ladies.” Instead of fearing Europe’s kings and queens, she boldly crossed the sea to represent her new country. And when John become President of the United States, Abigail became First Lady, and a powerful advisor.
Will you sign here, John Hancock? – Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated.
Books to Celebrate Independence Day for Teens
Common Sense, Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings of Thomas Paine – This volume contains Thomas Paine’s most essential works, showcasing one of American history’s most eloquent proponents of democracy. Upon publication, Thomas Paine’s modest pamphlet Common Sense shocked and spurred the foundling American colonies of 1776 to action. It demanded freedom from Britain—when even the most fervent patriots were only advocating tax reform. Paine’s daring prose paved the way for the Declaration of Independence and, consequently, the Revolutionary War. For “without the pen of Paine,” as John Adams said, “the sword of Washington would have been wielded in vain.”
A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent – This is the true story of James Lafayette, a slave who spied for George Washington’s army during the American Revolution. But while America celebrated its newfound freedom, James returned to slavery. His service hadn’t qualified him for the release he’d been hoping for. For James the fight wasn’t over; he’d already helped his country gain its freedom, now it was time to win his own.
1776 – David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence—when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper.
Four Days n Philadelphia – A re-creation of the four days in 1776 during which the members of the Second Continental Congress debated the question of declaring independence from Great Britain, and drafted the document setting forth their decision.
Independence Day Activities & Resources
The Art of Patriotism in Your Homeschool – I think students can learn a lot by incorporating art lessons into their homeschool as well as their celebrations and recognition of holidays. What better way to learn about the flag and remember its importance than to paint it? There’s a proud tradition of painted flags. Artisans would apply hand-mixed paints to fine silk, allowing for beautifully complex classical banners.
The Patriotic Homeschool – Resources from our curriculum choice authors
Scratch Art Fireworks & The Science of Fireworks – Check out this fun and simple way to create fireworks of your own! Using a few simple supplies your kids can create scratch art fireworks to celebrate anything!
Sparklers: A Pastels Tutorial – make fun and creative sparkler art with this fun chalk pastel tutorial
More Themed Book Lists
Be sure to check out our Themed Book Lists for all your holiday and unit study needs!
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