Star Spangled BookList: Reading for the 4th of July

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Star Spangled BookList: Reading for the 4th of July

We are getting ready to celebrate big time for the Fourth of July. Along with the hamburgers, hot-dogs, potato salad and fireworks come a long list amoungst other Fourth of July Favorites. And what else will we be doing? Reading of course Here’s a booklist of some of our favorite Star Spangled stories:

A is for America by Devin Scillian

From the British and our Constitution that replaced their rule, to Yellowstone Park and Zane Grey’s stories of the west, “A is for America” is a sweeping tribute to all we know and love about our country. With delightful poems that beg to be read aloud, and expository text to broaden a student’s horizons, this American alphabet will make you fall in love with the United States over and over again. Bright, beautifully detailed illustrations from California artist Pam Carroll bring each letter to life, from eagles to Thomas Edison to the veterans of two World Wars.

America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bares

From his unique perspective as the great, great grandnephew of “America the Beautiful” writer, Katharine Lee Bates, Chris Gall transforms this beloved patriotic song into monumental works of art–from purple mountain majesties to gleaming alabaster cities. Honoring his ancestry and national pride, Gall pairs the beautiful lyrics with striking illustrations of notable American images such as Pike’s Peak, the Tuskgee Airmen, and firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero.

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong

Shocked that her parents are cooking Chinese food to sell in the family store on an all-American holiday, a feisty Chinese American girl tries to tell her mother and father how things really are. But as the parade passes by and fireworks light the sky, she learns a surprising lesson.

Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols by James Cross Giblin

This spirited look at our national birthday explores the stories behind the familiar symbols of the Fourth of July and tells how they have come to be associated with the holiday. It will make the fourth of July more meaningful for readers young and old. James Cross Giblin is an editor of children’s books who also writes for children. He edited the Clarion holiday series started by the late Edna Barth. Ursula Arndt brings to this book the same delightful style she employed as illustrator of the six Barth holiday books. This title, along with all of Edna Barth’s classic holiday books, is now being reissued with a fresh, new jacket design and fun activities inside the paperback covers.

Fourth of July Mice by Bethany Roberts

It’s the most patriotic of all holidays-Independence Day! The Holiday Mice take part in all the activities that make the Fourth of July fun: a parade, a picnic, a baseball game and sack race, and a refreshing dip in the stream. Even Mr. Mouse, the littlest mouse’s special toy, joins in the festivities. The best part of all comes at the end of the day: a spectacular fireworks show!

Packed with plenty of red, white, and blue and featuring the four Holiday Mice at their most adorable, this story about our nation’s birthday will delight readers young and old alike.

God Bless America by Irving Berlin

This first illustrated picture book of Irving Berlin’s classic song celebrates America and invites young readers — and singers — to experience all of her colorful glory, from the mountains to the prairies. Lyrics by America’s most celebrated songwriter, together with Lynn Munsinger’s heartwarming illustrations, are sure to comfort and inspire young patriots across the nation.

Happy 4th of July by Jenny Sweeney

It’s the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It’s a great day. “Happy Birthday, USA!”

Hats off for the Fourth of July by Harriet Ziefert

It’s the Fourth of July, and the people of Chatham know this is one parade they won’t want to miss! A juggler and baton twirlers are the first to march down the street. Who will come next? There are cowboys on horses, the third-grade marching band, and everyone’s favorite, Miss Eelgrass with the long green hair. Everyone is sorry when the parade is over, but wait! There is something else to look at-way up in the sky.

John Hancock: Independent Boy by Kathryn Cleven Sisson

The life of John Hancock, contemporary of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere and first to sign the Declaration of Independence is featured in this volume of the Young Patriots series. Detailing Hancock’s early years, it focuses on his relationship with boyhood friend John Adams and his academic struggles with what he would later become most famous for—his writings. Hancock’s famous achievements later in life are also chronicled, from attending the Boston Tea Party to becoming president of the Continental Congress. The entirety of his life is colorfully illustrated with renderings that convey the drama of the birth of the United States.

My Country, ‘Tis of Thee by Samuel Francis Smith

Marguerite Fitch worked for many years as a school secretary in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, the town where Samuel Francis Smith had lived one hundred years earlier. Two things happened there which started her on the way to this book. First, school children contributed money to save the old Smith Homestead from an auctioneer’s block. Second, she noticed that her school library had no books about Smith. While still in Newton Centre, she studied primary source materials and contacted Smith descendents living in the area. Later, she moved to California and began work on this book and other writings. She also speaks in public schools, helping to make history come alive for children. The city of Lakewood presented her with an award for outstanding service to school children.

Stars and Stripes: The Story of the American Flag by Sarah L. Thomson

Schools, parades, post offices, and the moon. These are just some of the places we see the American flag. Fifty stars stand for the states that make up this country. Thirteen stripes remind us of the colonies that fought for their freedom. But the flag has not always looked the way it does today. Its history is as colored and rich as our country’s past. Yet despite the ways the flag has changed in the past two hundred years, the pride, unity, and strength it inspires have never faltered. STARS AND STRIPES: The Story of the American Flag invites readers to travel back in time and witness firsthand how our flag came to be.

The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh

A great ‘read aloud book’ for younger children who need to know about the history of our nation. Two-time Newbery Honor author Alice Dalgliesh makes history come alive in this accessible story of America’s birthday. Full color.

The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key Illustrated by Peter Spier

Due to careful research, Spier’s artwork depicts “the dawn’s early light” and “the rocket’s red glare” with remarkable authenticity and detail in this celebratory book. Among the highlights: a brief history of the anthem, a reproduction of Francis Scott Key’s original manuscript, music for guitar and piano chords and many photographs.

This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie

Since its debut in the 1940s, Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” has become one of the best-loved folk songs in America. Now the beloved picture book celebrating the classic ballad is brought to sparkling new life in this deluxe 10th Anniversary Special Edition the whole family will love to share. Includes a keepsake full-color poster featuring one of Kathy Jakobsen’s exquisite art pieces from the book!

Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? by Jean Fritz

Based on the diary of E.W. Conyers and Jesse A. Applegate’s Recollections of My Boyhood, this warm and uplifting story about an Independence Day celebration, set during the early days of the Oregon Territory, shows that it’s not the fireworks and the speeches, but the hearts of Americans that make the day glorious. 30 color illustrations.

Celebration! by Jane Resh Thomas

The members of Maggie’s African-American family–aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmother, and all–get together in the backyard to celebrate the Fourth of July with a picnic, jump rope, sparklers, noisy games, and a host of fun-filled activities.”

The Flag We Love by Pam Munoz Ryan

Enjoy a red-white-and-blue introduction to our nation’s most cherished ideals in this look at Old Glory. Dazzling illustrations and inspiring verse bring to life many famous moments in our country’s history and reveal fascinating facts about one of its most enduring symbols.

I Pledge Allegiance by June Swanson

The author, June Swanson is a historian with the pictures done by freelance artist Rick Hanson. I Pledge Allegiance consists of forty pages with the first printing completed in 1990. This is a children’s book offering easy to understand background on the history of The Pledge of Allegiance. The idea behind the book is to help children learn more about what they are reciting daily in their respective classrooms.

A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution by Giulio Maestro

This easy-to-understand book tells why and how the Constitution of the United States was created. “Simple, attractive, informative….The most accessible history of the Constitution to date.”–School Library Journal.

Felicity Series: American Girl Series

Felicity Merriman and Elizabeth Cole are best friends growing up in colonial Virginia. With their families on opposite sides of the American Revolution, can they manage to stay loyal to one another? Growing up during World War Two, Molly experiences many changes. Her dad is overseas caring for wounded soldiers; her mom takes a job at the local aircraft assembly plant; and Emily, an English girl, comes to stay with Molly’s family to escape the bombing in London. Through it all, Molly rallies hope for her family and friends and learns the importance of pulling together-just as her country must do to win the war.

Secret Seven Fireworks by Enid Blyton

Jack’s little sister, Susie, is so annoying! The Secret Seven are furious when they discover she’s formed her own “detective gang”! Then some money is stolen, and Susie is a chief suspect. The Seven can’t quite believe it – Susie wouldn’t do anything that bad…would she?

The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman

What Lila wants to be more than anything else in the world is …a Firework-Maker! But firework-making is not just about being able to make Crackle-Dragons and Golden Sneezes. There is also one special secret: every Firework-Maker must make a perilous journey to face the terrifying Fire-Fiend! Not knowing that she needs special protection to survive the Fire-Fiend’s flames, Lila sets off alone. Her friends, Chulak and Hamlet – the King’s white elephant – race after her. But can they possibly reach her in time?

Hannah and the Special 4th of July by Hilda Stahl

Book four in the Best Friends series contains a suspenseful story that teaches dynamic lessons in cross-cultural friendship and freedom from addiction.

Uncle Sam & Old Glory: Symbols of America by Delno C. West & Jean M. West

Have you ever wondered why the American colors are red, white, and blue? Did you know that our national mascot was almost a turkey rather than a bald eagle? Can you trace your family’s ancestry back to the Mayflower Pilgrims, or perhaps to a cowboy of the Old West? Do you think you would like to spend Thanksgiving watching foot races rather than televised football or eating venison and oysters rather than turkey? Many of us have played with Lincoln Logs, but did you know that they were named after President Abraham Lincoln, who was born in a log cabin?

Symbols have always played a crucial role in shaping our identity as a country. The American buffalo, the Statue of Liberty, the Mayflower, and Uncle Sam himself have all helped convey to the world the American values of liberty and democracy.

Delno and Jean West’s lively prose unveils the stories behind America’s symbols, complemented by Christopher Manson’s handsome woodcuts, which perfectly convey the rugged individualism of the American spirit.

Cat and Dog for President by Julia Dweck

The narrator asks the intriguing question all Americans want answered: Who would win if a cat and dog ran for President of the United States? Cat and dog lovers will both agree that this is a fun rhyming tale with a political heart. Both sides of the campaign are humorously depicted in a clever way that young readers will relate to and understand. The illustrations are rich, bold and colorful. “Cat or Dog for President” will keep readers engaged and laughing from beginning to end.

Little Miss Liberty by Chris Robertson

To begin with, her coloring is a little on the green side. Not to mention that she grows a few inches every day. Smart, independent, and a friend to all, when Little Miss Liberty outgrows her classmates, her clothes, her house even her city!she sets out to travel the world. And in the end she finds just the right spot to call her own. Author-artist Chris Robertson has created a humorous yet uplifting story about one of the world’s most symbolic monuments. An enjoyable romp and a perfect read-aloud it will entertain even the squirmiest listener and yet in its own way remind us why Lady Liberty is both unique and important.

SOMETHING TO DO

The simplicity and beauty of this 4th of July tablecloth just makes me SMILE. Patriotic Bandana Tablecloth from Me & My Insanity