Kids’ Books to Read for the Fourth of July
Add a little extra sparkle to your Fourth of July with these fun and festive children’s books! From sea to shining sea, these stories are a great way to help kids learn about America’s history, traditions, and what it means to be part of this big, beautiful country.
We’ve gathered a mix of board books, picture books, and early readers to celebrate all things red, white, and blue—from parades and picnics to the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. So grab a snack (or a sparkler!) and get ready for some star-spangled reading fun!
Board Books
A is for America by Greg Paprocki
A is for America…B is for Betsy Ross…C is for colonies…
Teach your toddler their ABCs with a patriotic twist! This fun alphabet board book goes beyond just flags and fireworks—it features 26 lively illustrations inspired by American history and culture. From A to Z, little learners will discover iconic moments, people, and places that helped shape the USA.
You’re My Little Firecracker by Nicole Edwards
You’re my little firecracker,
You’re my Fourth of July.
You make my heart light up
Bring color to my sky.
This story from the “You’re My Little” series features everything from an adorable hot dog to sweet apple pies, celebrating the special bond between parent and child.
Little Places: America Is… (Silver Dolphin Books)
All aboard for a coast-to-coast adventure! This fun-shaped board book takes little explorers on a tour of America’s most iconic landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon. With sturdy pages and a playful design, it’s the perfect pick for curious hands and big imaginations.
Hello, Fourth of July! by Martha Day Zschock
It’s the Fourth of July, and these proud parent-and-child eagles are ready to celebrate! Tag along as they soak up all the holiday fun—parades, patriotic sights, beach time, yummy BBQ, and of course, fireworks! It’s a sweet and festive adventure packed with red, white, and blue spirit.
First Words USA (Priddy Books)
This fun, padded book is filled with bright photos and playful illustrations of all things red, white, and blue, from the Grand Canyon to the Empire State Building. Kids will love spotting animals, food, landmarks, and more as they take a little trip across the country—no suitcase needed!
Picture Books
Fourth of July Fun! (Little Golden Books)
Get ready to party in red, white, and blue! This festive Little Golden Book follows a sweet family as they celebrate the Fourth of July with parades, pie-baking, backyard games, fireworks, and more! With fun rhymes and cheerful illustrations, it’s a read preschoolers will love any day of the year.
Meet July by April Martin
Meet July from The Calendar Kids. He’s all about summer, watermelon, and hanging out by the pool with his friends. But there’s one thing he’s not a fan of…those pesky afternoon thunderstorms. As July and his friends gear up for the big Fourth of July parade, he hears a rumble in the sky. Is a storm on the way, or will the show go on?
What Does It Mean to be American? by Rana DiOrio and Elad Yoran
What does it really mean to be American? This heartfelt picture book explores just that, with vibrant, multicultural illustrations and simple, thoughtful text perfect for little readers. It’s not about fireworks or apple pie—it’s about kindness, courage, and caring for one another.
America the Beautiful by Cholena Rose Dare
Celebrate all the things that make America amazing in this beautifully illustrated storybook! Kids will love exploring fun maps of landmarks, state birds and flowers, and even a cross-country road trip. Along the way, they’ll discover fun facts, famous artists, tasty foods, and big ideas that shaped our country.
The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing
It’s the night before the Fourth of July, and excitement is in the air! Decked out in red, white, and blue, one family dives into all the holiday fun—parades, BBQs, a surprise rainstorm, and a big fireworks finale. Full of festive vibes, this book is a fun read that captures the magic of America’s birthday!
My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli
Follow one excited (and very responsible!) little boy as he jumps into the day, helping with everything from pie baking to deviled eggs before the real fun begins. There’s a band, a big celebration, and finally—BOOM!—a sky full of fireworks. This sweet and nostalgic story captures all the charm of a small-town Fourth of July, with plenty of heart and holiday spirit.
Our Flag Was Still There by Jessie Hartland
Ever wonder how the giant flag at the Smithsonian came to be, and how it inspired our national anthem?
In this whimsical and beautifully illustrated picture book, Jessie Hartland brings the true story behind The Star-Spangled Banner to life. Travel back to 1812, where a brave major, a talented seamstress, and a poet named Francis Scott Key all play a part in this patriotic tale. It’s a fun, fascinating peek into history that shows how one flag became a national symbol—and a song we all know by heart.
Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
This powerful and poetic picture book is a love letter to the American flag and all it stands for. With simple text and breathtaking artwork, each page captures iconic moments and places that tell the story of America, past and present. From Ellis Island to the moon, from marches for justice to small-town celebrations, it’s a stunning tribute to the people, history, and spirit that shape our country.
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers
A fun and unique book about the Statue of Liberty’s history, including how Lady Liberty was built, how she made her way to America, and why she’s such an important symbol. The last part of the book delves into the symbolism behind her right foot, which is often overlooked, and explores what it might mean that she’s mid-stride.
Early Readers
The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
First published in 1956, this classic book is a great introduction to the Fourth of July. It takes kids back to revolutionary times, when the thirteen colonies fought for independence from Britain. They’ll learn how leaders met in Philadelphia and how Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence. A timeless and kid-friendly look at how America became a nation!
Weird But True! USA by National Geographic Kids
Hey there, little patriots! Ready to get your red, white, and weird on? This awesome edition of Weird But True! is packed with totally wacky facts about all 50 states (plus the territories!). From floating post offices to magnetic ink for money and overdue library books from George Washington himself, it’s a star-spangled blast of trivia you won’t believe.
For Which We Stand by Jeff Foster
Curious about how the government works? This book breaks it all down in a fun and easy way for kids! From what the Constitution is to how the three branches of government work, what the president actually does, and even how you can run for office—it’s all here.
Packed with colorful infographics, maps, charts, and cartoons, this is a super engaging guide to civics that makes learning about politics anything but boring!
The History of the American Revolution by Emma Carlson Berne
Get ready to dive into the story of how America became a country! This colorful and kid-friendly book brings the American Revolution to life, from the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord to the final victory and freedom from British rule.
With an easy-to-follow timeline, fun facts, and a quick quiz at the end, it’s a great way for kids to learn the who, what, where, when, and why of the Revolution.
What is the Declaration of Independence? by Michael C. Harris
No Fourth of July book list is complete without a story about the Declaration of Independence!
In the summer of 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat down in Philadelphia to write a letter that would change everything. That letter, the Declaration of Independence, officially declared America’s freedom from Britain and the birth of a brand-new nation. It was signed on July 4th, and the rest is history!
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