Kids’ Books to Read for the Fourth of July
Get ready to add a dash of sparkle to your Fourth of July celebrations with these fun children’s books! They teach little ones about America and will inspire a love for the red, white, and blue.
Board Books
A is for America by Greg Paprocki
A is for America…B is for Betsy Ross…C is for colonies…
Introduce your little one to America with this alphabet primer. Each page showcases a letter paired with retro-style illustrations of American icons, like eagles, fireworks, Mount Rushmore, and the Statue of Liberty.
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)
Hop on board as this fun book takes you on a trip across America, visiting iconic landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon.
Hello, Fourth of July! by Martha Day Zschock
It’s the Fourth of July! Parent and child eagles celebrate America’s birthday. They watch a parade, view historical paintings and statues, hit the beach, and enjoy great food at a picnic and barbecue. The day ends with a colorful fireworks display.
First Words USA (Priddy Books)
Take the little ones on a journey across the USA as they learn their first words. Discover famous landmarks, animals, food, people, and more. Each picture includes a single word to help little ones recognize and learn new words, building their vocabulary.
My American Baby by rose Rossner
Wake up, American Baby – it’s time to get ready for another great day in the USA! Enjoy eating popcorn at a baseball game, munching on hot dogs at a backyard picnic, waving the flag, and more.
Picture Books
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 he’s not a fan of those afternoon thunderstorms and is worried they might mess up the Fourth of July parade. Follow along to see what happens!
What Does It Mean to be American? by Rana DiOrio and Elad Yoran
What does it mean to be American? Does it mean you like apple pie and fireworks? Well, not exactly.
This book gets us thinking about the true meaning of being American—like believing everyone is equal and celebrating our differences.
America the Beautiful by Cholena Rose Dare
Celebrate America’s amazing beauty with fun facts, patriotic songs, and cool maps. You’ll discover unique American foods, artists, and innovations, plus see maps featuring landmarks, national parks, and state birds and flowers.
The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing
It’s the night before the Fourth of July, and everyone in the United States is getting ready for their favorite summer holiday. One family hangs their flag on the porch and goes to bed. The following day, they do all the festive things – go to a parade, host a backyard BBQ, and watch the fireworks.
My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli
In this nostalgic book, a little boy wakes up super excited to celebrate the best day ever – the Fourth of July! There’s a lot to do to get ready, but once everything’s set, they head to the BBQ in the park for all the fun.
And after what feels like the longest wait ever, he finally gets to enjoy the FIREWORKS – the absolute best part of the best day!
Our Flag Was Still There by Jessie Hartland
This is the true story of Mary Pickersgill and the Star-Spangled Banner. During the War of 1812, Major George Armistead asked local business owner Mary Pickersgill to make a flag so huge that British troops could see it from far away.
This flag survived a British attack and later inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics for the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
Simple verses team up with beautiful paintings from all over the country, starting with the American flag. From the Statue of Liberty to civil rights marches to a spaceship taking off, this book celebrates America past and present.
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers
A fun and unique nonfiction book about the Statue of Liberty’s history, including its creation and journey to America. The last part of the book dives into the symbolism behind her right foot, which isn’t something people often notice, and explores what it might mean that she’s mid-stride.
Early Readers
The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
This classic book, first published in 1956, is perfect for young readers learning about the Fourth of July. It dives into revolutionary times when the thirteen American colonies sought independence from Britain, explores how their representatives gathered in Philadelphia, and tells the story of Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence.
Weird But True! USA by National Geographic Kids
Did you know there is a floating post office in Michigan? Weird, but true!
This book is packed with fun and bizarre facts, stats, and trivia about all 50 states. It’s both educational and entertaining – the best combo!
For Which We Stand by Jeff Foster
This book is perfect for kids who want to learn about how our government works and how they can get involved. It covers questions like: What is the Constitution? How does our government’s branches work? What does the president do? And how can you run for a political office?
Each page includes infographics, charts, maps, political cartoons, and more that are fun and easy for kids to understand.
The History of the American Revolution by Emma Carlson Berne
This book is a fun and exciting introduction to the history of the American Revolution. It covers everything from the events leading up to it, the war itself, to the birth of a new nation. Perfect for kids who want to learn more about the history behind the Fourth of July!
What is the Declaration of Independence? by Michael C. Harris
No Fourth of July book list is complete without one about the Declaration of Independence!
In the summer of 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk in Philadelphia. He wrote the Declaration of Independence, a letter that would officially break our ties with Britain and declare a new nation—the United States of America. It was finished and signed on July 4th.
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