Are you looking for literature to support classroom instruction about Independence Day? Check out Our Editors’ Choices for titles recommended by the Education World team. Then it's your turn to share books that you enjoy or use in your classroom in the Our Readers’ Voices section below. With your help, we will build the best list on the Web of Best Books for teaching about Independence Day.
We the Kids
by David Catrow
Sooner or later, just about every American kid is required to memorize the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. And until now, it was one of the more boring, meaningless assignments. But artist and political cartoonist David Catrow has changed all that with his witty, clear-as-a-Liberty-Bell picture book. For him, the Constitution is "a kind of how-to book." With laugh-out-loud cartoony illustrations, and the actual words of the Preamble as the only text, Catrow depicts a camping trip taken by a diverse, bumbling group of friends, demonstrating the rights and responsibilities the Constitution places on all Americans, young and old. In one especially winning picture, the kids' long-nosed, long-eared pooch provides "for the common defense," keeping lackadaisical guard over the camp as the three human friends yuk it up in silhouette inside the tent. Readers will never yawn at mention of the Constitution again. For ages 8 to 12.
The Story of America's Birthday
by Patricia A. Pingry
This little board book for children uses only 200 words that convey the story of the Declaration of Independence, the Revoluntionary War, and the freedom that was the result. It tells why we celebrate July 4th as America's Birthday.
Now It's Your Turn!
We've shared a few Editors' Choices for teaching about this theme. Now it's your turn to contribute to the Readers' Voices section below. Do you have a book related to this theme that you and your students enjoy? Just click here to share it!
Don't miss our Editors’ Choices for Teachers and for Parents. We're waiting for you to add your Readers' Voices there too.
I Am America
by Jr., Charles Smith
"I am America/I am proud/I am diverse/soft-spoken/and loud." The powerful poem in this one-of-a-kind book is enhanced by the accompanying photographs that represent children of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. The playful images and touching poetry work together to tell the story of America. Children and teachers alike will be moved by each unforgettable face and each strikingly beautiful line of verse. Photographer Charles Smith, Jr. brings his unique artistic style to this patriotic and poignant portrayal of America's children.
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.
Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney
by Leslie Kimmelman
It's the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath, Mike the fireman polishes the firetruck, and Mayor Swanson works on her speech. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It's a great day. "Happy Birthday, USA!" Of the book, Booklist says, "The rhyming text and Nancy Cote's bright art capture the friendly mood. The activities of some of the families seem contrived, particularly an Indian family shown standing together on their lawn with their citizenship papers in hand. But, as a whole, the book shows a diverse community celebrating together. Information about the first Fourth of July, the first U.S. flag, the national bird, and the Liberty Bell is appended."
Add your voice to our list of books for teaching about Independence Day!
The Education World Editors’ Choices above represent just a handful of the fine books that might be used to support classroom instruction about Independence Day. Now we’re waiting for you to add to our list! Simply send us your review of a favorite book in 100 words or fewer and we will add it to the Readers’ Choices below.
I Am America
