Floating on the level of history, telling the story of how this country was born. The basics are easy enough for young children to understand and you can build that foundation every year. To help you get started, we’ve created a fun list of 4th July books for kids.
Although the holiday marked the independence of the United States from British rule, not all Americans were free until much later. Juntinth, for books and resources about the holiday commemorating the liberation of slaves, click here.
(Just a warning, WeAreTeachers may collect a portion of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items that our team likes!)
1. The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing
Decorated in red, white and blue, a family heads to a parade, hosts a BBQ at the back of a house with friends and family, avoids thunderstorms in the afternoon, and of course, watches a fireworks show.
Buy it: Amazon before the fourth night of July
2. America’s Birthday Story by Patricia A. Pingri
If you are looking for a 4th July book for kids that has vivid images, choose this title. It presents the story of the founding of America in connection with the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, and today’s Fourth of July celebration.
Buy it: America’s Birthday Story on Amazon
3. Fourth of July by Emma Carlson Burn
On this day, people gather for picnics and watch parades and fireworks. Sing as you explore the holidays in rhythm and rhyme (the book has online music access)!
Buy it: Fourth of July on Amazon
4. Hello, July 4th! By Martha de Joscock
A family of eagles take part in a parade, see historical paintings and statues, hit the beach and enjoy great food at a picnic and barbecue, with a colorful fireworks display at the top of the day!
Buy it: Hello, July 4th! At Amazon
5. Janet S. Apple pie on July 4 by Ong
Shocked when her parents cook Chinese food for sale at a family store on an All-American holiday, a Chinese-American girl tries to tell her mother and father what things really look like – but the parade bypasses the fireworks and lights up the sky, an amazing lesson. Learns.
Buy it: Apple Pie July 4 on Amazon
6. The story of the 4th of July by Alice Dalglish
There were fireworks and parades long before what happened on the 4th of July? Alice Dalglish leads young readers in revolutionary times, in the colonial aspirations for independence and in the creation of the Declaration of Independence.
Buy it: The story of July 4 on Amazon
7. Fourth July Rats! By Bethany Roberts
Holiday Mice take part in all the activities that make the Fourth of July fun: a parade, a picnic, a baseball game and a sack race and a fresh dive into the stream. The best part of all comes at the end of the day with a spectacular fireworks show!
Buy it: Fourth of July Rats! At Amazon
8. Red, white, and boom! By Lee Wardle
It’s the fourth of July! Travel across the country for a city parade, a beach picnic and fireworks in the park in this celebration of the many cultures and traditions that make America’s birthday so exciting!
Buy it: red, white, and boom! At Amazon
9. We the People: The Constitution of the United States by Peter Spear
In celebrating this scene of the U.S. Constitution and the founding fathers of America, learn the touching American story of how this most important document came to life.
Buy it: We the People: The US Constitution on Amazon
10. My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli
A responsible little boy who is eager to do his part wakes up happy and ready to celebrate his favorite day. But she has a lot of work to do before she can have fun.
Buy it: My Fourth of July on Amazon
11. Pie for sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
To share the pie. What else can be shared? Through a memorable 4th of July picnic, young readers feel the advantages and disadvantages of sharing this beautiful photo book.
Buy it: Pie to share on Amazon
The Statue of Liberty is feeling a bit blue despite being green. As much as he loves to welcome people to America, standing for more than a hundred years has taken him to a stiff neck, pain in his arms and a cramp in his legs. This lady could use a vacation!
Buy it: on Amazon
If you want a Fourth of July book for kids with songs, check out this book. Since its debut in the 1940s, Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” has become one of America’s most popular and timeless folk songs. Check out this classic ballad as it comes to life in a rich illustrated version.
Buy it: on Amazon
Surprisingly extra, deceptively simple verses are associated with lots of inspirational images to celebrate the iconic image of our nation, starting with the American flag.
Buy it: on Amazon
With patriotic verses and historical information, We love flags Explore how our flag has become a permanent part of our nation’s proud history and heritage. From its early design to its role in peace-time and war, the Star-Spangled banner will take on a whole new meaning for all readers.
Buy it: on Amazon
Catherine Lee Bates’s timeless poetry captures the great beauty of the United States.
Buy it: on Amazon
The story of this giant flag begins in 1812 and on the eve of the war a main star, a semstress and his powerful helper and a poet named Francis Scott Key! Plus it’s the story of our national anthem.
Buy it: on Amazon
Three generations enjoy parades, popcorn, “Yankee doodles” and lightning and fireworks at the end of the day.
Buy it: on Amazon