Steeped in layers of history, the story of how this country was born is one that’s worth telling. The basics are simple enough for younger children to understand, and you can build on that foundation every year. To help you get started, we’ve put together a fun list of 4th of July books for kids.
While the holiday marks the United States’ independence from British rule, not all Americans were free until much later. For books and resources about Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating freedom for slaves, click here.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing
Decked in red, white, and blue, a family heads to a parade, hosts a backyard BBQ with friends and family, dodges an afternoon thundershower, and, of course, watches a fireworks show.
Buy it: The Night Before the Fourth of July at Amazon
2. The Story of America’s Birthday by Patricia A. Pingry
If you’re looking for a 4th of July book for kids that has vibrant illustrations, this is the title to choose. It presents the story of the founding of America while connecting the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, and today’s 4th of July festivities.
Buy it: The Story of America’s Birthday at Amazon
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3. Fourth of July by Emma Carlson Berne
On this day, people gather for picnics and watch parades and fireworks. Sing along (the book includes online music access) as you explore Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme!
Buy it: Fourth of July at Amazon
4. Hello, Fourth of July! by Martha Day Zschock
A family of eagles takes in a parade, views historical paintings and statues, hits the beach, and enjoys great food at a picnic and barbecue, topping off the day with a colorful fireworks display!
Buy it: Hello, Fourth of July! at Amazon
5. Apple Pie 4th 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 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.
Buy it: Apple Pie 4th of July at Amazon
6. The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
What happened on the 4th of July long before there were fireworks and parades? Alice Dalgliesh takes young readers back to Revolutionary times, to the colonists’ desire for freedom, and to the creation of the Declaration of Independence.
Buy it: The 4th of July Story at Amazon
7. Fourth of July Mice! by Bethany Roberts
The Holiday Mice take part in all the activities that make the 4th of July fun: a parade, a picnic, a baseball game and sack race, and a refreshing dip in the stream. The best part of all comes at the end of the day with a spectacular fireworks show!
Buy it: Fourth of July Mice! at Amazon
8. Red, White, and Boom! by Lee Wardlaw
It’s the 4th 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 Spier
In this visual celebration of the U.S. Constitution and America’s Founding Fathers, learn the stirring American tale of how this most important document came to life.
Buy it: We the People: The Constitution of the United States at Amazon
10. My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli
A responsible little boy who’s eager to do his part wakes up joyful and ready to celebrate his favorite day of all. But there’s a lot of work to do before he can enjoy the fun.
Buy it: My Fourth of July at Amazon
11. Pie Is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
Pie is for sharing. What else can be shared? Through the course of one memorable 4th of July picnic, young readers experience the pros and cons of sharing in this lovely picture book.
Buy it: Pie Is for Sharing at Amazon
12. Lady Liberty’s Holiday by Jen Arena
The Statue of Liberty is feeling a little blue, despite being green. As much as she loves welcoming people to America, standing still for over a hundred years has left her with a stiff neck, aching arms, and a cramp in her leg. This lady could use a vacation!
Buy it: Lady Liberty’s Holiday at Amazon
13. This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie
If you want 4th of July books for kids that feature songs, check out this book. Since its debut in the 1940s, Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” has become one of the best-loved and most timely folk songs in America. Check out this classic ballad as it comes to life in a richly illustrated edition.
Buy it: This Land Is Your Land at Amazon
14. Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
Wonderfully spare, deceptively simple verses pair with richly evocative paintings to celebrate the iconic imagery of our nation, beginning with the American flag.
Buy it: Blue Sky White Stars at Amazon
15. The Flag We Love by Pam Muñoz Ryan
With patriotic verse and historical facts, The Flag We Love explores how our flag has become an enduring part of our nation’s proud history and heritage. From its earliest designs to its role in peace-time and war, the Star-Spangled Banner will take on a whole new meaning for all readers.
Buy it: The Flag We Love at Amazon
16. America the Beautiful by Wendell Minor
Katharine Lee Bates’ timeless poem captures the magnificent beauty of the United States.
Buy it: America the Beautiful at Amazon
17. Our Flag Was Still There: The True Story of Mary Pickersgill and the Star-Spangled Banner by Jessie Hartland
The story of this giant flag begins in 1812 and stars a major on the eve of battle, a seamstress and her mighty helpers, and a poet named Francis Scott Key! Plus it’s the story of our national anthem.
Buy it: Our Flag Was Still There at Amazon
18. Happy Birthday, America by Mary Pope Osborne
Three generations enjoy parades, popcorn, “Yankee Doodle,” and at the end of the day, lightning bugs and fireworks.
Buy it: Happy Birthday, America at Amazon
Do you have other ideas for 4th of July books for kids? Share them in the comments below.
Also, check out these 18 Crafts and Activities for the 4th of July.
