Special Collections
Fourth of July Books for Kids
Description: Celebrate this 4th of July with fireworks, flags, and the Founding Fathers! From the well-known George Washington and John Adams, to Sybil Ludington’s midnight ride, this collection of books brings history and festivity to kids of all ages. #kids
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Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?
by Jean FritzA biography of George the Third, King of Great Britain, at the time of the American Revolution.
They Called Her Molly Pitcher
by Anne F. RockwellThe rousing true tale of an American Revolution heroine. When her husband joined General Washington’s army, Molly Hays went with him. All through the winter at Valley Forge, Molly watched and listened.
Then in July, in the battle at Monmouth, she would show how much she had learned. Molly could tell the day would be a scorcher, so she decided to bring water from a nearby spring to the fighting men. More than 50 British soldiers would die of heatstroke that day, but the American soldiers need only cry, “Molly–pitcher!” On one trip through the fighting field, she saw her husband get shot. She satisfied herself that he wouldn’t die from his wound, then took over his job–firing off the cannon! Molly epitomized the feisty, self-reliant spirit of the colonists who would soon win their battle for independence–and her story has rightly become a beloved legend of American history. From the Hardcover edition.
This Land Is Your Land
by Woody Guthrie and Kathy JakobsenOne of America's most beloved folk songs is brought to life in a richly illustrated edition for the the whole family to share. Woody Guthrie's powerful lyrics and Kathy Jakobsen's detailed paintings invite readers on a journey across the country, creating an unforgettable portrait of our diverse land and the people who live it.
Those Rebels, John and Tom
by Barbara Kerley and Edwin FotheringhamA brilliant portrait of two American heroes from the award-winning creators of The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy)! John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different. John Adams was short and stout. Thomas Jefferson was tall and lean. John was argumentative and blunt. Tom was soft-spoken and polite. John sometimes got along with almost no one. Tom got along with just about everyone. But these two very different gentlemen did have two things in common: They both cared deeply about the American colonies, and neither cared much for the British tyrant, King George. With their signature wit, impeccable research, and inventive presentation style, award winners Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham masterfully blend biography and history to create a brilliant portrait of two American heroes who bravely set aside their differences to join forces in the fight for our country's freedom.
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
by Christopher Bing and Henry LongfellowIn his magnificent interpretation of Henry Wadsworth Longfellows poem, Christopher Bing seamlessly weaves history and imagination into a rich portrait of an American hero. A meticulous researcher, Bing includes material that provides texture to history, maps that follow the British campaign to quell the rebellious citizenry, as well as the patriots ride into the Massachusetts night of April, 1775. Documents firmly affixed into the book, including the British generals orders to his troops and Reveres own deposition relating the events, give the reader not only a visual experience but a tactile one as well. Far more than a brilliantly presented history lesson, this book represents a tour de force of coherent artistic vision. In an extraordinary series of rich and moody engravings, from the mysteriously shimmering rigging of the British sloop, The Somerset, looming in a moonlit Boston harbor to the taut urgency of a man and his horse galloping at a combustible moment in the American experience, this book illuminates our country's past unlike any other.
Sybil Ludington's Midnight Ride
by Marsha AmstelThe story of Sybil Ludington's ride on horseback to rouse American soldiers to fight against the British who were attacking Danbury, Connecticut during the American Revolution.
Shh! We're Writing the Constitution
by Jean FritzGo behind the scenes at the Constitutional Convention, thanks to award-winning author Jean Fritz's words!
This factual gem that's written with Newbery Honor author Jean Fritz's humorous touch chronicles the hot summer of 1787 where fifty-five delegates from thirteen states huddled together in the strictest secrecy in Philadelphia to draw up the constitution of the United States!
Pooh and the Storm That Sparkled
by Isabel GainesPooh sees strange lights flashing in the sky and thinks there is a big storm approaching. He and Piglet go to warn their friends, and discover they're all on the Great Hill -- right where the storm is!
Yankee Doodle Dandy
by Callista Gingrich and Susan ArcieroEllis the Elephant dives back into history! In Yankee Doodle Dandy, the third installment of this New York Times bestselling series, America's favorite time traveling pachyderm is back, teaching kids (and parents!) about the American Revolution. In Sweet Land of Liberty and Land of the Pilgrims' Pride, Ellis the Elephant explored pivotal moments that shaped American history. Now Ellis is back, and eager to learn about America's most beloved patriots and their courageous fight for independence. Traveling through time, Ellis the Elephant encounters the Sons of Liberty, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, the Founding Fathers, Betsy Ross, and more. Authored by Callista Gingrich and illustrated by Susan Arciero, Yankee Doodle Dandy educates and entertains as Ellis the Elephant experiences the American Revolution. With beautiful illustrations and charming rhymes, Yankee Doodle Dandy is a must read for young and old alike who want to know how America became a free and independent nation.
Olivia Forms a Band
by Dame Edna and Ian FalconerEveryone's favorite Caldecott Honor-winning porcine diva is back, and with fanfare! There are going to be fireworks tonight, and Olivia can hardly wait to hear the band. But when she finds out that there isn't going to be a band, she can't understand why not. How can there be fireworks without a band?! And so Olivia sets to putting a band together herself...all by herself. Using pots, pans, her brother's toys, and even her father's suspenders, Olivia forms a band spectacular enough to startle any audience. Lavishly brought to life in Ian Falconer's signature style, and introducing an eye-catching shade of blue, here is Olivia doing what Olivia does best -- making noise.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. To explore further access options with us, please contact us through the Book Quality link on the right sidebar. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
We the Kids
by David CatrowA long time ago some smart guys wrote the Preamble to the Constitution. You have probably read it before, but do you know what it means? And did it ever make you laugh? Now it will! Perfect for inspiring discussion in classrooms and around kitchen tables, this fun-filled and cheerfully illustrated look at the Preamble provides an accessible introduction to America's founding ideals for citizens of all ages. Includes a glossary of terms and a foreword by the artist. "This zany, patriotic paean offers kids lighthearted but meaningful incentive to reflect further on the relevance of those 'big words' and 'big ideas.'"
I, Too, Am America
by Langston Hughes and Bryan CollierWinner of the Coretta Scott King illustrator award, I, Too, Am America blends the poetic wisdom of Langston Hughes with visionary illustrations from Bryan Collier in this inspirational picture book that carries the promise of equality. This picture book of Langston Hughes's celebrated poem, "I, Too, Am America," is also a Common Core Text Exemplar for Poetry. Image descriptions present.
Fireworks at the FBI
by Ron RoyKC and her friend Marshall are watching the fourth of July fireworks with the president of the United States when they see smoke and sparks in the distance. It's more fireworks, but they are not part of the holiday plan. They're coming from the FBI Building! Is it just a prank? Or are these fireworks masking a bigger mystery . . . and a capital crime? From the Trade Paperback edition.
Independence Day (Holidays, Festivals, & Celebrations)
by Ann HeinrichsFireworks, parades, and picnics are just a few of the ways Americans commemorate their freedom every July. Colorful photos and engaging text tell the story of our struggle for independence from Great Britain.
Chains
by Laurie Halse AndersonFrom acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson comes this compelling first novel in the historical middle grade The Seeds of America trilogy that shows the lengths we can go to cast off our chains, both physical and spiritual.As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.
How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.
by Marjorie PricemanIN THIS EXUBERANT companion story to How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, our young baker sets her sights on a cherry pie. She heads off on a round-the-U.S.A. journey to find all the materials she needs to stock her kitchen: New Mexico for clay (mixing bowl), Washington for wood (rolling pin), Hawaii for sand (sand? to make the glass for her measuring cup, of course). In joyful art filled with small vignettes and sly humor, two-time Caldecott Honor winner Marjorie Priceman takes us on a cross country journey by riverboat, taxi, bus, train, plane--all in search of the natural resources of our country. Includes a brightly painted endpaper map of the U.S.A.--and a recipe for cherry pie, of course!
A Is for America
by Devin ScillianThe author of the charming fable "Fibblestax" includes a rhyming poem for each letter of the alphabet and informational text about the United States.
The Good Fight
by Anne Quirk and Elizabeth BaddeleyCan’t get enough of Hamilton? Think the British were the only ones we squabbled with during the Revolutionary War? Think again! A unique look at how the founding fathers settled their differences in their quest to settle a nation. The Revolutionary War was full of bloody battles and broken treaties. But it wasn’t just about the colonies fighting the crown. In the 18th century, it seemed that everyone was at war with each other—including the very people who were supposedly leading us on a path to independence! Don’t miss out on a ringside seat for these fascinating bouts: • Benjamin Franklin’s son William was once jailed on accusations of being a traitor . . . and Ben didn’t even visit him. • Thomas Jefferson quit his job as secretary of state because his archrival, Alexander Hamilton, started the national bank. • John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day. Could it have been mutual exhaustion after years of disagreement? George Washington vs. King George. Benjamin Franklin vs. his son William. John Adams vs. Thomas Jefferson. Alexander Hamilton vs. everyone! Join historian Anne Quirk and illustrator Elizabeth Baddeley as they referee four fascinating historical throw-downs between the founding fathers . . . and prove that the United States of America is a place worth fighting for.
Bald Eagle
by Hal MarcovitzIn the early days of American independence, government leaders tried to identify an animal that would represent the new nation. They settled on the bald eagle, a proud raptor that fiercely defends its nest and its family. The eagle has been used to represent government power since the time of the Roman Empire. In 1787 the bald eagle was officially adopted as the emblem of the United States. The eagle is often shown holding an olive branch (representing peace) and arrows (representing war) in its talons. Today the bald eagle remains a living symbol of American strength and values.
The Declaration of Independence
by Elaine LandauInside this book you will find out information about the Declaration of Independence including the risks people tool to sign it, time lines associated with it, as well as some fun facts.
Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each A True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, the new A True Book series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers. A True Book -- American History: How do you wrap a 450,000-pound gift? What is the world's oldest and shortest written consitution? Find out in this patriotic celebration of things uniquely American.
What Is the Declaration of Independence?
by Jerry Hoare and Kevin Mcveigh and Michael C. HarrisStep back in time to the birth of America and meet the real-life rebels who made this country free!On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever this country's ties with Britain and announce a new nation--The United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and the Declaration of Independence made that official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War.
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Jellybeans
by Heather French HenryClaire learns from Ben Franklin and the Founding Fathers that the Fourth of July is more than just fireworks, it's the celebration of our freedoms.
Fantastic Fireworks
by Liz HuyckHave you ever wondered how fireworks work? This article gives you information about how these spectacular shows are created.
Fireworks, Picnics and Flags
by James GiblinThis spirited look at our national birthday explores the stories behind the familiar symbols of the Fourth of July and tells how they have come to be associated with the holiday. It will make the Fourth of July more meaningful for readers young and old.
Fourth of July
by Barbara M. JoosseFive-year-old Ross is often told "wait until you are six," but when he carries a banner to the end of a long, hot Fourth of July parade, his parents decide that he is old enough for sparklers after all.