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Sure the Fourth of July is a time to cook out, watch parades, shoot some fireworks. It’s America’s birthday after all. But why not provide for your kids the meaning behind waving the American flag? To get them to understand our Independence Day, it’s great for them to hear about America’s past to truly appreciate the present.

To do that here are five books to get you and your kids in the patriotic spirit for the Fourth of July – along with some activities to go along with reading (You can give me a summer vacation, but I’m a teacher after all).  All books are available at the Austin public libraries.

We The Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States by David Catrow

Provides a funny and interesting look at the founding ideals for our country. Each illustration is put in the perspective of what a child would think of when they hear our Preamble – and gives you the tools to discuss what the words truly mean.

Activity to Go Along With It: Have your child create his or her own part of the preamble and illustrate it.

We The kids

 

The Founding Fathers!: Those Horse-Ridin’, Fiddle-Playin’, Book-Readin’, Gun-Totin’ Gentlemen Who Started America by Jonah Winter

Add some humor to learning about the guys that just happened to invent our country. They didn’t all agree on the Boston Tea Party, the Declaration, the Constitution, or a whole lot of other matters. But what they did agree on was setting up a foundation that created the good ol’ US of A. This book will make your kids think about our founding fathers as real people that had to make tough decisions to make our nation.

Activity To Go Along With It: Put together a “If I Could Ask A Founding Father a Question, I Would Ask Him…” or use this George Washington one.

Founding Fathers

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts

Give some love to the patriot ladies as well. During the eight years of the Revolutionary War, there were women that served as spies, wrote political plays, and ran businesses in colonial turmoil. Learn about seven women who worked behind the scenes of the Revolution.

Activity To Go Along With It: Make a Lady Liberty Hat

Founding Mothers

George vs. George by Rosalyn Schanzer

Beautifully illustrated story of the Revolutionary War told from the point of view of both sides of the pond – giving an explanation of why the British did what they did. But, of course, how America came out victorious in the end.

Activity To Go Along With It: Introduce your child to School House Rock with “No More Kings

George v George

Our 50 States by Lynne Cheney

This book is a wonderful “road trip” across our nation that gives children a taste of our history and geography. From the 13 colonies to the now 50 states, this will present each state in a fun fact-finding adventure.

Activity to Go Along With It: Learn the song, “Fifty Nifty United States

50 States

Now get out there and celebrate with your best red, white, and blue!

What books can you recommend to celebrate the 4th of July?

 

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