In celebration of Independence Day, offer a family storytime before the holiday. Have the children march around the library to replicate many of the parades featured in these stories. For a craft project, make these red, white, and blue paper lanterns: www.dltk-kids.com/usa/mlantern.htm.
Bates, Katharine Lee. America the Beautiful. This picture book version of the patriotic song is matched to Wendell Minor’s lovely illustrations.
Day, Nancy Raines. Hoorade Day! In this rhyming story, a girl describes her town’s Independence Day parade.
Guthrie, Woody. This Land Is Your Land. With vivid illustrations by Kathy Jakobsen, this picture book version of the folksong is perfect for this holiday.
Ledyard, Stephanie P. Pie Is for Sharing. Set at a community Independence Day picnic, this simple story celebrates sharing and kindness.
Spinelli, Jerry. My Fourth of July. A boy describes the celebration which includes a parade, special food, and fireworks.
Whitehead, Kathy. Looking for Uncle Louie on the Fourth of July. A Latinx boy describes his town’s Fourth of July parade, where he sees in uncle driving his lowrider car.
Wing, Natasha. The Night Before the Fourth of July. Part of this popular series, a family has a neighborhood barbeque on the eve of Independence Day.
Wong, Janet S. Apple Pie Fourth of July. Because her family owns a Chinese restaurant that is open on Independence Day, a girl must work and may miss the parade.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool