12 Books to Read for the 4th of July

American Independence Day is just around the corner! Here are some great living books to read with kids to remember what happened on and leading up to July 4, 1776.

The best part is--all these books are available on Amazon. So if you order now, they should be able to arrive in time for Independence Day.

Liberty or Death by Betsy Maestro Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written, Liberty or Death summarizes the American Revolution in a well-rounded way.

Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle

Recommended by AmblesideOnline for Grades 4-6. Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution.

The Star-Spangled Banner by Peter Spier

Peter Spier beautifully illustrates and captures the spirit of our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.

The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh

A wonderful introduction to the American Revolution for younger readers.

Phoebe the Spy by Judith Berry Griffin

A young housekeeper works as a spy and discovers a plot against the life of George Washington.

A Spy Called James by Anne Rockwell

The true story of James Lafayette, a slave who spied for George Washington's army during the American Revolution.

Sam the Minuteman by Nathaniel Benchley

An I Can Read Book for new readers about a young boy who fought in the Battle of Lexington.

Can't You Make them Behave, King George? by Jean Fritz

The story of King George and what happened when he raised money by taxing the colonies in America.

Abigail Adams by Natalie S. Bober

Abigail Adams was a wife and mother to presidents and a witness to firsthand events during the revolution. AmblesideOnline recommendation for 4th grade.

George Washington by Ingri & Edgar D'Aulaire An AmblesideOnline recommendation for 1st grade. A simple introduction to George Washington for young readers.

Crispus Attucks by Dharathula H. Millender

The story of a runaway slave who fought in the Boston Massacre, and is regarded as the first American killed in the American Revolution.

Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem about Paul Revere's midnight ride, alerting colonists about the British's arrival.

Let us know if you've read of these, and what your favorite patriotic books are!

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