4th of July Books for Kids: Our Favorite Patriotic Reads
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There is something about the Fourth of July that makes us want to slow down and actually talk about why we celebrate. Grace studied history in college and has always had a deep love for this country, and that love has a sweet way of spilling over to the little ones when you read the right book together.
So we pulled together our very favorite 4th of July books for kids, everything from cozy read-alouds for toddlers to chapter books your early elementary kiddos can sink into. This list barely scratches the surface, so if you have a favorite we missed, please share it with us! Here are the ones we keep coming back to.
Patriotic Picture Books for Little Ones
These are the read-aloud kind, with illustrations your littles will pore over while the words do the quiet work of teaching them to love where they come from.
The Night Before the Fourth of July
By Natasha Wing, illustrated by Amy Wummer. ‘Twas the night before July 4th and all across the USA, Americans were gearing up for Independence Day! The author, Natasha Wing has a whole series of “‘Twas the night before…” and my children (especially my 4-year-old) really enjoy them.
Hello, Fourth of July!
By Martha Day Zschock. Narrated by an eagle, this book teaches children about why we celebrate the Fourth of July and the many ways families celebrate across the country. It’s a cute one for littles and one that I have at our house!
The Fourth of July Story
By Alice Dalgliesh, illustrated by Marie Nonnast. This book tells the story of the birth of our country and takes littles all the way back to revolutionary times. It feels like a mini chapter book with each page filled with lots of text yet very simple for younger children (4-year-old + to understand) the feelings of the time. The illustrations are great and depict what everyday looked like during this time period too.
Our Flag Was Still There
By Jessie Hartland. This book tells the story of the giant flag from 1812. I enjoyed reading it with my 4 and 8-year-old. They were asking questions as I read too which was fun. I also like how the heroes are Mary and her team of seamstresses. Just another fun story to teach children about the incredible moments of American history.
God Bless America
By Irving Berlin, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. I have this board book at my house and it’s very loved. Lynn Munsinger’s illustrations are so sweet and heart warming and I’ve always loved this song by Irving Berlin.
Her Right Foot
By Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris. I haven’t read this one yet, but Faith recommended it. She said it’s a beautiful book with a unique message about how the Statue of Liberty is in motion. She used to read it to her elementary students and loved it. Right now it’s 50% off on Amazon, and it sounds like a keeper!
The 50 States
By Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sol Linero. If your child comes home from school humming 50 Nifty United States, this may be the book you need to get them. This book is loaded with fun and interesting facts about each state and I also love the illustrations. This book is probably for 1st grade+.
The 50 States in 50 Words
By Heather Alexander, illustrated by Sol Linero. This book is a fun way to introduce states to 3-5 year olds. “The state snack of New York is yogurt, Wisconsin makes more cheese than any other state, and did you know there are blue crabs in Maryland? The pictures will be fun for your littles and the fun facts will be interesting to your older kiddos.
Independence Cake
By Deborah Hopkinson. A sweet, revolutionary little story inspired by Amelia Simmons and the very first American cookbook. Equal parts history and baking, which makes it extra fun.
How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.
By Marjorie Priceman. A whimsical road trip across the country to gather everything you need to bake a pie. A fun, wandering way to see the U.S.A. from your own couch.
Blue Sky, White Stars
By Sarvinder Naberhaus, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Simple, layered words paired with Kadir Nelson’s gorgeous paintings that tie our flag to the American landscape. One of our favorites for its simplicity and stunning illustrations. This one stays on our shelves all year long!
We Came to America
By Faith Ringgold. Faith Ringgold’s vibrant celebration of all the people and stories that make up this country. A lovely one for talking with kids about where families come from.
Lil’ Navy Sailor
By Lisa Engler. A sweet little board book from the Mini Military series that introduces the youngest patriots to Navy life through simple rhymes and bright pictures. A fun one for military families or any kiddo who loves boats and the people who serve.
Pie Is for Sharing
By Stephanie Parsley Ledyard. A warm picture book set against a Fourth of July backdrop about all the things we share: pie, a blanket, a good book, and time together. The illustrations capture a perfect summer day by the water.
This Land Is Your Land
By Woody Guthrie, illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen. A beautifully illustrated picture book of Woody Guthrie’s iconic folk song, with rich, detailed paintings that carry you from California to the New York island. A lovely way to introduce kids to a song they will be humming all summer.
Chapter Books for Early Elementary
Once your readers are ready for a few more pages, these are the ones that bring the Revolution and early America to life.
I Survived the American Revolution, 1776
By Lauren Tarshis. Part of the wildly popular I Survived series. Fast-paced and suspenseful, it is a great way to get even reluctant readers turning pages while they soak up real history.
Revolutionary War on Wednesday
By Mary Pope Osborne. Jack and Annie head back to the Revolutionary War in this Magic Tree House favorite. Perfect for newly independent readers who love a little adventure with their history.
Night of Soldiers and Spies
By Kate Messner. Ranger, the time-traveling golden retriever, lands in the middle of the Revolution. The Ranger in Time books are a hit for kids who are not quite ready for longer chapter books.
The Winter of Red Snow
By Kristiana Gregory. Told as the diary of a young girl at Valley Forge in 1777. Part of the Dear America series, it makes that hard winter feel real and close for older elementary readers.
Meet Felicity: An American Girl
By Valerie Tripp. The first in the Felicity series, set in 1774 Williamsburg. A wonderful introduction to colonial life for kids who love a spirited, strong heroine.
Why We Love Reading These Together
Half of raising little ones is just finding the small, doable ways to pass on the things you care about. A stack of good books on the shelf the week of the Fourth is one of the easiest. These stories give our kids a sense of where they come from, spark the very best questions, and turn a holiday into something they actually understand and look forward to.
We would love to keep growing this list. What patriotic books do your kids ask for again and again? Tell us in the comments so we can track them down for our own shelves too!
Looking for more Fourth of July fun? Try our 10 Easy 4th of July Crafts for Kids next.
