Here it is: my 4th of July round-up! Books about the Revolutionary War era recommended for ages 4-12, arranged from youngest to oldest.
Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Ted Rand. Ages 9-12. 48 pgs. Like the Christopher Bing version of this poem which I reviewed last week (see link at end of post), this book combines superb illustrations with Longfellow’s delicious poetry. Unlike its publishers, I’d recommend it for kids from 4-12, and maybe even older. With animated reading and some explanation along the way, my children who are three and five years old, respectively, loved the story. Ok, I admit it…I loved it too! It’s a feast for both visual and verbal learners, and a far cry from most of the fluff we serve in picture books. A treasure for years to come! (Be sure to look for this and the other books listed here in paperback, if your budget is tight.)
When Washington Crossed the Delaware by Lynne Cheney, illustrated Peter Fiore. Ages 9-12. 40 pgs. This is a richly illustrated picture book chronicling the historical event it’s named for. It’s also just as rich in vocabulary, historical details, and quotes to bring the very close the actual people and events—as well as to convey their significance for our country and our freedoms today. This is a meaty story that will inspire and enlighten both young and old, and with illustrations that nearly tell the story alone, it’s a wonderful book for younger kids to grow into.
The Star-Spangled Banner by Catherine A. Welch. Illustrations by Carrie H. Warwick. Ages 4-8. 40 pgs. This is the first book on my list that isn’t strictly a picture book. It is more like reader, but the illustrations are so rich and compelling that it has as much visual interest of a picture book. Perhaps that’s why it’s aimed at kids 4-8 years old. The story traces the events that caused Francis Scott Key to come aboard a British ship in Baltimore’s harbor, where he observed the British attack on Fort McHenry in 1812 and so penned The Star-Spangled Banner. Then the book traces how the poem went from a popular tract to a song that would become our national anthem. The text is in big bold letters and short sentences to help beginning readers, but this may be a read-aloud for many four- and five-year-olds. (FYI, this is not technically set in the Revolutionary War, but it’s still great for celebrating the 4th of July.)
I do have one more 4th of July book I plan to review next week, so watch for that…as well as our other History Week posts this week. And do let me know if you have any other 4th of July favorites for your kids! I am always on the lookout for a good addition to our history library!
Don’t miss my favorite 4th of July book–Christopher Bing’s illustration of The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Also, more summer reading fun can be found in Janie’s Stalking the Elusive Boy Reader, Hitting the Road, and Thomas the Train: All Aboard for Fun.
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