America Fireworks, parades, and barbecues — the Fourth of July is here! Here are some books that remind us how and why Americans celebrates their freedom. Reviews Apple Pie Fourth of July Janet S. Wong Illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine    In a lyrical look at a young Chinese-American girl's 4th of July in her family's convenience store, Wong paints a unique picture of the evolving diversity in U.S. culture. On a day that celebrates the independence of our nation, we mostly see patriotic portrayals of our Federalist period when European Americans and European culture dominated our society. This book shows that this holiday can be celebrated in a diversity of ways, including a trip through a Chinese buffet after a parade. The young girl doubts anyone will want Chinese food on such an American holiday, but her father points out that fireworks are Chinese. Folks do eventually come to enjoy their Chinese food. After the store closes, the family goes up to the roof to watch the fireworks and eat apple pie. This 4th of July book celebrates the diversity that is the true spirit of the freedom we are celebrating on Independence Day. 2002, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Alexandria LaFaye. ISBN: 0-15-202543-X Purple Mountain Majesties: The story of Katharine Lee Bates and America the Beautiful Barbara Younger Illustrated by Stacey Schuett    Both a biography of a young woman and a history of a song that many believe should be our national anthem, this richly illustrated book brings into focus an America of long ago. Katharine Lee Bates, an East Coast teacher and poet, was asked to do some guest teaching at a college in Colorado. It was on her train trip west that Ms. Bates took her first up-close look at the wild and majestic land that she was to immortalize in song. The informal writing style and full-page Americana illustrations of this book will make readers comfortable as they accompany Ms. Bates on her journey. Music teachers will welcome this book as a history of song. History teachers will welcome this book as a treasury of turn of the 20th Century artifacts and trends. Writing teachers will welcome this book as a tribute to writing and rewriting and revising. And all lovers of the hymn written in tribute to America's natural splendor will resoundingly welcome this book. 1998, Dutton Children's Books, $15.99. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Katsh ISBN: 0-525-45653-8 The Constitution of the United States Kristal Leebrick    This book rounds out the series "Let Freedom Ring." Enhanced with historical illustrations and photos, the book details the combining of 13 states to make the United States of America. Once this happened, the 13 states were held responsible for the residents of their own states but no cohesion was found between the states in regards to governing practices. This book informs the reader of how a transition took place to bring about a stable government to govern all the people as one group. The writing of and adoption of the United Stated Constitution to be used for all the people is highlighted. The secrecy surrounding the Constitutional Convention adds to the interest of the book. An outline of the Constitution and summary of the Bill of Rights are included. Two pages are devoted to the travels of the physical document of the Constitution itself. These pages are heaped with facts. With rich supplemental information consisting of a timeline, map, sidebars, glossary and additional resources, this book is packed with material to enrich a school curriculum. Like the others, it has been authored with the idea that the text supports requirements of the National Standards for History in schools. 2002, Bridgestone Books/Capstone Press, $22.60. Ages 10 to 18. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury. ISBN: 0-7368-1094-3 The Declaration of Independence Illustrated and inscribed by Sam Fink     The entire text of the declaration is separated into phrases with each accompanied by a drawing intended to help explain the meaning of the words. Fink often makes his point with a humorous approach but always maintains a reverence for the document. Some of the illustrations seem to take on the nature of political cartoons, and indeed could lead to a discussion of this type of editorial. The back pages contain the uninterrupted text of the Declaration of Independence, a chronology of events leading to the decision to separate from England, a helpful glossary, selected bibliography, books for further reading, and an index. There are three major websites: The National Archives and Records Administration, Library of Congress and Independence Hall Association which can enhance the learning process. It is a welcome addition to collections on colonial and revolutionary American history. Most of all, this is a book to be shared and read aloud by families. Make it a tradition to read it together every July 4th. 2002, Scholastic, Ages 8 to 15, $19.95.Reviewer Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-439-40700-1 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Know Dennis Denenberg and Lorraine Roscoe    Some of the heroes featured in this excellent text are quite well known, such as Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Entries about more obscure heroes, such as Ida B. Wells and Elizabeth Blackwell, are sure to enlighten readers. The heroes represent and celebrate the diversity of this country; and so white, black, Asian, Native and Hispanic Americans are included. In addition, women and men from all periods of this nation's history are represented. Each hero is allotted two pages. Under each hero's name, dates of birth and death are listed, as is a brief caption summarizing his or her unique contribution. Additional books about each hero are listed. The easy-to-read text and black-and-white photos combine to make this a valuable resource for middle school children. 2001, The Millbrook Press, $29.09. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati. ISBN: 0-7613-1612-4 Fourth of July Fireworks Patrick Merrick    With simple text and excellent illustrations, this book describes our Independence Day holiday and its characteristic colorful flashes of light known as fireworks. The beginning chapter sets the tone and following chapters identify the holiday's meaning, how the holiday began, and how it is celebrated with fireworks. The history, craft and mechanics of fireworks are also discussed. Safety considerations for fireworks complete this brief, information book. The book is one of a nonfiction series andbut it may also be read as a story. Each page of text is paired with an appropriate illustration, primarily color photographs. A table of contents, a glossary and an index are included. The book will augment nicely studies of U.S. history and holiday symbols. 2000, The Child's World, $22.79. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Jacki Vawter. ISBN: 1-56766-640-X Happy Birthday, America! Marsha Wilson Chall Illustrated by Guy Porfirio    The Fourth of July offers an opportunity for family and friends to gather and celebrate. It is a national holiday, and in many American communities there are parades, picnics, band concerts and fireworks in the evening. Set in a small to midsize town, the family in this book is hosting a gathering of its extended relatives. Kids and food start arriving early. It's hugs and kisses for all--and time to decorate the bike and wheelbarrow for the town parade. Then it's back to the house for food and a swim in the lake. This family even holds a watermelon seed-spitting contest. As the sky darkens, the clan heads for the boats and they float on the lake while watching the fireworks light up the night sky. Waving sparklers high, the kids all wish America a happy birthday. This slice of small-town life is warmly illustrated in colored pencil and watercolor by Porfirio. It is one that I remember and hope that many of today's kids are fortunate enough to also enjoy. 2000, HarperCollins, $15.95 and $15.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot. ISBN: 0-688-13051-8 ISBN: 0-688-13052-6 Independence Day : Birthday of the United States Elaine Landau    What is America's birthday all about? Why do we celebrate on July 4th? This wonderfully informative book provides answers to these questions and more about Independence Day. With details about America's beginning, the book combines the story with famous historic symbols, pictures and paintings. It also discusses the various ways to celebrate Independence Day and includes a suggested project and recipe for participating in the events. Finally, the book ends with a glossary, a bibliography and Internet addresses for further study. This is a great resource for young Americans just learning about our nation's history. Part of the "Finding Out about Holidays" series. 2001, Enslow, $18.95. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Sheree Van Vreede. ISBN: 0-7660-1571-8 The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Graved and painted by Christopher Bing    Longfellow's classic poem describing Revere's historic ride and its importance in American history strikes a welcome note in these days of renewed patriotism. "The fate of a nation was riding that night." The story itself is a stirring one, loosely based on fact. Included with the text are maps of the "Secret Expedition to Concord" and of Revere's actual ride along with extensive notes about the proper history, about the preparation of the book and the art, and a bibliography. Attached to the endpapers are facsimiles of General Gage's orders and of Revere's deposition after the ride. Bing combines scratchboard drawings with glazed watercolors to create richly detailed scenes that glow in the light of a full moon. Todd Sutherland integrates facsimiles of old paper and scanned objects of the times, like coins, a watch, musket balls and pigeon feathers, to enhance the historic feel of the pages. Great care and esthetic sensitivity has been exercised here to present an exceptional setting for the poem. Note the paper jacket's subtle use of embossing in the overall design. 2001, Handprint Books, $17.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewers: Ken and Sylvia Marantz. ISBN: 1-92976-613-0 The Revolutionary War Susan Beller    During the American Revolution people living in or near the pathway of war suffered a great deal. As armies moved across the colonies, the daily life of previously peaceful people was overturned. While there are few remaining letters and diaries of people who lived in that period, there are enough to give modern students a glimpse of what life was like during those tumultuous days. Here, in a fine history text, readers are provided a solid look at the key events of the Revolutionary War. The combination of a well-developed narrative with quite a number of primary source documents makes this book an excellent tool for study of the social history of the American Revolution. Particular attention is paid to the human cost the war wrought upon colonial women who were loyal to both the crown and the rebellion. In this handsomely illustrated book readers will be given the opportunity to see what it was like for colonial women to be forced to house enemy troops, tend to the wounded or witness a battle. All in all, this selection, drawn from the "Letters from the Homefront" series is a fine addition to any library and will be appreciated by students of history. 2002, Benchmark Books, $28.50. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck. ISBN: 0-7614-1094-5 Uncle Sam and Old Glory : symbols of America Delno C. West and Jean M. West Woodcuts by Christopher Manson    How many times have you sung "Yankee Doodle," waved an American flag, or eaten turkey for Thanksgiving dinner? Have you ever wondered where such traditions came from? In Uncle Sam and Old Glory, readers find the answer to this and other questions as they explore the history of fifteen symbols of America. A detailed, accessible introduction explains the functions of symbols in our world and why such symbols are important. A one-page summary and color woodcut articulate the history of fifteen prominent American symbols from the Statue of Liberty to Smoky the Bear and the American bald eagle to the buffalo. The summaries both educate and entertain as they explore historical fact and provide interesting tidbits of our American past. The accompanying color woodcuts are equally appropriate, infusing an all-American, self-made feel to the illustrations. 2000, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $17.00. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Leah Hanson. ISBN: 0-689-82043-7 We Are Patriots Kristiana Gregory    In simple language, Hope writes in her diary about events of the Revolutionary War and how it affects her life. She accurately describes customs of colonial times like wig making and the night watchman lighting the lamps and uses the grammar, spelling and words of the late 1700s. Her father is heavily involved with the Patriots and wanted by the Redcoats. Her best friend's family are Loyalists. Even though the two girls are forbidden to see each other, they manage to pass secret notes through an intermediary. Having a friend on the opposite side of the war shows readers there is no clear-cut enemy. This book is Hope's second in the "My America" series. Sidebars and sketches of what Hope describes could add to the historical facts, although there are pictures and historical notes at the end of the book. Her narrative also provides many starting places for further research, such as what happened to the Liberty Bell or the population and architectural styles of Philadelphia in 1776. 2002, Scholastic, $8.95. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Janet L. Rose ISBN: 0-439-21039-9 ISBN: 0-439-36906-1 We the Kids David Catrow    Using the Preamble to the United States Constitution as a starting point, Catrow's illustrations help children understand one of our country's most important documents. Each phrase in the Preamble ("We the People of the United States," "insure domestic tranquility," etc.) is given its own spread with a vibrant and colorful illustration. The illustrations are full of detail and humor. There's some stretching with a couple of the phrases — how do you adequately illustrate "do ordain and establish this Constitution"? — but the textual explanations at the beginning, when accompanied by a handy adult ready for discussion, make We the Kids a valuable resource for children to learn about this important document. 2002, Dial Books, Ages 6 to 10, $16.99. Reviewer: Carey Ahr. ISBN: 0-8037-2553-1 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.