Fourth of July Reviews ABC of America Kim Bellefontaine Illustrations by Per-Henrik Gürth    This alphabet book for the preschool set uses quintessential American landmarks and items to introduce the alphabet. It is as American as "Aa is for Apple Pie, warm from the oven" and "Bb is for Baseball." Other letters use similarly recognizable items such as eagles, fireworks on the Fourth of July, the Grand Canyon, the Liberty Bell, the Mississippi River, Pilgrims, quilts, Uncle Sam, and the White House. Simple yet bold and colorful drawings depict various animals, including bears, acting in scenes for each letter of the alphabet. For example, in "Jj is for jazz," the animals play musical instruments on stage. In "Tt is for trolley," the animals ride down the streets of San Francisco. A map of the United States is printed on the front and end pages. Written and illustrated by a husband and wife team, the book is a rousing celebration of Americana. The book may be used not only to introduce the alphabet, but to explore history and geography. 2004, Kids Can Press, $14.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer:Valerie O. Patterson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-55337-645-5 Biscuit's Fourth of July Alyssa Satin Capucilli Illustrated by Pat Schories    Toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners will learn about some of the traditions of this patriotic holiday as a little girl and her puppy, Biscuit, prepare for the day. There are streamers to drape and flags to fly and apples to pick for an apple pie. There is a parade, a picnic and, of course, fireworks. Young children will enjoy lifting the flap on the right hand side of the page to see what mischief Biscuit creates. The brief text and simple full color illustrations make this appropriate for preschoolers. It is a good title for a patriotic story hour. Biscuit's fans will enjoy this addition to the series. 2005, HarperCollins, $6.99. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-06-009464-8 Celebrate America Lily Random Illustrated by Michelle Berg    A number of American symbols are featured in this board book. The cover sports an American flag with shiny reflective foil to represent the red stripes. Inside and on every page foil material adds extra emphasis to the illustrations. In one a young boy is dressed like Uncle Sam, in another eagles are flying against a moonlit and starry sky (they actually fly and hunt in the daytime) while Lady Liberty's torch is bright gold and the supposed liberty bell is silver (in reality it is a dull brass/bronze color). The Tuba in the parade is a shiny silver color as is the map of the United States. The flag that still waves has a bright blue field with nary a star and the final spread shows kids looks at fireworks sparkling in the night sky. If you are not too particular about details, this board book could be used to introduce Flag Day and the Fourth of July to very young children. 2003, Price Stern Sloan, $5.99. Ages 6 mo. to 2. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8431-4588-9 Fireworks at the FBI Ron Roy Illustrated by Timothy Bush    On their walk back to the White House after the 4th of July fireworks on the National Mall, KC, her best friend Marshall, her mother and her stepfather who is the President of the United States, see rockets shooting out of a window at the FBI Headquarters. A clean but charred pizza box holds a clue to the mystery. Astute KC and Marshall eavesdrop on a presidential conversation and discuss the case with the president as they get closer to solving the mystery. A map of Washington DC shows the location of many of the city's landmarks that are mentioned in the book. Readers can follow KC and Marshall as they move around the city. Full-page graphite drawings are interspersed throughout the text. This simple mystery is just right for readers ready for stories beyond the beginning reader section. Implausible but enjoyable. 2006, A Stepping Stone Book/Random House, $3.99 and $11.99. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-375-87527-1 ISBN: 978-0-375-87527-4 ISBN: 0-375-97527-6 Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols James Cross Giblin Illustrated by Ursula Arndt    As we gaze up at the red, white and blue fireworks overhead this 4th of July, it is an appropriate time to reflect upon this great nation and the freedom we enjoy. In his book, Giblin provides us with just such an opportunity by taking us back in time to the days leading up to and following the first 4th of July and the men and women who made it possible. Like the freedom we have come to expect, we also anticipate certain happenings and symbolism on the day we celebrate our independence. Giblin gives us fascinating details about the origins of such traditions. He follows the growth of our nation and its reflection in our flag. We learn of the first fireworks displays and follow their technological progress. We discover the stories behind the paintings that have inspired spirit and the music that has reflected America's patriotism over the centuries. President Lincoln once said of the Declaration of Independence that it "gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to all of the world for all future time." In this book, Giblin and Arndt remind us that liberty is not something we should take for granted, but something we should take the opportunity to savor. 2001, Clarion Books, $7.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Leslie Verzi Julian (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-618-09654-X The Fourth of July Debra Hess    Using our nation's birthday as a key, Debra Hess unlocks the past in The Fourth of July. Asking readers to question why we celebrate the Fourth of July, Hess introduces them to the story of America's beginning. A brief history of the colonies' struggle with England and subsequent declaration of independence on July 4, 1776 answers the introductory question. However, the author encourages readers to learn even more with descriptions of July Fourth celebrations around the country and vivid, spectacular photographs. The inclusion of Native American celebrations in Arizona and stock car races in Florida subtly emphasizes how this national holiday has become a celebration of our freedoms and diversity. Additional information on Uncle Sam, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and the Liberty Bell weave together many of our patriotic symbols. Although this holiday is seldom celebrated in the classroom, The Fourth of July is an excellent, accessible resource about our nation's founding. 2003, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, $17.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7614-1711-7 The Fourth of July Cynthia Klingel and Robert B. Noyed    Large text and bright illustrations will carry young readers through this briefing on what makes July fourth special in the United States. Although the history that led to this holiday is complicated, the meaning is fundamentally simple--Americans love freedom. This book makes that concept clear for children, who may only associate this holiday with the traditional fireworks. Parades and fireworks are symbolic parts of the Fourth of July for many Americans, but after reading this book, children will know that it is a holiday to celebrate with pride for all Americans who enjoy their freedom. Without going into historical detail, the book explains this significance. Repetitious images of flags throughout will keep young readers focused as they learn about the traditions of this patriotic holiday. An index and a reference section are included. There is also a note to parents and educators explaining what the publisher's reading levels are. They include phonics (beginning) readers, and nonfiction levels 1 through 4. This nonfiction Level 2 book is part of the "Wonder Books" collection. 2003, The Child's World, $21.36. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Cherie Ilg Haas (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-5676-6954-9 Fourth of July Mice! Bethany Roberts Illustrated by Doug Cushman    The mouse family is dressed in colonial American costumes for their parade and Fourth of July celebration. They enjoy a picnic lunch of cheese and sunflowers, play a game of baseball, run sack races and go swimming. Baby Mouse is afraid of the water but takes the plunge to save "Mr. Mouse," his stuffed animal who falls into the water. A delighted Baby Mouse discovers he can swim. That evening, they enjoy sparklers and fireworks. This new book in the holiday series about this joyous mouse family will be enjoyed by preschoolers. The text is simple enough for those beginning to read who are already familiar with the activities of this day. 2004, Clarion Books, $13.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-618-31366-4 Fourth of July, Sparkly Sky Joan Holub Illustrated by Amanda Haley     If you are looking for a board book that will be appropriate for celebrating America's birthday then this one will do the trick. It is filled with red, white and blue and it highlights many of the activities that occur on the 4th of July. There may be picnics with lots of great activities and food like barbecue and apple pie. Towns and cites may have parades with floats and marching bands. When evening comes most places celebrate with a display of fireworks that usually draw plenty of oohs and ahs. Every page of this board book is filled with glitter that is sometimes difficult to see, but it does lend a tactile element to the book. 2003, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, $4.99. Ages 6 mo. to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-689-85718-7 The Great Cake Bake Helen Ketteman Illustrations by Matt Collins    What starts out as a great American tradition ends up as a food fight with a marriage announcement. Donna Rae is sure she will win the Fourth of July great cake bake with the most elaborate entry in all of Danville. One flaw with Donna Rae's cakes is that someone always gets hurt with her creations. That someone is Mayor Fargenberg. Her magnificent Boston Tea Party cake, complete with piers, sailing vessels and fountain of tea malfunctions as the Mayor closely examines the delicate confectionary delight. Her stunning Statue of Liberty cake, including gas-light torch was a blast--in more ways than one! Poor Mayor Fargenberg was left cleaner shaven than when he arrived. Donna Rae's final concoction, a replica of a cobblestone road and village where Paul Revere performed his famous ride, was truly the envy of all, even so far as borrowing her cousins' horse, Chester, for a dramatic effect. No mechanical malfunctions this time, but still the culminating cake event was upset with no cake left unscathed. Who won? Read this to find out as see who becomes engaged to be married, if you have not already figured that out. The text is engaging, the illustrations colorful, intricate and tight, and absolutely appropriate for this work. One tiny flaw--compared to other characters in the book Donna Rae appears quite juvenile, as if only a teenager, which seems out of place. This "flaw" is made up for by those delicious end papers of actual-size baking utensils. Bakers everywhere will applaud that talent. This is a fun story and meant to be ready anytime, anywhere. Enjoy! 2005, Walker and Company, $16.95 and $17.85. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-8027-8950-1 ISBN: 0-8027-8952-8 Independence Day Marc Tyler Nobleman    Part of the "Let's See" series of holiday books, Independence Day introduces early readers to the history and traditions of Independence Day. The book opens by looking at the philosophical impetus of July 4th. It then talks about the political situation in revolutionary America and the significance of the Declaration of Independence. The final chapters look at how Independence Day has been celebrated over the years and the symbols and traditions associated with it. Each double-page spread contains a photo, drawing, or historical print and a description of some aspect of the holiday. The book is well structured to facilitate the acquisition of foundational research and reading self-help skills with a table of contents, a glossary, index, and list of additional resources for children and families who want to know more about Independence Day. Words in the text that appear in the glossary are printed in bold type. Independence Day, and indeed the "Let's See" holiday series in general, is notable in that it provides thorough but age-appropriate insight into the historical political, social, and cultural events that created our national holidays. 2005, Compass Point Books, $19.93. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Courtney Angermeier (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7565-0769-3 It's the Fourth of July! Stan Hoig Illustrated with photographs and old prints    In lively text with liberal quotes from newspapers and journals, readers learn about the events that preceded the Declaration of Independence, and the manner in which this great occasion has been celebrated through more than two hundred years. Hoig takes a look at the historic meaning of America's Independence Day and what it has meant to Americans. While all is not perfect, because there are individuals and groups still seeking opportunity and respect for their rights, the promise in the Declaration--that all people have an inherent right to equal opportunity in life--lives on. It's the Fourth of July! is illustrated with photographs and reproductions of old prints. 1995, Dutton, $15.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). Awards, Honors, Prizes: Oklahoma Book Award Finalist 1996 Children/Young Adult United States ISBN: 0-525-65175-6 The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence Judith St. George Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand    What an engaging way to get an overview of American history. The jaunty text follows the whereabouts of the Declaration of Independence from its inception to its current home at the National Archives. Readers will learn that the forty-four lines were engrossed on a two-foot wide by two-and-a-half-foot long sheet of parchment in 1776. To keep the document safe, it traveled from Philadelphia to Baltimore and back again. It continued to move to New York City, Washington City, and even back to Philadelphia. When it finally arrived in Washington, DC it was again moved several times. St. George makes her point about the constancy of the document and its home in the "heart of the American people" as she traces the major historical events and their influence on the changing locations of the physical document. On page 14 she makes a brilliant analogy between the United States and a one-year-old child: "Like any one-year-old, the nation was toddling on unsteady feet." Readers will garner information from Hillenbrand's illustrations, as well. There are many humorous touches, sometimes provided by the bald eagle found throughout the book, but there are serious issues presented, as well. The burning of the White House during the War of 1812 is depicted. The early twentieth-century park scene shows a number of folk reading the newspapers with the issues in the headlines. This is fresh, lively, and short enough for a bedtime read aloud or a classroom introduction to American history. 2005, Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, Ages 6 to 10, $16.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-399-27338-0 Looking for Uncle Louie on the Fourth of July Kathy Whitehead Illustrated by Pablo Torrecilla    It is July 4th in this Texas town and excitement abounds as young and old line the streets in anticipation of the colorful and festive holiday parade. The day's events are set in motion by the brilliant acrylic paintings on the cover as crowds representing a multitude of cultures and reflecting their patriotism gather to view the parade. Joe, perched atop his father's shoulders, scans the area looking for someone and the title reveals that it is Uncle Louie. Will he join them on the sidelines or be a parade participant? Soon the procession begins and each two-page presentation reveals the entries as they march by--police on motorcycles, a marching military unit carrying American flags, the high school band led by baton twirlers, ethnic dancers on wagons, comic clowns, and riders on horses (Here the text and illustrations disagree on the appearance of the horses' manes--braided and free flowing.). Suddenly there is a flash of chrome announcing the arrival of the lowriders, and Joe spies one with Lady Liberty painted on the hood and driven by Uncle Louie. (A complete description of these customized cars appears in the verso.) Joe is whisked into the car and instantly becomes a participant rather than a viewer. The magnificently detailed illustrations blend with the easy-to-read descriptive story enriched with similes and creative language. It is a refreshing message of patriotism and unity that will be an instant attraction inviting readers to celebrate the star-spangled happening! 2005, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Barbara Troisi ISBN: 1-5907-8061-2 Pyrotechnician Mary Firestone    Kids who love fireworks, wonder how they work, or dream of lighting off the big, public displays on July 4th will certainly enjoy this book. It's a comprehensive look at the fireworks industry - history, manufacturing, cultural traditions in many countries, the chemistry and physics involved, and the variety of careers available in the industry. The chapter sequence could be better organized - chapters seem to jump back and forth between topics a bit - but the writing is clear and the tone is conversational, making it easy for young readers to grasp the content. The book would definitely benefit from more graphic material, particularly some photos of the fireworks manufacturing process and diagrams showing how shells are put together. Still, there's a great deal of interesting information here. Back matter includes an index and bibliography, suggestions for further reading and related websites, as well as an extensive glossary. This book is part of the 'Weird Careers in Science' series. 2006, Chelsea House Publishers, Ages 9 to 13, $25.00. Reviewer: Barbara Carroll Roberts ISBN: 0-7910-8703-4 Saving Strawberry Farm Deborah Hopkinson Pictures by Rachel Isadora.    It is the Depression, and many folks are having a tough time making ends meet. Still, it is just about the Fourth of July, so Davey's mom is determined to make something of a picnic. She sends the boy and his younger sister, Rosie, to the market for a few supplies. There, Davey learns that Miss Elsie is about to lose her strawberry farm. The bank has scheduled an auction for that very day. The townspeople decide to try a penny auction, and Davey is enlisted to spread the word. Five o'clock rolls around. The crowds are gathered. Who will be the first voice to defy the auctioneer's call for a cool three hundred dollars? One brave boy with the conviction of right and wrong just may be what is needed. Deborah Hopkinson's research is clearly evident in the brief passages about the Depression and 1930s markets which accompany this lovely, heartwarming story of love, friendship, and community. 2005, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $16.99 and $17.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States Choices, 2006; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States ISBN: 0-688-17400-0 ISBN: 0-688-17401-9 The Star-Spangled Banner Catherine A. Welch Illustrations by Carrie H. Warwick    As a Maryland resident, I do know about Francis Scott Key and how he came to write the Star-Spangled Banner, yet many young readers may not know the story. In clear, straightforward prose, Welch explains a bit of the story leading up to the American Revolution and why Key ended up on a British ship in the Baltimore harbor where he witnessed the attack on Fort McHenry. As a patriotic American, he worried about the fate of those in the fort, surrounding town, and the fledgling country. He started writing a poem ("The Defense of Fort McHenry") on a piece of paper and it was with great relief in the early morning that he saw the American flag still flying over the fort. He then wrote another stanza of his poem. Later, when he reached home, he finished the poem and it was printed and widely distributed. It waxed and waned in popularity until it became a traditional song for Fourth of July celebrations, opening baseball games and the like. Finally, in 1931, it became our national anthem. The entire poem is printed at the end of the book and there is a picture of the flag that flew over the fort that currently resides in the Smithsonian. It is well done, nicely complemented with watercolor illustrations, and a useful book for a social studies or history curriculum. Part of the "On My Own History" series. 2004, Lerner, $23.93 and $5.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-57505-590-2 ISBN: 1-57505-697-6 The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner Ryan Jacobson Illustrated by Cynthia Martin and Terry Beatty    The dramatic and fascinating story of how Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem, "The Defense of Fort McHenry" and how it became America's National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the subject of this graphic history book. Basic facts are presented in rectangular boxes. Dialogue boxes allow for further information with actual quotes presented in balloons with yellow backgrounds. The quote sources and the pages on which they appear are listed after the CIP information. Readers will learn about the War of 1812, why Key happened to be on the British ship the day before the British attacked Fort McHenry, and the flag sewn by Mary Pickersgill which was his inspiration. The words, but not the tune for "The Star-Spangled Banner," are included. The full-color illustrations complement the text and will help readers understand the importance of this symbol of liberty. It is evident that much thought has gone into the design of this series, "Graphic library" and "Graphic history." Short sentences with controlled vocabulary in combination with the format make this appropriate for older reluctant readers as well as younger readers just beyond the beginning reader stage. Two pages of more information are in the back of the book. There is a glossary, a list of several books for the reader who wants to learn more about the flag and the song, a code to connect with "FactHound" that connects the reader with appropriate Internet sites, an index and a bibliography. 2006, Capstone Press, $25.26. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-5493-2 ISBN: 978-0-7368-5493-1 Thomas Jefferson: Great American Matt Doeden Illustrated by Gordon Purcell and Terry Beatty    Jefferson developed a love of learning during his childhood on Shadwell Plantation in Virginia that carried through his entire life. The graphic book format presents basic facts in small boxes making the information easy to assimilate. Dialogue boxes allow for further information with quotes from primary sources presented in balloons with yellow backgrounds. These sources are letters, Jefferson's first inaugural address and the Declaration of Independence. Some of the other dialogue, such as when he returns to Monticello with his new bride, seems trite ("We'll be together. That's all that matters."). Yet, it also keeps the text from seeming too educational to the reader. The full-color illustrations complement the text and will help readers learn about Jefferson the farmer, statesman, American president, architect, husband, father, and founder of the University of Virginia and they will be introduced to some early American history as well. It is evident that much thought has gone into the design of this series, "graphic library" and graphic biographies." Short sentences with controlled vocabulary in combination with the format make this appropriate for reluctant readers as well as younger readers just beyond the beginning reader stage. Two pages of more information are found at the back of the book. There is a glossary, a list of several books for the reader who wants to learn more about Jefferson, a code to connect with "FactHound" that connects the reader with appropriate Internet sites, an index and a bibliography. Primary sources are listed in the front of the book. 2006, Capstone Press, $25.26. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-5488-6 ISBN: 978-0-7368-5488-7 Tour America: A Journey Through Poems and Art Diane Siebert Illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson    America is full of so many amazing places that it must have been difficult for Siebert to select only twenty-six. Her choices include the famous and the fascinating, natural beauty and man-made wonders. Visits to the Washington Monument, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Las Vegas, and the Kentucky Derby inspired poems about our history, culture and symbols. Lesser-known artworks, such as the "Cadillac Ranch" near Amarillo, Texas and "Lucy the Elephant" in Margate, New Jersey show us the more idiosyncratic side of Americans. Here one reads about the awesome power of Niagara Falls and Mount Saint Helens, the vanishing beauty of the tallgrass prairie and the everglades, the Aurora Borealis in Alaska, UFOs in Roswell, New Mexico, and the Vortex in Gold Hill, Oregon. Next to the poem and above a rectangle with information about the area are small outline maps of the contiguous United States and the state in the title of the poem. Red lines indicate the location of each place. Siebert's poems are fresh and vibrant. Each is distinct in its pace and tone, reflecting the mood of the place. Just as distinctive are the illustrations that accompany the poems, giving a broader picture to the reader. Johnson uses a wide range of art and mediums and lists them in the back of the book. Watercolor, oil, collage, photography, colored pencil and more have been used, sometimes alone and sometimes mixed, and the results are amazing. With a bit of a postmark on each page, it truly feels like Siebert and Johnson have sent postcards from each of these places. Wonderful for geography, history, science, art and English classes, why it can even become a math lesson in determining how far it is from one place to another. What a great way to get children to look at their surroundings and write their own poems. This is a beautiful book to hold, to peruse, to read aloud. It is definitely a "first purchase" for libraries, and an excellent choice for a gift. 2006, Chronicle Books, $17.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8118-5056-0 ISBN: 978-0-8118-5056-8 Wow! America! Robert Neubecker    In an effort to catch her little sister Jo, Izzy follows her down the mountain where they live, and across the many different landscapes that are in the United States. Each double-page spread shows a scene from a new region with the word "Wow!" and a word that represents that area. When the girls visit the New England coast, the image is a fisherman holding up a lobster. The caption underneath the illustration reads, "Wow! Lobster!" Along the top of every page is a sentence describing a famous historical event. Above the lobster fisherman, appear the words, "New England is famous for fishing and ships and patriots and pilgrims." Izzy and her sister explore Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans. The sisters also visit Niagara Falls, the Atlantic coast, Florida, the midwestern states, the Mississippi River, the western prairies, the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, the giant redwoods, the northwestern states, Hawaii, and Alaska. The sisters travel from east to west and south to north, with a slight detour to Hawaii and Alaska, of course. The book ends with the words, "Wow! Home!" and shows an illustration of the two girls running into their mother's arms. Nubecker's illustrations have a rough black ink outline and bright colorful washes. This gives the drawings an energetic feel as the sisters dash around the country. 2006, Hyperion Books for Children, Ages 5 to 7, $16.99. Reviewer: Sally J. K. Davies ISBN: 0-7868-3816-7 Yankee Doodle America: The Spirit of 1776 from A to Z Wendell Minor    Just in time for Independence Day, Minor uses the alphabet as a base on which to recreate a picture of colonial America at the time of the Revolution. Each page or double- page spread has a letter, a brief explanation of the importance of what he has chosen to have it stand for, and an illustration framed in the style of old tavern signboards. Included are events, such as the passage of the Stamp Act and the Boston Massacre; places like Trenton, Valley Forge, and Yorktown; and many important people of the time, from Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, Molly Pitcher, and Thomas Jefferson to King George III. Master woodworker John Reichling has carved the wooden sign replicas on which Minor has painted his visuals in two of the shapes common at the time. Although Minor's painted signs are more detailed than the old ones, they reflect history similarly. Jefferson sits on his horse with Monticello behind him; the Old North Church steeple shows the lanterns glowing in the starry night; a weary troop marches in the snow at Valley Forge. These are emotionally charged images designed to enhance patriotism with history. Also included is a list of important dates, sources, and many other interesting and useful notes. 2006, G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Young Readers Group, Ages 6 to 10, $16.99. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-399-24003-9 To view Fourth of July features from a previous year, click here. 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. Udpated 6/30/06