In Our Book Basket: July

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Being an American, July is often focused on all things America. American History is one of my favorite subjects of study so much of what’s in our book basket for July revolves around it. I’ve also included a few fun summer titles that have to do with adventure because there are so many unique adventures that often happen in summer. I also wanted to include a few titles that incorporate learning about other cultures and parts of the world too. Click the Download button below to print out a check list of these titles to bring along on your next library visit!

A Flag for Our Country

This story is about Betsy Ross who possibly sewed the first American flag. It is a simple story that helps young readers learn about the possible origins of our country’s flag and how the story of Betsy Ross came to be.

A Fourth of July on the Plains

This story is based on a Fourth of July celebration that occurred on the Oregon Trail in 1852. It is from the perspective of a boy who wants to join his fellow pioneers in celebrating but isn’t sure yet how he can contribute. I like the illustrations in this book and it was neat to learn how early Americans celebrated this holiday.

A Picture Book of George Washington

This picture book by David A. Adler is about George Washington’s life and the origins of America. It is a simple yet helpful tool for helping young ones learn US History.

America the Beautiful

This neat book features board like pages with many illustrations of things that make America beautiful. It is full of fun facts and sure to delight young readers who want to learn more about America and what it means to be American.

America’s Flag Story

Told in simple rhyme, this story helps little readers understand the significance of the flag and what it various parts of it represent.

Betsy Ross

Many believe that Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag and this book does a lovely job of presenting her biography in a simple way. I love the part toward the end that mentions one of her children reading the Bible to her. By reading this, I learned much I hadn’t known about Betsy’s life and regardless of whether or not she sewed the first flag, it’s made me appreciate her legacy much more.

Blue Sky White Stars

We first encountered this book at our local library. The stunning illustrations and simple words serve the purpose of drawing parallels between America and its flag. I love how rich the illustrations are and the scenes from American history.

Corduroy’s Fourth of July

In this short board book, Corduroy enjoys a picnic and other activities with his friends before enjoying a Fourth of July parade. If your kids enjoy the Corduroy books like mine do, they are sure to enjoy this one!

Flags

I first spotted this book in one of the children’s ministry classes at my church and had to get a copy for my oldest daughter who enjoys studying geography. This book is not a picture book but a neat, educational resource to have on hand that teaches readers facts about flags from around the world.

George Washington: The First President

In this book, children learn about George Washington and how came to be America’s first president. The back of the book has a timeline as well as facts about George Washington that portray him in a truthful light. I appreciate this aspect of the book because much of the history portion of the homeschool curriculum we’ve used for second grade doesn’t do a great job of doing this.

Greetings from the 50 States

This neat book has a page of fun facts dedicated to each state and includes each state’s history.

Independence Cake

This tasty tale is the story of Amelia Simmons who wrote America’s first cookbook. Not much is known about her so the author took the liberty of creating this fun story. It tells of Amelia who bakes cakes for her town’s Independence Day celebration and presents a slice of cake to George Washington.

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel

Summer months often include visits to fairgrounds and beach piers with rides so this fun book is a must read for July! It gives the history behind the invention of the Ferris wheel. I greatly enjoyed reading this one with my kids and found it so fun to learn about how the Ferris wheel’s invention inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland!

My Fourth of July

In this story, a boy prepares for and enjoys his town’s Fourth of July celebration. So much of the story includes events that are common to Independence Day celebrations making it a read that kids are sure to delight in.

Our Flag Was Still There

This story is about Mary Pickersgill who, with a team of other women, sewed a giant American flag to be displayed during the War of 1812. Upon the war’s conclusion, the flag was still standing, and upon seeing it, Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen the poem that became America’s national anthem. This is a really neat book with many fascinating facts that children are sure to enjoy.

Our 50 States

This book is a family favorite of ours. It is told from the perspective of a family that is on a road trip across America. There is a page full of fun facts about each state and letters that the children send home to their grandparents as they travel. My girls love the illustrations by Robin Priess Glasser who did the illustrations for Fancy Nancy.

Paul Revere’s Ride

This picture book includes pictures with the words of the eponymous poem written in 1860. It is an interesting read that may give children a broad idea of what was happening historically but it is important to note that the poem itself has been criticized for its inaccuracies. I still find the poem/book to be a helpful tool and believe parents and teachers could use it as a springboard for conversations with the full facts about Paul Revere’s ride.