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by María Felicia Kelley (Author), Pratima Sarkar (Illustrator)
July Four: 7/4 is a joyful story about the traditions of Independence Day shared through the eyes of a boy named Constantine. It is the fourth title of the Celebrate the HoliDates(R) children's book series. This information-packed, lyrical read sparks wonder and reinforces the fun inherent in the holiday during the first full month of summer. Readers and listeners will engage with playful text and vibrant pictures. An attention-grabbing, word-search question sets the book in motion. It's a quest to find the message within the story. As the fictional story ends, the sought-after message rewards the word-seeking reader with the answer and a dazzling holiday wish!
July Four also includes a non-fictional carve-out, titled Welcome to History Class! It's a section of the book that aligns with early U.S. history and social studies instruction--especially useful as the nation celebrates the United States' Semiquincentennial. The History Class explores the efforts of America's Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago. Suitable for elementary-aged children, it's a narrative section of the book that tracks a variety of events that led to America's first Independence Day. July Four celebrates the traditions that the first and subsequent, annual holidays inspired. They're the lively traditions Americans continue to observe today--like watching fireworks light up the night sky!
The USA Facts and Features is the glossary section of July Four. It gives young learners and casual readers important context to frame their introduction of new concepts. The book's glossary catalogs and defines elements of America's journey toward independence. July Four inspires civic pride, reinforces cultural purpose, and encourages a patriotic embrace of our cherished democracy.
With lots of descriptions and colorful pictures, July Four lights up imaginations. Children will connect with familiar summertime themes. A recipe from the Celebrate the HoliDates(R) Kitchen for a special July Pie is a fun feature of the book. Making the pie sets up a unique activity that families, camps, and classrooms can share to celebrate the joy of summer, any day of the year.
July Four is a book that resonates with readers beyond a single calendar day. It brings two and a half centuries of American history alive for kids and even serves as an American history refresher for adults!
