Independence Day

Children's Literature - Debby Willett

This book starts with a table of contents that includes fifteen different subjects ranging from a definition of "Independence Day" to the Declaration of Independence to the American flag, parades, and fireworks. Each subject is covered on two pages, with words in bold (that are found in the Glossary) and a "Did You Know?" on each subject to direct the reader's attention. A child will learn about America being ruled by Great Britain, in language easy to read and comprehend. In the section "Early Celebrations," readers will learn that the first Independence Day was held in Boston, MA in 1783. The bolded glossary words will direct them to the resource page in the back. Readers are encouraged to take trips with their families, especially to Mount Rushmore in S. Dakota to view the faces of the four Presidents carved into the mountain. The National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. is not only free to tour, but also holds the Declaration of Independence. One of the things I learned in reading for this review is that there is a National Independence Day Parade held in Washington D.C., which just goes to show how universal the knowledge contained within this book is. I highly recommend it for grades K to 2, but whoever reads it will learn something that was probably previously forgotten. This is an educational book worth keeping at home, for home school, in public schools, and public libraries. My only problem with this book is the back cover indicates it as a Guided Reading: M, yet the title does not appear on the publisher's web site for Guided Reading. Reviewer: Debby Willett