Now, more than ever, I appreciate diverse books that depict an inclusive view of America, especially on this most American holiday, the 4th of July. I especially loved learning about Janet Wong’s inspiration behind her book, Apple Pie 4th of July.
Happy 4th of July! What are your favorite children’s books to celebrate this holiday? Thanks for sharing!
6 Favorite Diverse Picture Books for 4th of July
Apple Pie 4th of July by Janet Wong
Because her parents cook Chinese food to sell at their store on the 4th of July, their 2nd-grade daughter thinks that her parents “don’t get it.” No one wants Chinese food on the 4th of July! This story depicts the struggle that second-generation children feel in trying to assimilate while their parents want them to value their culture. It turns out, there are all kinds of ways to celebrate America’s birthday!
This story is inspired by a mini-market that Janet Wong’s parent owned. [picture book, ages 2 and up]
Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
With spare prose, Kadir Nelson shows the connection between the diversity of America’s people, history, landscape, and patriotic symbols. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Red, White, and Boom! by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated by Huy Voun Lee
There are so many different ways to celebrate the 4th of July! From picnics to fireworks to parades, people all over America celebrate. I love how this picture book depicts the diversity of America’s people with lovely cut-paper illustrations! [picture book, ages 4 and up]
The American Wei by Marion Hess Pomeranc
It’s a big day for Wei Fong. Today, he and his family will become United States citizens! The day is especially lucky because he has his very first loose tooth and he’s hoping the Tooth Fairy will come tonight. Calamity strikes when Wei loses his tooth in front of the Federal Courthouse where they are to be sworn in. Luckily people of all races and nationalities pitch in to help Wei find his tooth, and they make just in time for their ceremony. It’s the best day ever! [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard, illustrated by Jason Chin
I found this book through Good Reads With Ronna:
“The debut picture book by author and poet Stephanie Parsley Ledyard, whose words are expressively coupled with artwork by Jason Chin, Pie Is for Sharing (Roaring Brook Press) is the first book about the joys of sharing. With a similar cadence to that wonderful picture book, Stars by Marla Frazee, this book celebrates a rich, diverse community in the everyday delights of climbing a tree, sitting on a warm beach towel, and, of course, sharing every morsel of a pie. Chin expertly intersperses bits of red, white, and blue in each page to magically and triumphantly end in a glorious cascade of fireworks!” [picture book, ages 2 and up]
Red, White, and Blue and Katie Woo! by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Tammie Lyon
Katie Woo celebrates the 4th of July with a party. It turns into a red, white, and blue day as Katie and her friends celebrate the nation’s birthday. [early chapter book, ages 6 and up]
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We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
There’s a new one, just published in May – Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Ledyard, illustrated by Jason Chin!
Yes! I second Pie is for Sharing to be added to this list!
Thanks for that second Traci! Definitely one for my TBR pile now!
Thanks for the heads up and for adding this book via the comments Olivia! I’ll be on the lookout for Pie is for Sharing!!
Loved Blue Sky White Stars, Mia. Will have to check out these others–thanks for the recs!
There’s also a new book out that Jason Chin illustrated called Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Ledyard but I haven’t yet read it.