From cheerful picture books to a thought-provoking YA novel, these titles about July 4th offer stories for children, tweens, and teens.

Picture Books

 Fireworks by Matthew Burgess. illus. by Cátia Chien. HarperCollins/Clarion. ISBN 9780063216723. 
PreS-Gr 1–Imaginative and radiant, this title takes readers on a journey through a special hot summer day in the city, where the highlight is watching fireworks from the rooftop. There are several delightful stops afterward, including a walk to the bodega and through the park while gobbling up watermelon. VERDICT This joyful title will capture young readers and win the hearts of all ages. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.

[Read: Betsy Bird's review of Fireworks.]

On the Fourth of July: A Sparkly Picture Book About Independence Day by Maggie C Rudd. illus. by Elisa Chavarri. Farrar. ISBN 9780374390143.
Gr 1-2–This colorful, multicultural Fourth of July story will be a welcome read-aloud for the holiday. In short rhyming stanzas that mostly scan well, Rudd describes the course of the evening as a large cast of characters experience the Fourth of July fireworks. VERDICT Most libraries will find this appealing, accessible book a welcome addition to holiday shelves.

Middle Grade

Miss Liberty by Erin Moonyeen Haley. Storytide/HarperCollins. ISBN 9780063360013.
Gr 3-6–With a Fourth of July tradition threatened, a meaningful cause is found. The town of Liberté has a long-standing tradition of crowning a local girl as Miss Liberty, who serves as a flashy, sparkling focal point for local celebrations. However, with waning interest in the holiday and fading community engagement, the tradition may be entering its final year. VERDICT An intense, interior drama for community and historically minded middle grade readers.

[Read: 4 Titles to Learn More About the 4th]

YA

 Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316564595. 
Gr 10 Up–When an explosion rocks a Fourth of July celebration, six Muslim teens are accused of terrorism. All the teens, from various Los Angeles high schools, were attending the annual bonfire sponsored by the Muslim Student Association. Arrested and incarcerated, they experience harsh and unfair treatment because of their homelands and religion. VERDICT Highly recommended for high school students, this would make a great group reading discussion book.