Independence Day

The Fourth of July is fast approaching and we all know what that means: fireworks, parades and barbeques are on the horizon.  Did you know that John Adams originally thought that the 2^nd of July would be the day which later generations would celebrate as Independence Day because that was the day the Continental Congress voted to declare independence?  Check out his letter to his wife Abigail.  If you are looking to find out more fun facts like this about the Fourth of July and the history surrounding it check out these books:

American scripture : making the Declaration of Independence by Pauline Maier

Inventing America : Jefferson's Declaration of independence by Garry  Wills

Honorable treason : the Declaration of Independence and the men who signed it  by David Freeman Hawke

The story of the Declaration of independence by Dumas Malone

The birth of the United States, 1763-1816  by Isaac Asimov

Frederick Douglass and the Fourth of July by James A. Colaiaco

The complete idiot's guide to the Founding Fathers and the birth of our nation by Ray Raphael

Looking for more of a visual experience?  Check out this DVD:

1776

Perhaps you are looking for something that has more of a story to it.  Check out these fiction titles:
Liberty : a Lake Wobegon novel by Garrison Keillor
4th of July : a novel by James Patterson

Star spangled murder : a Lucy Stone mystery by Leslie Meier

Looking for ideas for your backyard barbecue?  Check out these great grilling books:
The big book of outdoor cooking and entertaining : spirited recipes and expert tips for barbecuing, charcoal and gas grilling, rotisserie roasting, smoking, deep-frying, and making merry by Cheryl Alters Jamison
Grill! : quick and delicious recipes for indoor and outdoor grilling by Pippa Cuthbert
Bobby Flay's grill it!  by Bobby Flay

Need some more direction?  Check out this DVD: Boy meets grill. Blazin' barbeque

Sharing the Fourth of July experience with your kids?  These titles will give them a great overview about the holiday and how it is celebrated:
Celebrate Independence Day by Deborah Heiligman
My first Fourth of July book by Harriet W. Hodgson
Fireworks, picnics, and flags by James Giblin

Want to give your kids a more hands on experience for the Fourth?  Check out this craft book:
Star-spangled crafts by Kathy (Katharine Reynolds) Ross

These fun titles will be sure to entertain your kids while sticking with the Fourth of July theme:
Henrietta's Fourth of July by Syd Hoff
Hurray for the Fourth of July by Wendy Watson
Hats off for the Fourth of July! by Harriet Ziefert
Fourth of July mice! by Bethany Roberts

For more information about the Fourth of July including fun facts and safety tips check out USA.gov.

* Picture courtesy of Google images