Books to Share with your Students on Columbus Day, Independence Day, 9/11, Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Our country doesn't have the kindest past. Celebrating America can be hard because of the way our founders treated those who were different from themselves and the ways we've continued to allow racism and fear to dominate our story.We need to teach our students about this past so they know the truth, but we also need to celebrate the present beautiful diversity of a country filled with different cultures and traditions.
If you're like me, you sometimes wait until the last minute to find a holiday themed read aloud to share with your students, and then realize you don't have time to locate or order that perfect book. I've been there.
To solve this problem for our future selves, I've put together a list of my favorite books to read aloud on all of the American themed holidays - Independence Day, Columbus Day, 9/11, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Check out the list below and pin it for future reference.
Columbus Day
Our students need to know the true story of how America was discovered by the
Europeans and how those explorers treated the native people who lived here
first. I love sharing this book on Columbus Day with my students so they
understand the truth about our country's founders.
This is a story of how a young Taino boy tried to warn his people against welcoming the European strangers onto their land. This encounter led to the destruction of the Taino people and their culture by the colonizers.
Independence Day or During the Study of American History
I enjoy sharing this important book with my students because it doesn't just
focus on one perspective of being American. It enforces the idea that
everyone in America deserves to be treated equally and with fairness and
kindness.
This book celebrates that Americans have the freedom to choose "who they love, what they believe, what they do and where they live."
This book celebrates that Americans have the freedom to choose "who they love, what they believe, what they do and where they live."
Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
A must in every classroom, this book is simply beautiful. My students love the gorgeous illustrations and it brings tears to our eyes every time I share it.
Blue Sky White Stars is an inspiring and patriotic tribute to the beauty of the American flag, a symbol of America’s history, landscape, and people.
I'm a super-fan of anything written by Kwame Alexander, and so are my students. This story educates about the history of black life in America.
It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of our country's greatest heroes.
50 Fearless Women Who Made American History by Jenifer Bazzit
Short engaging biographies are a great way to teach about America's past. Women have always been at the forefront of American history.
This look into American history for kids is bursting with engaging
biographies that explore the lives of these inspiring women from
different backgrounds and a wide array of fields.
Kadir Nelson is becoming a favorite author/illustrator of mine. This is
the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun
picking cotton for their masters; it's about the America ripped in two
by Jim Crow laws; it's about the brothers and sisters of all colors who
rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an
education.
This is a beautifully illustrated history of America's story of
discrimination and broken promises, determination, and triumphs.
To Remember September 11th
I'm always searching for books about 9/11 to educate my students
about what happened but also to teach them about the heroism of America
on that terrible day. This one does both.
It's an engaging but heartbreaking story of a hero who saved many lives but didn't survive himself. It really makes you think about how terrible the attacks were and how many lives were lost.
It's an engaging but heartbreaking story of a hero who saved many lives but didn't survive himself. It really makes you think about how terrible the attacks were and how many lives were lost.
Memorial and Veterans Day
This biography tells the story of Moina Belle Michael who
established the Poppy as a universal symbol of tribute and support
for veterans and their families during World War I and
II.
Known as the Poppy Lady, Michael dedicated her life to servicemen
and women, buying and placing fresh flowers in rooms where they
would gather before heading overseas.
I love sharing this book near Veteran's or Memorial Day with my students. It offers an insightful look into what
veterans and their families go through. The story tells of the
beautiful white table tradition that honors all those who serve our
country.
Another one by a favorite author of mine. This stunning, rhyming
story by Messner is a beautiful tribute to America's veterans.
This is a story of the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom in Washington
DC that pays tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed
Forces. It honors the bravery and sacrifice of our American
heroes - the ones who have returned home, and the ones who
haven't.
Thanks for reading about my favorite American stories to share with my students.
What are your favorites that I can add to my list? Let me know
in the comments below!
*This post contains affiliate links that earn me a small profit which I use to buy books for my students. Thank you for your support.
September Roses by Jeannette Winters is a wonderful story about 9/11. It shows how some good can come from something so tragic. The book was in limited print and can be hard to find.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your recommendation, I will definitely check that one out!
ReplyDeleteMany of these books I have never heard of, so thank you for the recommendations! I enjoyed how you informed us of when and how you used the books in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the post and I hope you find these books helpful for your own students.
DeleteAre you looking for books to read to your pupils on holidays such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day, 9/11, Independence Day, and Columbus Day? Think about these suggestions: Explore Jane Yolen's Encounter, which provides a distinctive viewpoint on Columbus's arrival, in honor of Columbus Day. Enjoy John, Paul, George & Ben a comical take on the founding fathers, on Independence Day, courtesy of Lane Smith. Read Fireboat The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maria Kalman to commemorate 9/11 and learn about bravery and camaraderie. 'The Wall' by Eve Bunting, a moving examination of memory at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is appropriate for Memorial Day. 'America's White Table,' a moving remembrance to lost warriors by Margot Theism Raven, is the last piece to honor Veterans Day. These novels offer insightful chances for introspection and are perfect for incorporating into your curriculum, especially for those seeking resources to enhance their do my course for me studies.
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