As America celebrates 250 years of independence it’s important that we look back so that we can look forward well. The best way to do that is spending time in good books. On the podcast, this year’s theme has been “firming up our foundation.” One of the foundational concepts to those of us who are American is understanding of the founding of our nation and sacrifice of past generations.
These are some of my favorite resources and read alouds to pair with your Independence Day celebrations! Also, if you are feeling the tension of disunity and dissatisfaction with policy and politics, don’t let that dampen your spirit. Listen to this short episode on why you should celebrate big this year!
5000 Year Leap
If you buy one book this summer, let it be this one. In the past, I have harped on this book on the podcast and I probably won’t stop. 5000 Year Leap is a two part book covering the structure of our government and 28 principles of liberty. This book is written in plain and simple language making it great for adults to gain a better understanding of our founding and what it takes to remain free or even as a supplement to your homeschool studies.
A few years ago this book was recommended to me by a good friend from high school whose grandfather had recommended it to him. I tell you this, because most of the best books we get in our hands come by way of interpersonal recommendation, like this list, not just a topic search on the internet. Click here to purchase or here there are just a few copies of an older version for only $4.31
Once upon a Time: The way America was.
This book was such a good look back at “once upon a time” and what it means to say we have an “American heritage.” It covers simple things like frugality and work ethic that are often overlooked as part of America’s earliest days have sadly been lost on many Americans over time. We used it as a supplement to American History this year.
After reading the book, I found myself wanting to interview the author on my podcast. Sadly, he is no longer living so the thoughts laid out in this book will suffice. Click here to purchase
Declaration of Independence and Constitution
This list would not be complete without the primary source documents. If you don’t already have a copy, you need one. Click here to purchase
Guns for General Washington
We are just wrapping up reading this book as a family. It’s factual history that reads like an adventure novel. There are a handful of events of the American Revolution with which we are all familiar, this is one of the lesser known but important stories from the time. In 1775 when the Americans were short on ammunition, Colonel Henry Knox had an idea. They set out on a dangerous journey to fort Ticonderoga in hopes of recovering and brining cannons back to Boston. Books like this one bring history and the sacrifices made to life. Click here to purchase
Mr. Revere and I, Ben and Me
Mr. Revere and I is the story of Paul Revere told by his horse and Ben and Me, an account of Ben Franklin by a mouse. My 12 year old read these and said they were great. They are suitable for an even younger audience but my pre-teen loved them and I think a few years older would find them still worthwhile as well. Purchase Mr. Revere and I here or Ben and Me here
Mountain Born & A Place for Peter / Journeyman & Hue and Cry
These books, by Elizabeth Yates will find their way onto almost every book list I make. Just take my word for it and get a copy! Mountain Born and A Place for Peter are about simple times and the life of a young boy, they are beautifully written and help kids understand the work that went into just having food and clothing before modern conveniences were available. It’s also a glimpse into the responsibility even children carried.
Journeyman and the sequel Hue and Cry read a bit older and are just some of my favorites. The research that went into making these books historically accurate is evident. Fiction that opens a window to the truth of the past is so helpful in giving us a realistic understanding. Purchase Mountain Born here, A Place for Peter here, Journeyman here, and Hue and Cry here
Heroes of 1776
This one just arrived a few days before Independence Day. My three year old and I have been reading bedtime stories as he falls asleep at night… and I’m not really sure how to describe the type of book I look for but it’s specific: great art, good story, and longer text on the pages so when his eyes get heavy they have time to fully shut before I’m turning the page. This fit the bill. It’s a well rounded look at what it took to achieve American independence and the pictures are beautiful. Purchase Heroes of 1776 here.
Old books… thrifted books
Guys, lastly, go thrifting! Pick up old history text books and old examinations of the constitution. I found one called “Our More Perfect Union” a while back and while I’ve only read the preface and thumbed through it. Right off the bat it’s highly thought provoking. I’m not certain I will find I agree with everything that is written in this book and will warn, you need to have a foundation set for yourself when you just go picking up books with no knowledge of the author’s worldview. That said, if you in fact do have a firm foundation, old books have such rich language and are often much more reflective than any new on you will find. Searching the author and reading a bit about their background usually helps to also have a view of what their foundational beliefs are going into a reading.
Take a look at my 2025 summer reading list! It’s a timeless list for your teens, tweens and littles. Last summer we got through all but one!
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