Part of my daughter's and my July 4th celebrations every year is to watch the video "1776," not because it is the most accurate portrayal of American history, but because it at least commemorates WHY we celebrate Independence Day. My daughter enjoyed the book "A Fourth of July on the Plains" on several levels. First, the characters clearly remembered why we celebrate the 4th as they sewed a flag and gave speeches. The simplicty of the celebration also showed how people can have a great time with just the basics of good food, good fellowship, and an impromptu parade. Finally, the tale of pioneers heading west in a wagon train -- a piece of history in itself -- celebrating an even earlier era in America's past evoked a sense of continuity. It helped me show my daughter how for over 200 hundred years, generations of Americans have paid tribute to the country's founding.

This story is about a young boy who grows up on a farm. He wakes up everyday to pretty much the same thing. To start his day he gets his dog, and heads down to his fishing spot. The day is unusualy hot, and everything is hiding from the sun, including the fish. He sees a storm in the far off distence and heads home. When he gets there he helps get all the animals in the barn so they don't get muddy. It is a decent story that tells about country life.