On Saturday, July 4th, 2026 the United States of America will be celebrating it’s 250th Birthday. As our country celebrates this monumental Birthday it’s important to look back at the history of our country and how far our nation has come over the course of 250 years. The 250th Birthday is also known as the semiquincentennial which is just the fancy way of saying the number. It stems from the Latin root where semi means half, quinque means five, and centennial means 100th anniversary. Altogether it means half of 500 years.
There are many books that have been released this year to mark this milestone. I have hand selected my top ten books that I recommend if you are looking to dive a little deeper and get excited for the 250th. There is something for everybody eager to celebrate America’s 250th. Half of the titles are children’s picture books, and the other half are juvenile non-fiction books that are perfect for all ages whether little one’s want to look at pictures, young adults want to skim through their favorite sections, or adults want to carefully read the book in its entirety. Westlake Porter Public Library’s catalog has books perfect for the 4th of July and also America’s 250th.
The 250th anniversary of the United States of America Encyclopedia by L. Bennett
This encyclopedia covers most of the major historical events that have occurred in the United States over the past 250 years. Some of the historical events include topics on the U.S. Constitution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I and II, the Great Depression, the Challenger disaster, and the September 11th attacks to name a few. Popular culture references are also included which cover Saturday Night Live, MTV, and Taylor Swift.
Happy Birthday America by Rebecca Baines
This book is the perfect book for children excited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday. It covers historical events in a fun way as illustrations are engaging and text is very informative, but not too overwhelming. It is filled with fun facts, mini quizzes, and fun DIY projects that make it very hands on and fun for all involved.
America As It Happened : A Moment-By-Moment Journey Through Time, From Prehistory to the Present Day by Washington Post Company
Every page looks like a newspaper article as readers are taken back in time to our nation’s very beginnings dating back as early as the 1600s before the United States of America was even formed. The recent articles highlight many important events that have happened in the 2000s. As I was flipping through the pages, I was surprised to see that Cedar Point’s Millennium Force roller coaster has a small article included (page 152).
America Celebrates: The Most Incredible and Influential People, Places & Events of the Last 250 Years by Aubre Andrus
This delightful, patriotic read includes 250 incredible events that have happened over the course of two and a half centuries. The events stem from American history, pop culture, inventions, sports, iconic places in the U.S., and iconic trailblazers that have paved the way for us today. What I love most about this book is that each of the 250 events listed is no more than a couple of paragraphs which allows the readers to skip around easily if they choose.
Red, White, Blue, and Uncle Who? : The Stories Behind Some of America’s Patriotic Symbols by Teresa Bateman
This book is a wonderful book to pick up if you want to learn more about our nation’s patriotic symbols in depth. Some of the symbols it covers include the eagle, The Liberty Bell, Uncle Sam, The Pledge of Allegiance, The Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore. Iconic places in Washington D.C. are covered which include The White House, The Lincoln Memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and The Thomas Jefferson Memorial to name a few. State symbols are included at the end of the book.
Love From America by Sarah Jospitre
This quick read is one little one’s are sure to love. It is filled with beautifully illustrated pictures depicting iconic American places from The Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, the American side of Niagara Falls, Hollywood, and One World Trade Center in New York City to name a few.
America’s Founding Myths …And What Really Happened! by Christy Mihaly
This fascinating book contains remarkable true stories that happened in American history. What makes this book unique is every page has a pop-out that contains “The Myth”. As soon as the reader pops “The Myth” out of the book, the reader is able to uncover where the myth originated from on the back of it. It also contains a pop out “True or False?” flap that make this a delightful hands on book for readers of all ages, including gorgeous illustrations.
Sing the 50 United States by Dr. Seuss
What better way is their to learn all fifty states than singing the fifty states of the U.S.A.? This is an excellent book for little one’s trying to expand their vocabulary and knowledge of the fifty states through the rhyming of song. The illustrations help in learning the geography by providing where all fifty states are located on the map. This book was an unfinished project by the late Dr. Seuss that was recently discovered last year.
The 50 States In 50 Words by Heather Alexander
Every state is known for something. This colorfully illustrated book outlines and dedicates one page to each state. From Georgia’s peaches, Idaho’s potatoes, Maryland’s crabs, New Jersey’s pizzas, and New York’s skyscrapers, there are fun interesting facts about all fifty states. In between learning about all the fifty states, readers will also learn about the state mammals, state birds, state flowers, and state symbols.
The Flag We Love by Pam Munoz Ryan
This beautifully illustrated book highlights the history and importance of the American flag. Each page takes us through a journey of the American flag. On the bottom of each page readers are given a more in depth look at our nation’s flag as each text box includes a fun fact about what makes our flag so special.
