Summer
Want a handy place to plan and track your family read-alouds and traditions?
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June
Picture Books to Read Aloud: Stories About Summer, Flag Day, Juneteenth, and Fathers
- The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing
- Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
- Out of the Woods a True Story of An Unforgettable Event by Rebecca Bond
- The Honeybee Man by Lela Nargi
- A Perfect Day by Lane Smith
- Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran
- Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
- When You Can Swim by Jack Wong
- The Raft by Jim LaMarche
- Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd
- Pond by Jim LaMarche
- Everything You Need for a Treehouse by Carter Higgins
- Red, White, and Blue: The Story of the American Flag by John Herman
- I'm Your Flag So Please Treat Me Right by Julia Cook
- Betsy Ross and the American Flag by Kay Melchisedech Olson
- Our Flag (A Little Golden Book) by Carl Memling
- Juneteenth for Maizie by Floyd Cooper
- All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson
- Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan
- Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Dadaji's Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
- Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans
- Just Me and Dad by Mercer Mayer
- Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too by Anna Dewdney
- Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko
- The Bagel King by Andrew Larson
- Things to Do With Dad by Sam Zuppardi
- Why a Daughter Needs a Dad by Gregory Lang
- Why a Son Needs a Dad by Gregory Lang
- I Love My Daddy by Sebastian Braun
- Night Driving by John McCoy
- The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley
Chapter Books to Read Aloud: Stories About Summer, Flag Day, Juneteenth, and Fathers
- The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
- A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
- Misty by Marguerine Henry
- Come Juneteenth by Ann Rinaldi
- The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure by Steven Ostinoski
- The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma
- Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright
- Return to Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright
- Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright
- Betsy Ross's Star (Blast to the Past Book 8) by Stacia Deutsch
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming
- Little Britches by Ralph Moody
- Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
- Encyclopedia Brown books by Donald Sobol
- Sarah, Plain and Tall books by Patricia MacLachlan
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, for ages 14+
- The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser
Activities About Summer, Flag Day, Juneteenth, and Father's Day
- Go on hikes, long walks, and have picnics, enjoying summer weather
- Explore all the city parks in your area with friends and picnics
- Go on a family road trip/vacation
- Go camping
- Sleep under the stars
- Learn the names of constellations and go stargazing
- If you can't afford the time or money for a vacation, have a staycation. Enjoy relaxing activities at home or close to home, do minimal chores, and sleep in your own beds.
- Visit the National Parks in your area that your time and budget allow
- Make or buy a hammock and set up in your yard
- Enjoy summer mealtime with these: "Summertime Conversation Starters"
- Decorate your home for Flag Day and Independence Day with red, white and blue streamers, stars, and flags
- Make cards and gifts for Dad for Father's Day
- Serve Dad breakfast in bed on Father's Day
- Host a Father's Day picnic or BBQ Dinner to honor the fathers in your life
- Take a photo of Dad with all the children and one individually with each child
- Tell stories of fathers from your family history or famous fathers who have done great deeds
- Watch the movie Dangal
- Watch the movie Finding Nemo
- Watch the movie I Can Only Imagine
- Watch the documentary Mulli
- Host a picnic or barbecue in your backyard and invite neighbors over
- Host a neighborhood block party in your front yard. Have potluck food.
- Host a summer solstice party on the day of summer solistic, on or around June 21. Invite people to come over after dinner and bring a treat to share. Stay up until after the sun sets playing outdoor games.
Food for Father's Day from PWCYH (Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays)
- Toasted Ravioli p. 180
- Three Meat Lasagna p. 184
- Caesar Salad p. 187
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake p. 191
Books for Parents to Read About Summer, Juneteenth, and Fathers
- The Summer Book by Susan Branch (a cookbook that is fun to read)
- Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America by W. Caleb McDaniel
- Festivals of Freedom: Memory and Meaning in African American Emancipation Celebrations, 1808-1915 by Mitch Kachun
- Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery by Deborah Willis and Barbara Krauthamer
- In My Father's House: The Years Before the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
- The June chapter of the Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
July
Get the Christian Read-Aloud Family Calendar! Click button below to buy.
Picture Books to Read Aloud: Stories About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, Patriotism, the United States of America, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- A is for America by Greg Paprocki
- The Story of America's Birthday by Patricia Pingry
- The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing
- Yankee Doodle America: The Spirit of 1776 from A to Z by Wendell Minor
- The Declaration of America The Words that Made America Illustrated and Inscribed by Sam Fink
- Liberty or Death The American Revolution 1763-1783 by Betsy Maestro
- Blue Sky, White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
- Her Name Was Mary Katherine The Only Woman Whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence by Ella Schartz
- Revolutionary Prudence Wright Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence by Beth Anderson
- Our Flag Was Still There by Jessie Hartlan
- Haym Salomon: American Patriot by Susan Goldman Rubin
- The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
- Sleds on Boston Common by Louise Borden
- The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman and illustrated by Peter Malone
- In 1776 by Jean Marzollo
- Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word by Sarah Jane Marsh
- Abigail Adams by Alexandra Wallner
- Leave it to Abigail! by Barb Rosenstock
- George Washington's Breakfast by Jean Fritz
- George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora
- Revolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict Arnold by Selene Castrovilla
- Revolutionary Friends General George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette by Selene Castrovilla
- By the Sword by Selene Castrovilla
- Upon Secrecy by Selene Castrovilla
- Let it Begin Here! by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- By the Dawn's Early Light by Dennis Kroll
- Purple Mountain Majesties by Barbara Young
- The Scarlet Stocking Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble
- You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Colonist by Jacqueline Morley
- Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? by Jean Fritz
- Can't You Make Them Behave King George? by Jean Fritz
- Will You Sign Here John Hancock? by Jean Fritz
- Why Don't You Get a Horse Sam Adams? by Jean Fritz
- What's the Big Idea Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz
- And then What Happened Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz
- Henry Knox Bookseller, Soldier, and Patriot by Anita Silvey
- Henry and the Cannons by Don Brown
- Those Rebels, Tom and John by Barbara Kerley
- Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud by Suzanne Tripp
- Duel! Burr and Hamilton's Deadly War of Words by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- George and George by Rosalyn Schanzer
- Saving the Liberty Bell by Megan McDonald
- The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George
- The Hatmaker's Sign a Story by Ben Franklin retold by Candace Fleming
- The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Longfellow, illustrated by Christopher Bing
- Voice of Her Own the Story of Phyllis Wheatley, Slave Poet by Kathryn Lasky
- Anna Strong A Spy During the American Revolution by Sarah Glenn Marsh
- Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring by Enigma Alberti and Laura Terry
- Independent Dames by Lauri Halse Anderson
- Betsy Ross and the American Flag by Kay Olson
- Betsy Ross and the Silver Thimble by Stephanie Greene and Diana Magnuson
- From a Small Seed the Story of Eliza Hamilton
- Eliza Hamilton Founding Mother by Monica Kulling
- The Star Spangled Banner by Peter Spier
- George Washington by Cheryl Harness
- The Revolutionary John Adams by Cheryl Harness
- Thomas Jefferson by Cheryl Harness
- The Remarkable Benjamin Franklin by Cheryl Harness
- Flags Over America by Cheryl Harness
- Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta
- When Washington Crossed the Delaware by Lynne Cheney
- Purple Mountain Majesties by Barbara Young
- Gingerbread for Liberty: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff
- John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith
- How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. by Marjorie Priceman
- The Diane Goode Book of American Folk Tales & Songs
- Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America by Lynne Cheney and Robin Priess Glasser
- Everybody’s Revolution by Thomas Freeman
- What's the Big Deal About Americans by Ruby Shamir
Chapter Books to Read Aloud: Stories About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, the United States of America, Patriotism, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- Black Heroes of the American Revolution by Burke Davis
- One Dead Spy a Hazardous Tale by Nathan Hale
- Lafayette! a Hazardous Tale by Nathan Hale
- American History Stories by Mara Pratt, digital copy is found here.
- Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Phoebe the Spy by Judith Berry Griffin
- Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang, for ages 12+
- Our Independence and the Constitution by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
- Toliver's Secret by Esther Wood Brady
- Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution by Gretchen Woelfle and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
- George Washington, Spy Master: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War by Thomas B. Allen
- Mr. Revere and I: Being an Account of Certain Episodes in the Career of Paul Revere, Esq., as Revealed by His Horse by Robert Lawson
- Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Ben Franklin by his Good Mouse Amos by Robert Lawson
- The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
- Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
- Betsy Ross by Connie and Peter Roop
- Paul Revere and the Minute Men by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
- The Boy Who Carried the Flag by Jana Carson and Johanna Westerman
- The Signers:The Fifty-six stories behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- The Founders: The 39 Stories Behind the U.S. Constitution by Dennis Brindell Fradin
Activities About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, the United States of America, Patriotism, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- Cut 5 pointed Betsy Ross stars to decorate the table for Independence Day meals
- Decorate your home with these Independence Day banners "Independence Day Pennant Banners"
- Host or attend a patriotic sunrise service, involving the posting of the flag, patriotic speeches, reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a potluck breakfast
- Invite a person who impersonates a Founding Father or Mother to come to your gathering to give a speech and answer questions about that person
- Host, attend, or participate in a parade
- Gather around the piano or karaoke machine and sing patriotic songs
- Host or attend a picnic or BBQ. Encourage guests to wear red, white, and blue. Tell stories about patriots and encourage speeches about what liberty means.
- Serve a red, white, and blue dessert such as watermelon chunks topped with whipped cream and blueberries. Put sparklers in it for candles and sing "Happy Birthday" to America.
- Put one of these conversation starters under each person's plate at your Independence Day cookout. Go around the table and have each person answer the question on the paper: "Freedom Loving Conversation Starters"
- Watch episode 2 of the HBO John Adams miniseries, which depicts the signing of the Declaration of Independence
- Attend a demonstration, festival, or living history place that depicts American colonial living
- Host Dennis Prager's Independence Day seder ceremony to accompany your cookout or picnic, found here: "Prager U 4th of July Declaration Ceremony"
- Watch National Treasure movie
- Listen to music by John Phillips Sousa
- Host or attend a fireworks show
Food for Independence Day meals and other summer picnics from PWCYH (Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays)
- Lemonade p. 198
- Big Bad Burger Bar p. 202
- Grilled Corn with Spicy Butter p. 206
- Baked Beans p. 208
- Perfect Potato Salad p. 210
- My Favorite Pasta Salad p. 212
- Key Lime Pie p. 214
- Strawberry Ice Cream p. 216
- Peach Cobbler p. 218
Books for Parents to Read About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, 1776 the United States of America, Patriotism, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- Signing Their Lives Away The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed The Declaration of Independence by Denise Keirnan and Joseph D'Agnese
- A Reasoned Patriotism: Critical Thinking and Civic Duty in an Age of Polarization by Dawn Duran
- 1776 by David McCullough
- Common Sense by Thomas Paine
- John Adams by David McCullough
- Poems of Phillis Wheatley
- Abigail Adams a Biography by Phyllis Lee Levin
- Women in the American Revolution by Jeanne Munn Bracken
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
- America's Godly Heritage by David Barton
- Live Not By Lies by Rod Dreher
- The Naked Truth by James C. Bowers
- Benjamin Rush: Signer of the Declaration of Independence by David Barton
- Celebrate Liberty! Famous Patriotic Speeches & Sermons compiled by David Barton
- The Spirit of the American Revolution by David Barton
- The American Story the Beginning by David Barton
- The Bulletproof George Washington by David Barton
- The Jefferson Lies by David Barton
- The Jefferson Bible by Thomas Jefferson
- The Real Thomas Jefferson by Andrew Allison
- The Real George Washington by Jay A. Parry and Andrew Allison
- The Real Benjamin Franklin by Andrew Allison
- The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steven Sheinkin
- Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis
- Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts
- Founding Friendships by Cassandra A. Good
- The American Revolution: a Constitutional Conflict by Kevin R. C. Gutzman
- Thomas Jefferson - Revolutionary: A Radical's Struggle to Remake America
by Kevin R.C. Gutzman
- Wives of the Signers by Mary Walcott Green
- Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by Benson John Lossing
- The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers by Brion McClanahan
- The July chapter of The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
August
Get the Christian Read-Aloud Family Calendar! Click button below to buy.
Picture Books to Read Aloud: Stories About Families, Family Reunions, the Beach, the Ocean and Family Vacations
- The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
- Islandborn by Junot Diaz
- These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh
- My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck
- Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons
- Family Reunion by Chad and Dad Richardson
- Russell Wrestles the Relatives by Cindy Johnson
- Climb the Family Tree Jesse Bear by Nancy White Carlstrom
- Hendry and Mudge in the Family Tree by Cynthia Rylant
- Hattie Hates Hugs by Sarah Havorka
- Road Trip by Roger Eschbacher
- Are We There Yet, Daddy? by Virginia Walters
- Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins
- The Gulps by Rosemary Wells
- When Lightning Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- Drawn Together by Minh Lee
- Emma Jo's Song by Faye Gibbons
- Some Kind of Love by Traci Dant
- Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
- Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner by Angela Dalton
- Tanya's Reunion by Valerie Flournoy
- I Love My Family by Wade Hudson
- Summer Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow
- Aunt Minne McGranahan by Mary Skillings Prigger
- Aunt Minne and the Twister by Marky Skillings Prigger
- The Napping House by Audrey Wood
- The Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood
- Fatima's Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq
- One Big Family by March Harshman
- Love by Corrine Averiss
- Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler
- Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe by Vera Williams
- Hello Ocean by Pam Munoz Ryan
- Prairie Days by Patricia MacLachlan
- All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee
- Beach House by Deanna Caswell
- Magic Beach by Alison Lester
- At the Beach by Anne Rockwell
- Night of the Moonjellies by Mark Shasha
- Swimmy by Leo Lionni
- One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
- Thundercake by Patricia Polacco
- The Blessing Cup by Patricia Polacco
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey
- Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers
- There Might be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi
- Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
- A Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
- Aunt Mary's Rose by Douglas Wood
- A House Blessing by Welleran Poltarnees
- A Bridal Blessing by Welleran Poltarnees
- At Night by Jonathan Bean
- Sea Glass Summer by Michelle Houts
- Building Our House by Jonathan Bean
- Summertime in the Big Woods a My Little House Picture Book by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Hum and Swish by Matt Myers
- Island Boy by Barbara Cooney
- Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
- Up in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark
- The Journey by Sarah Stewart
Chapter Books to Read Aloud: Stories About Families, Family Reunions, the Beach, the Ocean and Family Vacations
- The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser
- Cousins by Virginia Hamilton
- Second Cousins by Virginia Hamilton
- A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
- Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg
- Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
- All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- More of a All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown by Sydney Taylor
- All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown by Sydney Taylor
- Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank Gilberth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
- Belles on their Toes by Frank Gilberth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
- Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
- On to Oregon by Honore Morrow
- Half Magic by Edward Eager
- Melendy Family series by Elizabeth Enright
- Penderwick series by Jeanne Birdsall
- Fairchild Family Story series by Rebecca Caudill
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
- Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott
- Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott
- Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott
Activities About Families, Family Reunions, the Beach, the Ocean and Family Vacations
- Host or attend a family reunion
- Host an auction at your family reunion with items cleaned out of family member's homes and donate the proceeds to charity
- Host a Crazy Olympics at your family reunion or other family event with fun instead of competitive events like a backwards race or under-the-leg Frisbee toss
- Act out skits depicting family stories at your family reunion, such as Grandma and Grandpa met
- Have a family talent show at your family reunion
- Have a cooking contest for your family reunion
- Gather your family around the piano or karaoke machine for a family singalong
- Go to the beach and build sandcastles and play watersports
- Make a scrapbook or photobook of your family's travels
- Go to a city, county, or state fair
- Explore historic sites in your vicinity as a family
- Make a family tree to hang on your wall going at least three generations back
- Before your family vacation, draw names to play good fairy for each other, doing favors or giving gifts anonymously
- Use these conversation starters to share memories about family vacations and trips: "Travel Tales Conversation Starters"
- Watch Swiss Family Robinson movie
- Watch Cheaper by the Dozen movie, 1950 version
- Watch Belles on their Toes movie, 1952, sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen
- Watch Yours, Mine, and Ours movie, 1968 version
- Watch the Mary Poppins movie
- Watch The Incredibles animated movie
- Watch Seven Alone, a movie based on the story On to Oregon
- Watch Fireproof movie
Food for Family Reunions and Gatherings from PWCYH (Pioneer Woman Cooks: a Year of Holidays)
- Buffalo Chicken Bites p. 28
- Chipotle Chicken Chili p. 31
- Grilled Corn Dip p. 34
- Eight-layer Dip p. 42
- Straight-up Pico de Gallo p. 132
- Mango Pico de Gallo p. 132
- Watermelon Pico de Gallo p. 134
- Glorious Guacamole p. 136
- Chipotle Salsa p. 138
- Beef and Chicken Fajitas p. 140
- Chimichurri Shrimp p. 146
- Fiesta Black Beans p. 148
- Zesty Lime Rice p. 150
- Cinnamon Ice Cream with Cinnamon Crisps p. 152
- Dulce de Leche Brownies p. 156
Books for Parents to Read About Families, Family Reunions, and Family Vacations
- 10 P's in a Pod by Arnold Pent III
- The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Mother by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Grandparent by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Teen by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie O'Martian
- For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macauley
- For the Family's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macauley
- What is a Family? by Edith Schaeffer
- The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
- The August chapter of the Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
- Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt
- Mothering by the Book by Jennifer Pepito
- The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
- A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
- Misty by Marguerine Henry
- Come Juneteenth by Ann Rinaldi
- The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure by Steven Ostinoski
- The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma
- Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright
- Return to Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright
- Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright
- Betsy Ross's Star (Blast to the Past Book 8) by Stacia Deutsch
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming
- Little Britches by Ralph Moody
- Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
- Encyclopedia Brown books by Donald Sobol
- Sarah, Plain and Tall books by Patricia MacLachlan
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, for ages 14+
- The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser
Activities About Summer, Flag Day, Juneteenth, and Father's Day
- Go on hikes, long walks, and have picnics, enjoying summer weather
- Explore all the city parks in your area with friends and picnics
- Go on a family road trip/vacation
- Go camping
- Sleep under the stars
- Learn the names of constellations and go stargazing
- If you can't afford the time or money for a vacation, have a staycation. Enjoy relaxing activities at home or close to home, do minimal chores, and sleep in your own beds.
- Visit the National Parks in your area that your time and budget allow
- Make or buy a hammock and set up in your yard
- Enjoy summer mealtime with these: "Summertime Conversation Starters"
- Decorate your home for Flag Day and Independence Day with red, white and blue streamers, stars, and flags
- Make cards and gifts for Dad for Father's Day
- Serve Dad breakfast in bed on Father's Day
- Host a Father's Day picnic or BBQ Dinner to honor the fathers in your life
- Take a photo of Dad with all the children and one individually with each child
- Tell stories of fathers from your family history or famous fathers who have done great deeds
- Watch the movie Dangal
- Watch the movie Finding Nemo
- Watch the movie I Can Only Imagine
- Watch the documentary Mulli
- Host a picnic or barbecue in your backyard and invite neighbors over
- Host a neighborhood block party in your front yard. Have potluck food.
- Host a summer solstice party on the day of summer solistic, on or around June 21. Invite people to come over after dinner and bring a treat to share. Stay up until after the sun sets playing outdoor games.
Food for Father's Day from PWCYH (Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays)
- Toasted Ravioli p. 180
- Three Meat Lasagna p. 184
- Caesar Salad p. 187
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake p. 191
Books for Parents to Read About Summer, Juneteenth, and Fathers
- The Summer Book by Susan Branch (a cookbook that is fun to read)
- Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America by W. Caleb McDaniel
- Festivals of Freedom: Memory and Meaning in African American Emancipation Celebrations, 1808-1915 by Mitch Kachun
- Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery by Deborah Willis and Barbara Krauthamer
- In My Father's House: The Years Before the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
- The June chapter of the Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
July
Get the Christian Read-Aloud Family Calendar! Click button below to buy.
Picture Books to Read Aloud: Stories About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, Patriotism, the United States of America, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- A is for America by Greg Paprocki
- The Story of America's Birthday by Patricia Pingry
- The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing
- Yankee Doodle America: The Spirit of 1776 from A to Z by Wendell Minor
- The Declaration of America The Words that Made America Illustrated and Inscribed by Sam Fink
- Liberty or Death The American Revolution 1763-1783 by Betsy Maestro
- Blue Sky, White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
- Her Name Was Mary Katherine The Only Woman Whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence by Ella Schartz
- Revolutionary Prudence Wright Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence by Beth Anderson
- Our Flag Was Still There by Jessie Hartlan
- Haym Salomon: American Patriot by Susan Goldman Rubin
- The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
- Sleds on Boston Common by Louise Borden
- The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman and illustrated by Peter Malone
- In 1776 by Jean Marzollo
- Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word by Sarah Jane Marsh
- Abigail Adams by Alexandra Wallner
- Leave it to Abigail! by Barb Rosenstock
- George Washington's Breakfast by Jean Fritz
- George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora
- Revolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict Arnold by Selene Castrovilla
- Revolutionary Friends General George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette by Selene Castrovilla
- By the Sword by Selene Castrovilla
- Upon Secrecy by Selene Castrovilla
- Let it Begin Here! by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- By the Dawn's Early Light by Dennis Kroll
- Purple Mountain Majesties by Barbara Young
- The Scarlet Stocking Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble
- You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Colonist by Jacqueline Morley
- Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? by Jean Fritz
- Can't You Make Them Behave King George? by Jean Fritz
- Will You Sign Here John Hancock? by Jean Fritz
- Why Don't You Get a Horse Sam Adams? by Jean Fritz
- What's the Big Idea Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz
- And then What Happened Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz
- Henry Knox Bookseller, Soldier, and Patriot by Anita Silvey
- Henry and the Cannons by Don Brown
- Those Rebels, Tom and John by Barbara Kerley
- Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud by Suzanne Tripp
- Duel! Burr and Hamilton's Deadly War of Words by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- George and George by Rosalyn Schanzer
- Saving the Liberty Bell by Megan McDonald
- The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George
- The Hatmaker's Sign a Story by Ben Franklin retold by Candace Fleming
- The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Longfellow, illustrated by Christopher Bing
- Voice of Her Own the Story of Phyllis Wheatley, Slave Poet by Kathryn Lasky
- Anna Strong A Spy During the American Revolution by Sarah Glenn Marsh
- Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring by Enigma Alberti and Laura Terry
- Independent Dames by Lauri Halse Anderson
- Betsy Ross and the American Flag by Kay Olson
- Betsy Ross and the Silver Thimble by Stephanie Greene and Diana Magnuson
- From a Small Seed the Story of Eliza Hamilton
- Eliza Hamilton Founding Mother by Monica Kulling
- The Star Spangled Banner by Peter Spier
- George Washington by Cheryl Harness
- The Revolutionary John Adams by Cheryl Harness
- Thomas Jefferson by Cheryl Harness
- The Remarkable Benjamin Franklin by Cheryl Harness
- Flags Over America by Cheryl Harness
- Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta
- When Washington Crossed the Delaware by Lynne Cheney
- Purple Mountain Majesties by Barbara Young
- Gingerbread for Liberty: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff
- John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith
- How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. by Marjorie Priceman
- The Diane Goode Book of American Folk Tales & Songs
- Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America by Lynne Cheney and Robin Priess Glasser
- Everybody’s Revolution by Thomas Freeman
- What's the Big Deal About Americans by Ruby Shamir
Chapter Books to Read Aloud: Stories About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, the United States of America, Patriotism, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- Black Heroes of the American Revolution by Burke Davis
- One Dead Spy a Hazardous Tale by Nathan Hale
- Lafayette! a Hazardous Tale by Nathan Hale
- American History Stories by Mara Pratt, digital copy is found here.
- Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Phoebe the Spy by Judith Berry Griffin
- Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang, for ages 12+
- Our Independence and the Constitution by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
- Toliver's Secret by Esther Wood Brady
- Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution by Gretchen Woelfle and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
- George Washington, Spy Master: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War by Thomas B. Allen
- Mr. Revere and I: Being an Account of Certain Episodes in the Career of Paul Revere, Esq., as Revealed by His Horse by Robert Lawson
- Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Ben Franklin by his Good Mouse Amos by Robert Lawson
- The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
- Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
- Betsy Ross by Connie and Peter Roop
- Paul Revere and the Minute Men by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
- The Boy Who Carried the Flag by Jana Carson and Johanna Westerman
- The Signers:The Fifty-six stories behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- The Founders: The 39 Stories Behind the U.S. Constitution by Dennis Brindell Fradin
Activities About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, the United States of America, Patriotism, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- Cut 5 pointed Betsy Ross stars to decorate the table for Independence Day meals
- Decorate your home with these Independence Day banners "Independence Day Pennant Banners"
- Host or attend a patriotic sunrise service, involving the posting of the flag, patriotic speeches, reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a potluck breakfast
- Invite a person who impersonates a Founding Father or Mother to come to your gathering to give a speech and answer questions about that person
- Host, attend, or participate in a parade
- Gather around the piano or karaoke machine and sing patriotic songs
- Host or attend a picnic or BBQ. Encourage guests to wear red, white, and blue. Tell stories about patriots and encourage speeches about what liberty means.
- Serve a red, white, and blue dessert such as watermelon chunks topped with whipped cream and blueberries. Put sparklers in it for candles and sing "Happy Birthday" to America.
- Put one of these conversation starters under each person's plate at your Independence Day cookout. Go around the table and have each person answer the question on the paper: "Freedom Loving Conversation Starters"
- Watch episode 2 of the HBO John Adams miniseries, which depicts the signing of the Declaration of Independence
- Attend a demonstration, festival, or living history place that depicts American colonial living
- Host Dennis Prager's Independence Day seder ceremony to accompany your cookout or picnic, found here: "Prager U 4th of July Declaration Ceremony"
- Watch National Treasure movie
- Listen to music by John Phillips Sousa
- Host or attend a fireworks show
Food for Independence Day meals and other summer picnics from PWCYH (Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays)
- Lemonade p. 198
- Big Bad Burger Bar p. 202
- Grilled Corn with Spicy Butter p. 206
- Baked Beans p. 208
- Perfect Potato Salad p. 210
- My Favorite Pasta Salad p. 212
- Key Lime Pie p. 214
- Strawberry Ice Cream p. 216
- Peach Cobbler p. 218
Books for Parents to Read About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, 1776 the United States of America, Patriotism, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- Signing Their Lives Away The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed The Declaration of Independence by Denise Keirnan and Joseph D'Agnese
- A Reasoned Patriotism: Critical Thinking and Civic Duty in an Age of Polarization by Dawn Duran
- 1776 by David McCullough
- Common Sense by Thomas Paine
- John Adams by David McCullough
- Poems of Phillis Wheatley
- Abigail Adams a Biography by Phyllis Lee Levin
- Women in the American Revolution by Jeanne Munn Bracken
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
- America's Godly Heritage by David Barton
- Live Not By Lies by Rod Dreher
- The Naked Truth by James C. Bowers
- Benjamin Rush: Signer of the Declaration of Independence by David Barton
- Celebrate Liberty! Famous Patriotic Speeches & Sermons compiled by David Barton
- The Spirit of the American Revolution by David Barton
- The American Story the Beginning by David Barton
- The Bulletproof George Washington by David Barton
- The Jefferson Lies by David Barton
- The Jefferson Bible by Thomas Jefferson
- The Real Thomas Jefferson by Andrew Allison
- The Real George Washington by Jay A. Parry and Andrew Allison
- The Real Benjamin Franklin by Andrew Allison
- The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steven Sheinkin
- Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis
- Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts
- Founding Friendships by Cassandra A. Good
- The American Revolution: a Constitutional Conflict by Kevin R. C. Gutzman
- Thomas Jefferson - Revolutionary: A Radical's Struggle to Remake America
by Kevin R.C. Gutzman
- Wives of the Signers by Mary Walcott Green
- Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by Benson John Lossing
- The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers by Brion McClanahan
- The July chapter of The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
August
Get the Christian Read-Aloud Family Calendar! Click button below to buy.
Picture Books to Read Aloud: Stories About Families, Family Reunions, the Beach, the Ocean and Family Vacations
- The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
- Islandborn by Junot Diaz
- These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh
- My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck
- Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons
- Family Reunion by Chad and Dad Richardson
- Russell Wrestles the Relatives by Cindy Johnson
- Climb the Family Tree Jesse Bear by Nancy White Carlstrom
- Hendry and Mudge in the Family Tree by Cynthia Rylant
- Hattie Hates Hugs by Sarah Havorka
- Road Trip by Roger Eschbacher
- Are We There Yet, Daddy? by Virginia Walters
- Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins
- The Gulps by Rosemary Wells
- When Lightning Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- Drawn Together by Minh Lee
- Emma Jo's Song by Faye Gibbons
- Some Kind of Love by Traci Dant
- Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
- Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner by Angela Dalton
- Tanya's Reunion by Valerie Flournoy
- I Love My Family by Wade Hudson
- Summer Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow
- Aunt Minne McGranahan by Mary Skillings Prigger
- Aunt Minne and the Twister by Marky Skillings Prigger
- The Napping House by Audrey Wood
- The Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood
- Fatima's Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq
- One Big Family by March Harshman
- Love by Corrine Averiss
- Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler
- Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe by Vera Williams
- Hello Ocean by Pam Munoz Ryan
- Prairie Days by Patricia MacLachlan
- All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee
- Beach House by Deanna Caswell
- Magic Beach by Alison Lester
- At the Beach by Anne Rockwell
- Night of the Moonjellies by Mark Shasha
- Swimmy by Leo Lionni
- One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
- Thundercake by Patricia Polacco
- The Blessing Cup by Patricia Polacco
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey
- Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers
- There Might be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi
- Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
- A Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
- Aunt Mary's Rose by Douglas Wood
- A House Blessing by Welleran Poltarnees
- A Bridal Blessing by Welleran Poltarnees
- At Night by Jonathan Bean
- Sea Glass Summer by Michelle Houts
- Building Our House by Jonathan Bean
- Summertime in the Big Woods a My Little House Picture Book by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Hum and Swish by Matt Myers
- Island Boy by Barbara Cooney
- Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
- Up in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark
- The Journey by Sarah Stewart
Chapter Books to Read Aloud: Stories About Families, Family Reunions, the Beach, the Ocean and Family Vacations
- The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser
- Cousins by Virginia Hamilton
- Second Cousins by Virginia Hamilton
- A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
- Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg
- Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
- All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- More of a All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown by Sydney Taylor
- All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown by Sydney Taylor
- Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank Gilberth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
- Belles on their Toes by Frank Gilberth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
- Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
- On to Oregon by Honore Morrow
- Half Magic by Edward Eager
- Melendy Family series by Elizabeth Enright
- Penderwick series by Jeanne Birdsall
- Fairchild Family Story series by Rebecca Caudill
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
- Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott
- Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott
- Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott
Activities About Families, Family Reunions, the Beach, the Ocean and Family Vacations
- Host or attend a family reunion
- Host an auction at your family reunion with items cleaned out of family member's homes and donate the proceeds to charity
- Host a Crazy Olympics at your family reunion or other family event with fun instead of competitive events like a backwards race or under-the-leg Frisbee toss
- Act out skits depicting family stories at your family reunion, such as Grandma and Grandpa met
- Have a family talent show at your family reunion
- Have a cooking contest for your family reunion
- Gather your family around the piano or karaoke machine for a family singalong
- Go to the beach and build sandcastles and play watersports
- Make a scrapbook or photobook of your family's travels
- Go to a city, county, or state fair
- Explore historic sites in your vicinity as a family
- Make a family tree to hang on your wall going at least three generations back
- Before your family vacation, draw names to play good fairy for each other, doing favors or giving gifts anonymously
- Use these conversation starters to share memories about family vacations and trips: "Travel Tales Conversation Starters"
- Watch Swiss Family Robinson movie
- Watch Cheaper by the Dozen movie, 1950 version
- Watch Belles on their Toes movie, 1952, sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen
- Watch Yours, Mine, and Ours movie, 1968 version
- Watch the Mary Poppins movie
- Watch The Incredibles animated movie
- Watch Seven Alone, a movie based on the story On to Oregon
- Watch Fireproof movie
Food for Family Reunions and Gatherings from PWCYH (Pioneer Woman Cooks: a Year of Holidays)
- Buffalo Chicken Bites p. 28
- Chipotle Chicken Chili p. 31
- Grilled Corn Dip p. 34
- Eight-layer Dip p. 42
- Straight-up Pico de Gallo p. 132
- Mango Pico de Gallo p. 132
- Watermelon Pico de Gallo p. 134
- Glorious Guacamole p. 136
- Chipotle Salsa p. 138
- Beef and Chicken Fajitas p. 140
- Chimichurri Shrimp p. 146
- Fiesta Black Beans p. 148
- Zesty Lime Rice p. 150
- Cinnamon Ice Cream with Cinnamon Crisps p. 152
- Dulce de Leche Brownies p. 156
Books for Parents to Read About Families, Family Reunions, and Family Vacations
- 10 P's in a Pod by Arnold Pent III
- The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Mother by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Grandparent by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Teen by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie O'Martian
- For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macauley
- For the Family's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macauley
- What is a Family? by Edith Schaeffer
- The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
- The August chapter of the Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
- Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt
- Mothering by the Book by Jennifer Pepito
- Toasted Ravioli p. 180
- Three Meat Lasagna p. 184
- Caesar Salad p. 187
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake p. 191
Books for Parents to Read About Summer, Juneteenth, and Fathers
- The Summer Book by Susan Branch (a cookbook that is fun to read)
- Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America by W. Caleb McDaniel
- Festivals of Freedom: Memory and Meaning in African American Emancipation Celebrations, 1808-1915 by Mitch Kachun
- Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery by Deborah Willis and Barbara Krauthamer
- In My Father's House: The Years Before the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
- The June chapter of the Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
July
Get the Christian Read-Aloud Family Calendar! Click button below to buy.
Picture Books to Read Aloud: Stories About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, Patriotism, the United States of America, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- A is for America by Greg Paprocki
- The Story of America's Birthday by Patricia Pingry
- The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing
- Yankee Doodle America: The Spirit of 1776 from A to Z by Wendell Minor
- The Declaration of America The Words that Made America Illustrated and Inscribed by Sam Fink
- Liberty or Death The American Revolution 1763-1783 by Betsy Maestro
- Blue Sky, White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
- Her Name Was Mary Katherine The Only Woman Whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence by Ella Schartz
- Revolutionary Prudence Wright Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence by Beth Anderson
- Our Flag Was Still There by Jessie Hartlan
- Haym Salomon: American Patriot by Susan Goldman Rubin
- The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
- Sleds on Boston Common by Louise Borden
- The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman and illustrated by Peter Malone
- In 1776 by Jean Marzollo
- Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word by Sarah Jane Marsh
- Abigail Adams by Alexandra Wallner
- Leave it to Abigail! by Barb Rosenstock
- George Washington's Breakfast by Jean Fritz
- George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora
- Revolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict Arnold by Selene Castrovilla
- Revolutionary Friends General George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette by Selene Castrovilla
- By the Sword by Selene Castrovilla
- Upon Secrecy by Selene Castrovilla
- Let it Begin Here! by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- By the Dawn's Early Light by Dennis Kroll
- Purple Mountain Majesties by Barbara Young
- The Scarlet Stocking Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble
- You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Colonist by Jacqueline Morley
- Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? by Jean Fritz
- Can't You Make Them Behave King George? by Jean Fritz
- Will You Sign Here John Hancock? by Jean Fritz
- Why Don't You Get a Horse Sam Adams? by Jean Fritz
- What's the Big Idea Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz
- And then What Happened Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz
- Henry Knox Bookseller, Soldier, and Patriot by Anita Silvey
- Henry and the Cannons by Don Brown
- Those Rebels, Tom and John by Barbara Kerley
- Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud by Suzanne Tripp
- Duel! Burr and Hamilton's Deadly War of Words by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- George and George by Rosalyn Schanzer
- Saving the Liberty Bell by Megan McDonald
- The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George
- The Hatmaker's Sign a Story by Ben Franklin retold by Candace Fleming
- The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Longfellow, illustrated by Christopher Bing
- Voice of Her Own the Story of Phyllis Wheatley, Slave Poet by Kathryn Lasky
- Anna Strong A Spy During the American Revolution by Sarah Glenn Marsh
- Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring by Enigma Alberti and Laura Terry
- Independent Dames by Lauri Halse Anderson
- Betsy Ross and the American Flag by Kay Olson
- Betsy Ross and the Silver Thimble by Stephanie Greene and Diana Magnuson
- From a Small Seed the Story of Eliza Hamilton
- Eliza Hamilton Founding Mother by Monica Kulling
- The Star Spangled Banner by Peter Spier
- George Washington by Cheryl Harness
- The Revolutionary John Adams by Cheryl Harness
- Thomas Jefferson by Cheryl Harness
- The Remarkable Benjamin Franklin by Cheryl Harness
- Flags Over America by Cheryl Harness
- Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta
- When Washington Crossed the Delaware by Lynne Cheney
- Purple Mountain Majesties by Barbara Young
- Gingerbread for Liberty: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff
- John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith
- How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. by Marjorie Priceman
- The Diane Goode Book of American Folk Tales & Songs
- Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America by Lynne Cheney and Robin Priess Glasser
- Everybody’s Revolution by Thomas Freeman
- What's the Big Deal About Americans by Ruby Shamir
Chapter Books to Read Aloud: Stories About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, the United States of America, Patriotism, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- Black Heroes of the American Revolution by Burke Davis
- One Dead Spy a Hazardous Tale by Nathan Hale
- Lafayette! a Hazardous Tale by Nathan Hale
- American History Stories by Mara Pratt, digital copy is found here.
- Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Phoebe the Spy by Judith Berry Griffin
- Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang, for ages 12+
- Our Independence and the Constitution by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
- Toliver's Secret by Esther Wood Brady
- Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution by Gretchen Woelfle and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
- George Washington, Spy Master: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War by Thomas B. Allen
- Mr. Revere and I: Being an Account of Certain Episodes in the Career of Paul Revere, Esq., as Revealed by His Horse by Robert Lawson
- Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Ben Franklin by his Good Mouse Amos by Robert Lawson
- The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
- Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
- Betsy Ross by Connie and Peter Roop
- Paul Revere and the Minute Men by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
- The Boy Who Carried the Flag by Jana Carson and Johanna Westerman
- The Signers:The Fifty-six stories behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- The Founders: The 39 Stories Behind the U.S. Constitution by Dennis Brindell Fradin
Activities About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, the United States of America, Patriotism, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- Cut 5 pointed Betsy Ross stars to decorate the table for Independence Day meals
- Decorate your home with these Independence Day banners "Independence Day Pennant Banners"
- Host or attend a patriotic sunrise service, involving the posting of the flag, patriotic speeches, reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a potluck breakfast
- Invite a person who impersonates a Founding Father or Mother to come to your gathering to give a speech and answer questions about that person
- Host, attend, or participate in a parade
- Gather around the piano or karaoke machine and sing patriotic songs
- Host or attend a picnic or BBQ. Encourage guests to wear red, white, and blue. Tell stories about patriots and encourage speeches about what liberty means.
- Serve a red, white, and blue dessert such as watermelon chunks topped with whipped cream and blueberries. Put sparklers in it for candles and sing "Happy Birthday" to America.
- Put one of these conversation starters under each person's plate at your Independence Day cookout. Go around the table and have each person answer the question on the paper: "Freedom Loving Conversation Starters"
- Watch episode 2 of the HBO John Adams miniseries, which depicts the signing of the Declaration of Independence
- Attend a demonstration, festival, or living history place that depicts American colonial living
- Host Dennis Prager's Independence Day seder ceremony to accompany your cookout or picnic, found here: "Prager U 4th of July Declaration Ceremony"
- Watch National Treasure movie
- Listen to music by John Phillips Sousa
- Host or attend a fireworks show
Food for Independence Day meals and other summer picnics from PWCYH (Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays)
- Lemonade p. 198
- Big Bad Burger Bar p. 202
- Grilled Corn with Spicy Butter p. 206
- Baked Beans p. 208
- Perfect Potato Salad p. 210
- My Favorite Pasta Salad p. 212
- Key Lime Pie p. 214
- Strawberry Ice Cream p. 216
- Peach Cobbler p. 218
Books for Parents to Read About the American Revolution, Independence Day, Liberty, 1776 the United States of America, Patriotism, and the Founding Fathers and Mothers
- Signing Their Lives Away The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed The Declaration of Independence by Denise Keirnan and Joseph D'Agnese
- A Reasoned Patriotism: Critical Thinking and Civic Duty in an Age of Polarization by Dawn Duran
- 1776 by David McCullough
- Common Sense by Thomas Paine
- John Adams by David McCullough
- Poems of Phillis Wheatley
- Abigail Adams a Biography by Phyllis Lee Levin
- Women in the American Revolution by Jeanne Munn Bracken
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
- America's Godly Heritage by David Barton
- Live Not By Lies by Rod Dreher
- The Naked Truth by James C. Bowers
- Benjamin Rush: Signer of the Declaration of Independence by David Barton
- Celebrate Liberty! Famous Patriotic Speeches & Sermons compiled by David Barton
- The Spirit of the American Revolution by David Barton
- The American Story the Beginning by David Barton
- The Bulletproof George Washington by David Barton
- The Jefferson Lies by David Barton
- The Jefferson Bible by Thomas Jefferson
- The Real Thomas Jefferson by Andrew Allison
- The Real George Washington by Jay A. Parry and Andrew Allison
- The Real Benjamin Franklin by Andrew Allison
- The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steven Sheinkin
- Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis
- Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts
- Founding Friendships by Cassandra A. Good
- The American Revolution: a Constitutional Conflict by Kevin R. C. Gutzman
- Thomas Jefferson - Revolutionary: A Radical's Struggle to Remake America
by Kevin R.C. Gutzman
- Wives of the Signers by Mary Walcott Green
- Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by Benson John Lossing
- The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers by Brion McClanahan
- The July chapter of The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
August
Get the Christian Read-Aloud Family Calendar! Click button below to buy.
Picture Books to Read Aloud: Stories About Families, Family Reunions, the Beach, the Ocean and Family Vacations
- The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
- Islandborn by Junot Diaz
- These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh
- My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck
- Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons
- Family Reunion by Chad and Dad Richardson
- Russell Wrestles the Relatives by Cindy Johnson
- Climb the Family Tree Jesse Bear by Nancy White Carlstrom
- Hendry and Mudge in the Family Tree by Cynthia Rylant
- Hattie Hates Hugs by Sarah Havorka
- Road Trip by Roger Eschbacher
- Are We There Yet, Daddy? by Virginia Walters
- Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins
- The Gulps by Rosemary Wells
- When Lightning Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- Drawn Together by Minh Lee
- Emma Jo's Song by Faye Gibbons
- Some Kind of Love by Traci Dant
- Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
- Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner by Angela Dalton
- Tanya's Reunion by Valerie Flournoy
- I Love My Family by Wade Hudson
- Summer Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow
- Aunt Minne McGranahan by Mary Skillings Prigger
- Aunt Minne and the Twister by Marky Skillings Prigger
- The Napping House by Audrey Wood
- The Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood
- Fatima's Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq
- One Big Family by March Harshman
- Love by Corrine Averiss
- Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler
- Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe by Vera Williams
- Hello Ocean by Pam Munoz Ryan
- Prairie Days by Patricia MacLachlan
- All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee
- Beach House by Deanna Caswell
- Magic Beach by Alison Lester
- At the Beach by Anne Rockwell
- Night of the Moonjellies by Mark Shasha
- Swimmy by Leo Lionni
- One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
- Thundercake by Patricia Polacco
- The Blessing Cup by Patricia Polacco
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey
- Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers
- There Might be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi
- Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
- A Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
- Aunt Mary's Rose by Douglas Wood
- A House Blessing by Welleran Poltarnees
- A Bridal Blessing by Welleran Poltarnees
- At Night by Jonathan Bean
- Sea Glass Summer by Michelle Houts
- Building Our House by Jonathan Bean
- Summertime in the Big Woods a My Little House Picture Book by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Hum and Swish by Matt Myers
- Island Boy by Barbara Cooney
- Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
- Up in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark
- The Journey by Sarah Stewart
Chapter Books to Read Aloud: Stories About Families, Family Reunions, the Beach, the Ocean and Family Vacations
- The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser
- Cousins by Virginia Hamilton
- Second Cousins by Virginia Hamilton
- A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
- Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg
- Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
- All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- More of a All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown by Sydney Taylor
- All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown by Sydney Taylor
- Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
- Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank Gilberth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
- Belles on their Toes by Frank Gilberth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
- Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
- On to Oregon by Honore Morrow
- Half Magic by Edward Eager
- Melendy Family series by Elizabeth Enright
- Penderwick series by Jeanne Birdsall
- Fairchild Family Story series by Rebecca Caudill
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
- Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott
- Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott
- Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott
Activities About Families, Family Reunions, the Beach, the Ocean and Family Vacations
- Host or attend a family reunion
- Host an auction at your family reunion with items cleaned out of family member's homes and donate the proceeds to charity
- Host a Crazy Olympics at your family reunion or other family event with fun instead of competitive events like a backwards race or under-the-leg Frisbee toss
- Act out skits depicting family stories at your family reunion, such as Grandma and Grandpa met
- Have a family talent show at your family reunion
- Have a cooking contest for your family reunion
- Gather your family around the piano or karaoke machine for a family singalong
- Go to the beach and build sandcastles and play watersports
- Make a scrapbook or photobook of your family's travels
- Go to a city, county, or state fair
- Explore historic sites in your vicinity as a family
- Make a family tree to hang on your wall going at least three generations back
- Before your family vacation, draw names to play good fairy for each other, doing favors or giving gifts anonymously
- Use these conversation starters to share memories about family vacations and trips: "Travel Tales Conversation Starters"
- Watch Swiss Family Robinson movie
- Watch Cheaper by the Dozen movie, 1950 version
- Watch Belles on their Toes movie, 1952, sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen
- Watch Yours, Mine, and Ours movie, 1968 version
- Watch the Mary Poppins movie
- Watch The Incredibles animated movie
- Watch Seven Alone, a movie based on the story On to Oregon
- Watch Fireproof movie
Food for Family Reunions and Gatherings from PWCYH (Pioneer Woman Cooks: a Year of Holidays)
- Buffalo Chicken Bites p. 28
- Chipotle Chicken Chili p. 31
- Grilled Corn Dip p. 34
- Eight-layer Dip p. 42
- Straight-up Pico de Gallo p. 132
- Mango Pico de Gallo p. 132
- Watermelon Pico de Gallo p. 134
- Glorious Guacamole p. 136
- Chipotle Salsa p. 138
- Beef and Chicken Fajitas p. 140
- Chimichurri Shrimp p. 146
- Fiesta Black Beans p. 148
- Zesty Lime Rice p. 150
- Cinnamon Ice Cream with Cinnamon Crisps p. 152
- Dulce de Leche Brownies p. 156
Books for Parents to Read About Families, Family Reunions, and Family Vacations
- 10 P's in a Pod by Arnold Pent III
- The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Mother by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Grandparent by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of a Praying Teen by Stormie O'Martian
- The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie O'Martian
- For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macauley
- For the Family's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macauley
- What is a Family? by Edith Schaeffer
- The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
- The August chapter of the Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
- Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt
- Mothering by the Book by Jennifer Pepito
- Black Heroes of the American Revolution by Burke Davis
- One Dead Spy a Hazardous Tale by Nathan Hale
- Lafayette! a Hazardous Tale by Nathan Hale
- American History Stories by Mara Pratt, digital copy is found here.
- Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Phoebe the Spy by Judith Berry Griffin
- Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang, for ages 12+
- Our Independence and the Constitution by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
- Toliver's Secret by Esther Wood Brady
- Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution by Gretchen Woelfle and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
- George Washington, Spy Master: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War by Thomas B. Allen
- Mr. Revere and I: Being an Account of Certain Episodes in the Career of Paul Revere, Esq., as Revealed by His Horse by Robert Lawson
- Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Ben Franklin by his Good Mouse Amos by Robert Lawson
- The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
- Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
- Betsy Ross by Connie and Peter Roop
- Paul Revere and the Minute Men by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
- The Boy Who Carried the Flag by Jana Carson and Johanna Westerman
- The Signers:The Fifty-six stories behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- The Founders: The 39 Stories Behind the U.S. Constitution by Dennis Brindell Fradin
- Cut 5 pointed Betsy Ross stars to decorate the table for Independence Day meals
- Decorate your home with these Independence Day banners "Independence Day Pennant Banners"
- Host or attend a patriotic sunrise service, involving the posting of the flag, patriotic speeches, reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a potluck breakfast
- Invite a person who impersonates a Founding Father or Mother to come to your gathering to give a speech and answer questions about that person
- Host, attend, or participate in a parade
- Gather around the piano or karaoke machine and sing patriotic songs
- Host or attend a picnic or BBQ. Encourage guests to wear red, white, and blue. Tell stories about patriots and encourage speeches about what liberty means.
- Serve a red, white, and blue dessert such as watermelon chunks topped with whipped cream and blueberries. Put sparklers in it for candles and sing "Happy Birthday" to America.
- Put one of these conversation starters under each person's plate at your Independence Day cookout. Go around the table and have each person answer the question on the paper: "Freedom Loving Conversation Starters"
- Watch episode 2 of the HBO John Adams miniseries, which depicts the signing of the Declaration of Independence
- Attend a demonstration, festival, or living history place that depicts American colonial living
- Host Dennis Prager's Independence Day seder ceremony to accompany your cookout or picnic, found here: "Prager U 4th of July Declaration Ceremony"
- Watch National Treasure movie
- Listen to music by John Phillips Sousa
- Host or attend a fireworks show
- Lemonade p. 198
- Big Bad Burger Bar p. 202
- Grilled Corn with Spicy Butter p. 206
- Baked Beans p. 208
- Perfect Potato Salad p. 210
- My Favorite Pasta Salad p. 212
- Key Lime Pie p. 214
- Strawberry Ice Cream p. 216
- Peach Cobbler p. 218
- Signing Their Lives Away The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed The Declaration of Independence by Denise Keirnan and Joseph D'Agnese
- A Reasoned Patriotism: Critical Thinking and Civic Duty in an Age of Polarization by Dawn Duran
- 1776 by David McCullough
- Common Sense by Thomas Paine
- John Adams by David McCullough
- Poems of Phillis Wheatley
- Abigail Adams a Biography by Phyllis Lee Levin
- Women in the American Revolution by Jeanne Munn Bracken
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
- America's Godly Heritage by David Barton
- Live Not By Lies by Rod Dreher
- The Naked Truth by James C. Bowers
- Benjamin Rush: Signer of the Declaration of Independence by David Barton
- Celebrate Liberty! Famous Patriotic Speeches & Sermons compiled by David Barton
- The Spirit of the American Revolution by David Barton
- The American Story the Beginning by David Barton
- The Bulletproof George Washington by David Barton
- The Jefferson Lies by David Barton
- The Jefferson Bible by Thomas Jefferson
- The Real Thomas Jefferson by Andrew Allison
- The Real George Washington by Jay A. Parry and Andrew Allison
- The Real Benjamin Franklin by Andrew Allison
- The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steven Sheinkin
- Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis
- Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts
- Founding Friendships by Cassandra A. Good
- The American Revolution: a Constitutional Conflict by Kevin R. C. Gutzman
- Thomas Jefferson - Revolutionary: A Radical's Struggle to Remake America by Kevin R.C. Gutzman
- Wives of the Signers by Mary Walcott Green
- Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by Benson John Lossing
- The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers by Brion McClanahan
- The July chapter of The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
- The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
- Islandborn by Junot Diaz
- These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh
- My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck
- Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons
- Family Reunion by Chad and Dad Richardson
- Russell Wrestles the Relatives by Cindy Johnson
- Climb the Family Tree Jesse Bear by Nancy White Carlstrom
- Hendry and Mudge in the Family Tree by Cynthia Rylant
- Hattie Hates Hugs by Sarah Havorka
- Road Trip by Roger Eschbacher
- Are We There Yet, Daddy? by Virginia Walters
- Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins
- The Gulps by Rosemary Wells
- When Lightning Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- Drawn Together by Minh Lee
- Emma Jo's Song by Faye Gibbons
- Some Kind of Love by Traci Dant
- Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
- Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner by Angela Dalton
- Tanya's Reunion by Valerie Flournoy
- I Love My Family by Wade Hudson
- Summer Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow
- Aunt Minne McGranahan by Mary Skillings Prigger
- Aunt Minne and the Twister by Marky Skillings Prigger
- The Napping House by Audrey Wood
- The Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood
- Fatima's Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq
- One Big Family by March Harshman
- Love by Corrine Averiss
- Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler
- Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe by Vera Williams
- Hello Ocean by Pam Munoz Ryan
- Prairie Days by Patricia MacLachlan
- All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee
- Beach House by Deanna Caswell
- Magic Beach by Alison Lester
- At the Beach by Anne Rockwell
- Night of the Moonjellies by Mark Shasha
- Swimmy by Leo Lionni
- One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
- Thundercake by Patricia Polacco
- The Blessing Cup by Patricia Polacco
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey
- Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers
- There Might be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi
- Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
- A Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
- Aunt Mary's Rose by Douglas Wood
- A House Blessing by Welleran Poltarnees
- A Bridal Blessing by Welleran Poltarnees
- At Night by Jonathan Bean
- Sea Glass Summer by Michelle Houts
- Building Our House by Jonathan Bean
- Summertime in the Big Woods a My Little House Picture Book by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Hum and Swish by Matt Myers
- Island Boy by Barbara Cooney
- Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
- Up in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark
- The Journey by Sarah Stewart