You can help your child develop a sense of patriotism and a better understanding of the price paid for our freedoms when you add patriotic reading to their summer reading list.

Here are just a few suggestions from Scholastic.com:

America the Beautiful (ages 6-9)

Through moving illustrations, America the Beautiful integrates the lyrics of the familiar patriotic song with inspiring presidential quotes. America the Beautiful will help teach children about our country’s great leaders while highlighting American values such as diversity, unity, and freedom.

Clifford goes to Washington (ages 3-5)

Clifford decides to go to Washington, D.C. to see his friend Riley receive a medal for bravery. While he is there, he and Emily Elizabeth see many of the sites of the nation’s capital and meet the First Lady in Clifford Goes to Washington. Children will visit famous statues and national monuments as they join Clifford on his tour.

Apple Pie Fourth of July (ages 4-7)

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong unfolds as a feisty Chinese American girl is shocked when her parents cook Chinese food to sell in the family store on an all-American holiday. She tries to tell her mother and father how things really are, but as the parade passes by and fireworks light the sky, she learns a surprising lesson.

Pledge of Allegiance (ages 4-8)

The text of the Pledge of Allegiance is illustrated with stunning photographs of American landscapes, monuments, and flags. Children will discover the meaning of the pledge, its history, and information about the flag.

Fireworks at the FBI (ages 6-9)

In the sixth book of the Capital Mysteries—an early chapter book mystery series featuring fun facts and famous sites from Washington, D.C.— KC gets a front row seat to the Fourth of July festivities at the White House, but KC spots fireworks coming from the FBI building! Although the president thinks it was an accident, KC and her friend know better. They are sure those fireworks were covering up a clever crime!

George Washington’s Socks (ages 8-12)

When five kids take a walk along Lake Levart late one night, a mysterious wooden rowboat beckons them aboard in George Washington’s Socks.  This enchanted boat takes them back to the time of George Washington, and their neighborhood lake is transformed into the icy Delaware River on the eve of the battle at Trenton. Through encounters with Hessian soldiers, revolutionaries, and even George Washington himself, they watch history unfold before their eyes as they see first-hand the grim realities of war and learn the cost of their freedom.

We’ve provided links to these books on Amazon.com. Should you chose to make your purchase through Amazon.com, please consider using this special AmazonSmile link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/26-1484144 where your Amazon purchases will generate a 0.5 percent donation to American Legion Auxiliary Foundation Inc. whenever you shop on Amazon.com through the link