Title: Fourth of July Adventure
Author: Kathleen Whitham
Illustrator: Mina Anguelova
Publisher: Mainspring Books
ISBN: 979-8-89114-190-2
Pages: 32
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book / Educational / American History
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Hollywood Book Reviews
It is one thing to read about American history in books, but it is another exciting and impactful experience to actually go into a time machine – back to the years of the founding of our country. This is exactly the adventure author Kathleen Whitham creates for the young readers of her book titled Fourth of July Adventure.
Beginning with a family party on July 4th, Oliver, Graham and Amelia were planning their day to enjoy the brownies, mac and cheese, and deviled eggs, then go swimming in the afternoon. They ventured into the woods behind their house and came across a time machine with the dates 1776, 1863, 1963 and Present Time above the door. Curiously they all went into the capsule and pressed 1776. In moments they embarked at Independence Hall as the Declaration of Independence was being signed. Seeing Patrick Henry, they began a conversation learning much about the reason for the war against Great Britain, the original 13 colonies, and asked about George Washington, who was commanding the Continental Army.
Then back into the time machine to emerge in the year 1863 when President Lincoln was giving the Gettysburg Address. The country suffered 50,000 deaths on that battleground! Next the time travelers came out in 1963 to witness Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King give his speech called “I had a dream.” People should be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character, founding the civil rights movement in our country, he famously stated.
Back to the present these intrepid time travelers show up at their family’s picnic, only to be asked where have they been? The author leaves this answer open to begin a dialogue about all of the historic details described in the adventure. Bringing the time-traveling theme to an introductory American history lesson keeps children’s minds swirling like fireworks sparking thoughts and having a feeling of being there to witness these momentous events. With artfully enhanced illustrations bringing eye-catching details setting the scenes of the events, Fourth of July Adventure is a memorable book teaching children important lessons about America’s past. And as a bonus, along with some facts and definitions, there is a recipe for brownies at the end which will also leave an impact with kids of all ages. Although the 4th of July comes once a year, brownies can be enjoyed anytime ~ this book has it all. Fourth of July Adventure by Kathleen Whitham is a thrilling and cheerful read that brings summer magic to life!