Fireworks, Freedom & the Stories We Tell

The Fourth of July brings popsicles, parades, fireworks, and family time. For many of us raising children today, it also invites reflection: How do we honor this holiday with honesty?

Stories help our children grow into free thinkers—curious, compassionate, and engaged with the world around them. Through books, they learn to ask questions, consider others’ perspectives, and imagine how to care for their communities. As we celebrate this holiday, we can help them understand that independence is not only about personal freedom, it’s also about being a thoughtful neighbor, preserving the values we share, and holding hope for a future where everyone can thrive.

💬 Talking About Freedom with Kids of All Ages

This week, as you enjoy fireworks or parades with your children, it’s a great time to pause and reflect together on what freedom means. These moments of celebration can open gentle conversations that grow with your child’s age and understanding.

As parents and caregivers, consider asking yourself:

• What does freedom look like in our home?

• Who came before us to make our lives possible?

• What kind of world do we hope our children will help shape?

For children, here are questions adapted by age to spark their own thinking:

• Babies & Toddlers (0–2 years): What makes you feel happy or brave?

• Preschoolers (3–5 years): What’s something you love about your community or country?

• Early Elementary (6–8 years): How can we be kind and fair to others?

• Upper Elementary (9–12 years): If you could change one thing to make the world more fair, what would it be?

These don’t need to be heavy conversations; they can begin with a story, a simple question on a walk, or a quiet moment at bedtime. The goal is to make space for celebration, curiosity, and thoughtful reflection at every stage.

📚 A Book That Offers Both Light and Depth

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus, illustrated by Kadir NelsonThis poetic book offers layered images of America—landscapes, faces, and hopes. It’s a quiet and powerful read that honors the beauty of the country while gently inviting reflection.

✨ A Different Kind of Celebration

This Fourth of July, we invite you to make space for books and conversations alongside the fireworks. Celebrate the sweetness of summer and the strength of your family's values. Honor the joy of being together, and the stories, past and present, that help us grow.

Raising children today means helping them understand that patriotism isn’t about perfection, it’s about caring deeply for others and our communities. It’s about listening, learning, dreaming, and taking thoughtful action. And often, that journey begins with the simple turn of a page, ​​one step towards a brighter tomorrow.