Fun Fact File: The History of Holidays

Fireworks, picnics, flags, and parades should remind Americans young and old of perhaps the most famous national holiday. Independence Day, also called the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday. While most know that the observance is a celebration of the nation, they might not know what happened on July 4 in 1776 and why this is a now famous date. This beautifully designed book, beneficial to any social studies collection, presents the history of this holiday in 20 of the most fun, intriguing facts. Budding historians will appreciate the high-interest photographs and accessible text.

The origins of Valentine's Day are a bit murky at best, but this day of romance and friendship seems to date all the way back to the 1300s. Of course, people weren't buying each other cards and balloons back then, so our modern customs have melded with medieval traditions. Readers will love diving into the back story of this holiday, which is about much more than chocolate and Cupid. Twenty of the most fascinating facts are supported by accessible explanations and bright photographs. Graphic organizers offer more essential information about this fun topic, an intriguing introduction to curricular cultural studies.

Halloween is tons of fun, even if it's a bit spooky at times! Whether a reader is more into the tricks or the treats of Halloween, they'll love finding out why they dress up, carve pumpkins, and-of course-collect plenty of candy from their neighbors. They'll be surprised by this holiday's ancient origins and learn about the cultures behind the customs. Twenty of the most intriguing facts are supported by carefully researched explanations and vivid photographs. Two graphic organizers offer more essential information about this topic, a wonderful introduction to curricular cultural studies.

Christmas is a holiday that some might think needs little explanation. Gifts, trees, songs, Santa Claus, what else is there to know? Plenty! This high-interest occasion goes back centuries in its religious and secular traditions. Readers of this fascinating volume will love learning where certain customs originated. The information is broken up into 20 of the most fun facts along with their interesting and accessible explanations. Bright photographs support the well-researched text, which is sure to add to the reader's holiday experience for years to come.

Juneteenth, named a federal holiday in 2021, celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday's name is a combination of the words "June" and "nineteenth" as it commemorates June 19, 1865. On that day, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and told the enslaved people there that slavery was abolished. Readers of this important book will learn much more about this important time in history-the Civil War-and the terrible institution of slavery. They'll also learn how Juneteenth is celebrated today. The engaging format-including graphic organizers-will encourage readers of all levels.

Thanksgiving is about much more than turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie. While most have some idea of a link between Thanksgiving, early American colonists, and Native Americans, this must-read book, essential for any social studies collection, fills in the details with 20 of the most fascinating facts about this holiday. They'll learn about the Wampanoag people, the Pilgrims of the Plymouth colony, and Thanksgiving centuries later. Carefully researched explanations, vivid photographs, and graphic organizers offer more key concepts about this special day.