Independence Day is America's greatest day for remembering all that came before us and in appreciating the freedoms that we enjoy in our great country. While looking for the perfect book to celebrate America's birthday, I found a book that really hones in on the people that built our country as immigration was at an all time high around the first part of the last century. After people experienced some extreme hardships abroad, families began to come to a country where they could find work, food and opportunity.

“Bridge to America" , by first time author Linda Glaser, brings to light life in Poland in the 1920's. The story is based on a real Polish immigrant whose family was persecuted constantly because they were Jewish. The story is told through the eyes of young Fivel and life in this small village comes alive as the author masterly weaves a story so vivid you won't be able to put the book down!

The town is dominated mostly with Jewish families and all are struggling to stay alive as food is scarce and war between two Russian forces make their lives precarious at best. But through all of the turmoil living as a submissive, discriminated and abused people, you begin to understand life in this small Polish town. Fivel is the youngest of five children. The father immigrated to America several years before and the family hasn't heard from him since. The mother is trying to eke out a living with a little mending and transferring flour to neighboring vicinities. Food is scarce. Fivel is used to being hungry most of his days and is always thinking about food and yearning for food. The family has gone out in the fields and dug up the small withered up left-over potatoes to help the children survive. The houses have no electricity, running water or indoor plumbing, but the people enjoy what little they have and especially their relationships with one another.

Fivel's mother is always worried about the “Cossacks” coming suddenly and unannounced to their village. These marauders are hired gunmen by different factions of the Russian Armies and one never knows which side they are on. But the Jewish Poles always know that if they are anywhere in sight of these terrible regimes, they'll likely be slaughtered. Fivel relates how he's out in the street with his older brother when he receives word that the Cossacks are coming! He runs to tell his brother who is farther down the street. He believes that Benyomin hears him and runs as fast as he can back to his house. But his brother doesn't return. Fivel is so worried for his older brother so he peeks out his window only to see Benyomin running toward his house with the Cossacks at his heels. Fivel can't bear to see what will happen to his beloved brother so he closes his eyes. I won't tell you what Benyomin's outcome is because this is such an exciting part of the story that you won't want me to tell any part of it.

The author received her inspiration to write this incredible story after hearing the real Fivel (Phil Myzel) tell his life story to a Jewish Sunday School class. It's stories like this that help us appreciate our American heritage, freedom and opportunities, as well as modern conveniences that we take for granted. Ms. Glaser has historical information at the back of the book, along with some pictures of Mr. Myzel and his family. You'll also find a glossary of the Yiddish vocabulary used throughout the story. This is a treasure chest of information, fascination and life in another place in another time that you won't be able to put down! This book is perfect for ages 9 through adult

The next three books also celebrate our great country and are good for ages 9 through adult - Do you truly believe you understand how our country came to be? “The Real Revolution: The Global Story of American Independence”, by Marc Aronson, will piece together different places in the world that impacted the making of our country, as well as the Native Americans. I've never come across a better book to give a global look inside and around the world preceding our constitution! There are pictures and documents throughout. This is a must for history teachers!

Sheila Cole has written a documentary of what it was like growing up in American long ago. “To Be Young In America: Growing Up with the Country...1776 - 1940” is a fascinating look into our country with youth as the subject. Here is a book that gives much insight to the beliefs and directions of our country.

“Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon”, by Catherine Thimmesh, will have you spell bound, amazed and captivated as you read the events leading up to this incredible feat, as well as showing you actual photographs. If this doesn't make you proud to be American, I don't know what will!

The final four selections are picture books suited for younger children through adults. “New York is English, Chattanooga is Creek”, by Chris Rashchka, is a picture book with a clever look at the derivatives and origins of cities in America. Mr. Rashchka has painted his signature style with a culmination of the attire of the day.

“Journey to Ellis Island: How My Father Came to America" , by Carol Bierman, and beautifully illustrated by Laurie McGaw, was first published back in 1998. Here is another great story along the same line as my first review - only suited for younger children.

“Liberty Rising: The Story of the Statue of Liberty” , by Pegi Deitz Shea, is a story that deserves to be told again and again. (There are several picture books published on this subject.) However, this story is told very succinctly and will hold the interest of all elementary age children. Wade Zahares illustrated the pictures and has magnificently painted the statue on a full page fold out.

“Capital” , by Lynn Curlee, is a documented account of the first white house as well as our current location. The illustrations, also done by the author, are perfectly rendered and almost look like photographs.

So, how can we enjoy this special American holiday without books that help us truly understand and appreciate all whom have lived, died and continue to protect our freedom?