Reading Level: Grade 1
Topics: Holiday Poems
Poetic Techniques: List Poems, Lyric & Dramatic Poems
Word Count: 72

About This Poem

Usually, the poems I write begin with some oddball idea that pops into my head, a dragon with problems, a monster Thanksgiving dinner, or a kid with a backpack full of strange surprises. But sometimes I write poems for magazines and classrooms with a particular theme or occasion in mind. That’s exactly how today’s poem came about.

Next month marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America’s 250th birthday, so I thought it would be fun to write a poem celebrating all the things people enjoy doing on the Fourth of July. Fireworks, sparklers, parades, barbecues, hot dogs, lemonade, bubbles, kazoo. To me, Independence Day has always felt like one big summer celebration filled with noise, color, food, and fun.

The poem first appeared in the May 2026 issue of Scholastic Storyworks 3, a multi-genre classroom magazine for third graders, with wonderful artwork by Paula Becker. I hope it helps get you in the mood for summer, fireworks, and a very big birthday celebration.

If you liked this poem, here are a few more you’ll probably enjoy:

• Hello, My Name Is Madison
• My Hot Dog Is Soggy
• When’s My Birthday?
• I Can’t Wait for Summer
• Our Parents Are Planning a Party

Worksheet

Click here for a printable worksheet for this poem

Use This Poem

Would you like to use this poem in your classroom? Would you like permission to reprint, record, recite or broadcast this poem, or set it to music? Please click on one of the following links for permissions and reprint rights information:

• Webmasters
• Students
• Teachers
• Publishers, editors and anthologists