Children's Books and Family History: Fireworks (Memory Prompt Monday)

What is your favorite Fourth of July memory?

Was it watching fireworks from a blanket in the park? Running through sprinklers before the barbecue? Waving sparklers after sunset? Or maybe it was simply spending the day with the people you love.

One of the reasons I love Fireworks by Matthew Burgess is that it reminds us the best part of the Fourth of July isn't just the fireworks themselves. The story follows a family as they make their way through the city to watch the evening fireworks. Along the way, readers experience the excitement of the crowds, the anticipation of waiting, and finally the awe and wonder as the night sky comes alive.

The book beautifully captures something many of us experience as children—that holidays are remembered not only for the events themselves, but for the people we shared them with. Years later, we may not remember every firework that lit the sky, but we remember who spread out the blanket, who held our hand in the crowd, and who sat beside us as we looked up together.

As you reflect on today's memory prompt, think about a favorite Fourth of July from your childhood. Who was there? What traditions did your family have? What foods did you eat? What sights, sounds, and smells immediately come to mind?

You may discover that your favorite memory isn't the fireworks at all. It may be the laughter around the picnic table, staying up past your bedtime, or the excitement of waiting for the first burst of color to light up the night sky.

Growing up in England, we didn't celebrate the Fourth of July. My dad, the only true American in our house, simply went to work like any other day. When we moved to California, I think he enjoyed celebrating with fellow Americans again.

Our first Fourth of July in the United States was spent at my uncle's house. We played volleyball in his driveway before heading to the local high school to watch a fireworks show. It was a new experience for our family and one I'll always remember.

But my most memorable Fourth of July came a few years later when another aunt and uncle were visiting from England. For reasons I still don't understand, we decided to spend the day at the beach. We sat in traffic for what felt like forever, inching forward one car at a time. I was riding with my aunt and uncle, and my uncle was less than thrilled. Thankfully, we had packed our lunch in the car, so we simply started eating early while we waited.

When we finally arrived, the beach was absolutely packed. Towels were practically touching one another, there wasn't much room to move, and I don't think any of us even went into the water. Eventually, we gave up and headed to my brother's townhouse for burgers instead.

Looking back, I don't remember the fireworks or even the beach very well. What I remember is sitting in that car with my aunt and uncle, laughing through the chaos of the day. Now that my uncle has passed away, that memory has become even more precious. I don't think he cared much for the Fourth of July before—or after—that trip, but I smile every time I think about it.

Sometimes our favorite holiday memories aren't the ones that go according to plan. They're the ones filled with the people we love, the unexpected detours, and the stories we still laugh about years later.

Don't celebrate the Fourth of July?

Think about another summer celebration or holiday from your childhood. It might be a community festival, a family barbecue, a day at the beach, or another tradition that brought your family together.

The goal isn't to remember a specific holiday—it's to preserve the people, traditions, and moments that made those days special.

ACTIVITY: Fourth of July!

Write or draw your favorite Fourth of July memory. If you have photographs from the day, add them to a journal, scrapbook, digital photo album, or FamilySearch Memories. Preserve the traditions and stories that make your family's celebrations unique.

to download/print this week's activity simply click here or on the image below