A selection of Independence Day story books for children
India’s Independence Day is more than just a holiday. It’s a celebration of courage, unity, and the tireless struggle for freedom that shaped the nation’s identity. For children, it’s an opportunity to learn about India’s rich history and the inspiring figures who played a pivotal role in the country’s journey to independence. This August 15th, let’s dive into a collection of books that will not only engage young readers but also educate them about the significant events and personalities of the Indian freedom movement. Presenting LitFind’s pick of top Independence Day story books for children:
Author: Anant Pai
Part of the iconic Amar Chitra Katha comic series, Stories About Freedom Fighters is a vibrant collection that brings India’s independence movement to life through colorful illustrations and engaging narratives. This book highlights figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
The comic format makes this book especially appealing to young readers. With its engaging visuals and concise storytelling, it offers an enjoyable way for children to learn about India’s history and the individuals who made it possible.
Author: Subhadra Sen Gupta
Saffron White and Green: The Amazing Story of India’s Independence is an exhilarating account of how the people of India, united under the tricolour flag, defied the mighty British Empire through peaceful resistance. This book beautifully captures the spirit of non-violence, from the bonfires of the Non-Cooperation Movement to Gandhi’s historic Dandi March.
Subhadra Sen Gupta crafts a narrative that celebrates the ordinary men and women who stood against the British, singing songs of freedom and facing adversities with unyielding courage. The book helps children understand the significance of non-violence and the unity that brought about India’s freedom.
Author: Ruskin Bond
Celebrated author Ruskin Bond takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the sights, sounds, and stories that define India. A Little Book of India: Celebrating 75 Years of Independence is a love letter to the country Bond has called home for over eight decades, filled with his reflections on India’s rivers, forests, literature, and culture.
With his signature warmth and wit, Bond weaves together a tapestry of India’s past and present, offering young readers a unique perspective on the nation’s 75-year journey of independence. The book encourages children to appreciate the beauty and diversity of India while understanding the values that underpin its independence.
Author: Ira Saxena & Nilima Sinha
This book is an engaging exploration of India’s journey from colonial rule to independence. This book vividly portrays key events that shaped the nation’s destiny, such as the arrival of the East India Company, the Great Indian Uprising, Gandhi’s emergence as a leader, the Salt Satyagraha, Partition, and the creation of the Indian Constitution.
The book also delves into the roles of influential political thinkers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Vallabhbhai Patel. It also examines the broader concept of freedom and its significance to today’s youth, featuring contemporary events such as the Black Lives Matter Movement and figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Greta Thunberg.
In Gandhi Speaks: The Mahatma’s Words For Children, the thoughts and philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi are presented in a manner that resonates with today’s young readers. This book offers a profound insight into Gandhi’s views on family, education, religion, and truthfulness. His words, recorded and studied over generations, remain as relevant now as they were during his lifetime.
With a foreword by Rajmohan Gandhi, the book provides a glimpse into Gandhi’s approach to life’s challenges, including his thoughts on the youth’s role in nation-building and his philosophy of Satyagraha, Ahimsa, and Atmabal. The book’s simple language and engaging format make Gandhi’s complex ideas accessible and relatable to young readers.
Author: Leila Seth
We the Children of India: The Preamble to Our Constitution simplifies the complex concepts of the Indian Constitution for young readers. Former Chief Justice Leila Seth breaks down the Preamble’s core values—democracy, secularism, and sovereignty—into language that children can easily understand and appreciate.
This book is accompanied by engaging illustrations and photographs that bring the Constitution to life. It’s a must-read for children, helping them connect with the foundational values of India and understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Author: Anne Loyer
This book offers a child’s perspective on the pivotal moments of India’s freedom struggle. Set during Gandhi’s Salt March, this book tells the story of Aslam, a young boy who witnesses his father’s arrest for defying British salt laws. Confused and troubled, Aslam grapples with understanding the courage it takes to stand against injustice.
Anne Loyer crafts a heartfelt tale that captures the essence of civil disobedience and the importance of fighting for what is right. Through Aslam’s eyes, young readers will explore themes of bravery, hope, and the power of collective action. One Day Elsewhere: My Father’s Courage: 1930 Gandhi’s Salt March provides a relatable entry point for children to engage with historical events.
By exploring these stories, children will gain a deeper understanding of the values that define India and the importance of preserving and cherishing the hard-won freedom we enjoy today.
More books to help discover the stories, history & facts about India:
