Most Americans think of the Fourth of July as Independence Day, but is it really the day the U.S. declared and celebrated independence? By exploring myths and truths surrounding Independence Day, this lesson asks students to think critically about commonly believed stories regarding the beginning of the Revolutionary War and the Independence Day holiday. During three 50-minute sessions, students will: develop strategies for critically examining the origin and characteristics of myth; develop an awareness of the diversities, similarities, and values in various cultural and story traditions related to the American Revolution; and develop strategies for examining messages for bias and missing information. The instructional plan, lists of resources, student assessment/reflection activities, and a list of National Council of Teachers of English/International Reading Association (NCTE/IRA) Standards addressed in the lesson are included. An Independence Day Book List; a list of common myths about the Fourth of July; a group assignment; and a presentation rubric are attached. (PM)