The 4th of July is a holiday that celebrates American Independence. However, my family has always taken it as a time to remember where the nation started and the history of what has happened since. I find it's important to look back at the important events of our history and recommend these books as a way to do so:
1. A True Patriot by Barry Denenberg
You may be thinking, "A My Name Is America book? Those are for kids!" And you would be correct - they are for kids. The Dear, America and My Name is America books were the majority of my elementary school reading. However, looking back at them as an adult, I've found they are still incredibly engaging and well-researched. It's a great way to put yourself in the point of view of what children were doing to support the war effort, while there's also a comprehensive list of what colonial life was like and what the main characters would have gone through. It's a fast read, but a powerful one, making it perfect to revisit on the 4th of July.
A True Patriot is available through Amazon
2. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
The biography that inspired the hit musical Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton reads like a novel. Starting with his tragic early life, to his immigration to the colonies, to his eventual rise and fall as a Founding Father It's an interesting look at the life of a brilliant and flawed man - and a reminder that all of our Founding Fathers were flawed in their own ways. It's the most comprehensive look into the man's life and Chernow's way with words allows us to feel like we truly knew him.
Alexander Hamilton is available through Penguin Random House
3. Blindspot by Jane Kamensky and Jill Lepore
This book has a little bit of everything: sensual romance, murder mysteries, and a look into the history leading up to the American Revolution. The authors are both historians, which shines through their attention to detail throughout the story - and the dual narrators give two distinct voices and points of view of history, making it an equally fascinating read with different things that come to light in each perspective.
Blindspot is available through Penguin Random House
4. The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin
I had no idea of the librarian spy program during World War II before I started this book - but I am glad to have learned about it! Sent overseas to archive newspapers, articles, and any other important public access documents that could potentially give important information to the war cause, these librarians are true heroes who have been forgotten by history. The novel follows Ava and Elaine - two women who want to help the war. With a devastating look at how the Nazis treated people, and a reminder to always fight for what is right - even when it's hard, The Librarian Spy is a reminder that even those in the background have the potential to make a difference.
The Librarian Spy is available through HarperCollins Publishers
5. Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Frances Perkins worked hard to get her name in the history books - having the honor of being the first woman to ever sit on a President's cabinet. This novelization of her story highlights the sacrifices Perkins made to become one of President Franklin Roosevelt's most trusted advisors. It shows how hard it can be to work to change the world, while also showing how to be not only how to be a good person but how to support the greater good.
Becoming Madam Secretary is available through Penguin Random House