Happy 4th of July! Today marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the event that triggered the American Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. In honor of the festivities, here’s a look at five all-American reads to get you in the mood for some fireworks.
1. Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This set of nine books by Laura Ingalls Wilder is an iconic and timeless addition to American literature. Based on her own experience and upbringing on the American frontier, Wilder shares a unique glimpse at what it was like to live as a pioneer in America in the 1800s. Wilder's famous series is cherished by readers of all ages. The Ingalls family exemplifies the connection between self-reliance and the preservation of freedom as a pioneer family, a lesson all Americans can take to heart.
2. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
These quintessential novels are about as American as they come. Written by Mark Twain in 1876 and 1884, these two books depict the stories of two young boys, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, and their experience of growing up on the Mississippi River. Twain’s unabashed, satirical remarks on entrenched social attitudes continue to spark discussion among readers today.
3. "Let America be America Again" by Langston Hughes
Written in 1935 by Langston Hughes, this political poem addresses the American dream of freedom and equality that has been hoped for, but not yet achieved. Hughes represents not only people of color, but also every other minority and economically disadvantaged group. He criticizes the unfair life of America for these groups, but finishes with a conviction of hope for the state of America and freedom of all people:
“...We, the people, must redeem
The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.
The mountains and the endless plain--
All, all the stretch of these great green states--
And make America again!”
4. 1776 by David McCullough
Written by David McCullough, 1776 is a story of excitement and drama as it depicts the account of the year of our nation’s birth from both sides of the Atlantic. McCullough shares a powerful tale of Americans in the ranks during the year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. McCullough details how the military, with a focus on George Washington's leadership, shaped America’s survival and the hope for independence. Written as a companion to his biography of John Adams, McCullough’s 1776 is a profound landmark in historical literature and American history.
5. America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
This contemporary, compelling novel, written by bestselling authors, Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, focuses on the untold story of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph, drawing from thousands of letters and original sources. Rich in research, this book reveals the story of the woman who kept the secrets of one of our nation’s most mysterious founding fathers and the devoted daughter that helped shape his American legacy.
So on this national holiday, while you sip your lemonade and watch the parade, why not flip open one of these all-American books or another one of your patriotic favorites? They are sure to inspire and captivate.