5 Recommended Reads to Celebrate Fourth of July

Books

5 Recommended Reads to Celebrate Fourth of July

Jul 03, 2024 09:57 AM EDT

On July 4, people enjoyed events that honored the United States' rich past and culture. Why not add something new to the fun of getting together with family and friends? Read stories that show what freedom, independence, and the different views that have made this country what it is today mean.

Spending time by the pool, having a picnic in the park, or wanting peace during the holiday festivities? These must-read books are the perfect partners.

This Fierce People by Alan Pell Crawford

The book recovers the overlooked history of the Revolutionary War's southern campaign, asserting that the British surrender at Yorktown directly resulted from the fierce battles fought south of the Mason-Dixon line. Contrary to the popular narrative that American independence was won through northern battles like Lexington and Concord, Crawford highlights the crucial three-plus years between Monmouth and Yorktown.

The book details the unsung patriots - African Americans, whites, militiamen, irregulars, and more - who played pivotal roles in the South. Crawford's work challenges the traditional understanding of America's victory, emphasizing the significance of the Southern theater.

America the Beautiful by National Geographic

This beautiful photography book has over 200 National Geographic pictures showcasing the best of each state's natural and cultural sights. The book shows beautiful scenery and different kinds of people who have shaped the country, with pictures of the Arikara Nation in the past and scientists working in Hawaii today.

It comes from National Geographic's archives and is arranged by area. The idea for the collection came from the poem "America the Beautiful." This book is a beautiful ode to the United States' beauty. It has essays from photographers, environmentalists, and historians.

The Radicalism of the American Revolution by Gordon S. Wood

Gordon S. Wood, a prize-winning researcher, examines the American Revolution's huge effects by combining interesting historical, political, cultural, and economic research. He shows it as more than just breaking away from England; he sees it as a major event that changed an almost aristocratic society into one that was democratic.

This transformation often bewildered and disappointed its founding fathers, highlighting the revolution's complexities and enduring significance in shaping America's emerging realities.

America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates and Wendell Minor

Wendell Minor, a fine artist who has won awards for his beautiful and moving drawings, has based his first picture book on famous verses by Katharine Lee Bates. Minor is known for using vivid images to get to the heart of stories. His book takes readers on a visual trip across America, from the Grand Tetons to the Empire State Building and from the Pilgrims to NASA.

This beautiful book traverses the nation and time, showcasing America's spirit from sea to shining sea.

Independence Cake by Deborah Hopkinson

Celebrate American freedom with this sweet picture book by Deborah Hopkinson. It takes readers back to Revolutionary America to meet Amelia Simmons, who wants to write the first cookbook in the country. Amelia arrives at the tumultuous home of Mrs. Bean, a mother of six sons, and uses her extraordinary culinary abilities to bring order. She makes everything from bread pudding to flapjacks.

She creates original recipes with local ingredients and presents 13 Independence Cakes to President George Washington. The book includes an author's note and an original recipe.