<p>When Benjamin Franklin founded our nation’s first library, The Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731, few could have imagined the thriving, bustling library systems in place today. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, we recognize all that libraries have to offer and the variety of ways the red, white, and blue is celebrated throughout. If you’re looking to continue the Americana theme through books this summer, the Wyckoff Library has a variety for all ages and interests.</p>
<h2>Books for Young and Emerging Readers</h2><p>Emerging readers will be introduced to American people, places, and symbols in <em>Land of the Free: America’s ABC</em> by Devin Scillian. Told through rhyming verses along with beautiful illustrations by Pam Carroll, the book is vibrant, engaging, and perfect for families looking to enjoy learning about America’s history together.</p>
<p>Young readers will enjoy a fun-filled journey through our country’s regions and history in <em>Happy Birthday, America</em> by Rebecca Baines. With plenty of games, crafts, and recipes throughout, the book encourages interactive learning and exploration.</p>
<p><em>America: Our Country, Our Home</em> by Courtney Carbone is a patriotic non-fiction book that recognizes all that is amazing about the U.S.A., from its beginnings to the beauty of its land.</p>
<h2>Middle Grade and Young Adult Picks</h2><p>Wyckoff’s own Robert Skead has authored an amazing, action-filled <em>American Revolutionary War Adventure</em> series middle graders are sure to enjoy. With three titles currently in the series, readers are introduced to twin brothers, John and Ambrose Clark, as they set out on a dangerous mission to deliver a message to George Washington after their father has been shot by British Redcoats.</p>
<p>Young adult readers will be captivated by <em>Hamilton and Peggy! A Revolutionary Friendship</em> by L.M. Elliott. Perfect for fans of <em>Hamilton</em>, the book weaves a richly detailed tale about the extraordinary Peggy Schuyler and her friendship with Alexander Hamilton.</p>
<p><em>Women Heroes of the American Revolution: 20 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Defiance, and Rescue (Women of Action)</em> by Susan Casey shines a spotlight on twenty remarkable girls and women of the Revolution in this lively collection of biographical profiles perfect for any history buff’s bookshelf.</p>
<h2>Adult History and Nonfiction Selections</h2><p>Adults looking to study up on history will enjoy <em>1776</em> by David McCullough. A compelling read that weaves history and story together through excitement and drama, it is considered one of the best history books about the birth of our nation. <em>1776</em> is the September book club selection of the Friends of the Wyckoff Library Book Club. Join the group on Tuesday, September 15th at 4pm for a lively book discussion.</p>
<p><em>The Revolutionary Samuel Adams</em> by Stacy Schiff was voted one of the best books of 2022 by numerous publications. Exploring the story of the most essential Founding Father, it is an entertaining and important look into the one who stood behind the change that sparked the American Revolution.</p>
<p>In <em>The Greatest Sentence Ever Written</em> by Walter Isaacson, the origins are revealed of the most revolutionary sentence in the Declaration of Independence and how the line, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” lays the foundation for the American Dream and defines the common ground we share as a nation.</p>
<h2>Celebrating Wyckoff's Centennial</h2><p>Not only is 2026 the 250th celebration, but it’s also Wyckoff’s Centennial. <em>On High Ground: A History of the Township of Wyckoff</em> as well as <em>Wyckoff </em>by David Brown, Bob Traitz, and the Wyckoff Historical Society are both wonderful books that highlight the vast history of Wyckoff through historical accounts and vintage photographs. <em>Wyckoff </em>is available in the library’s history room while <em>On High Ground</em> is available for both borrowing or purchasing.</p>
<p>As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great nation, be sure to stop by the Wyckoff Library and enjoy the above titles and so much more that offer both entertainment and history to readers of all ages and interests.</p>
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