Americans and Our History by various authors

c.2026, various publishers, $29- $32, various page counts

This year, in ways big and small, you celebrated America’s 250th birthday.

You viewed parades, lit off sparklers, spent time with family, you might’ve even visited a museum or taken a road trip to see the country itself. And there’s still time to continue the celebration by reading more about Americans and our history…

Of course, our military was part of the semiquincentennial because it’s always had an essential place in our history. In “God Forgives, Brothers Don’t: The Long March of Military Education and the Making of American Manhood” by Jasper Craven (Atria, $29), you’ll see how entrenched out military’s education has been in society throughout the decades and the impact it’s had on American masculinity.

Starting with Revolutionary soldiers, Craven uncovers how war shapes the soldiers in it and, soldiers shape the war. This effect changes with the times and over the centuries, making this a fascinating history book.

Where were you in 1971? Whether you remember it or you weren’t here yet, “Summer of ‘71: Five Months That Changed America” by John A. Jenkins (Citadel Press, $29 is a can’t-miss book.

Culturally, politically, socially, the world seemed to pivot in the middle of 1971, and this good overview explains how and why, and why it’s important to note what happened. Watergate, large protests, inflation, international conflict, all those things resonate in today’s world. Find out how in this accessible, lively book.

We are a divided nation now, so how can we come together? Start by reading “Your Fellow Americans: Dispatches from Across the Country We Call Home” by Peter Santenello (Simon & Schuster, $30).

Santanello is a traveler. He’d been to more than 80 countries around the world, until one day, it occurred to him that he needed to explore his home turf. This book – from sea to shining sea – is a love story to America and its people, no division, just getting to know your neighbors. It’s a refreshing book, and fun to read.

And finally, while you’re reading about the people around you, learn about some of our most heroic veterans in “Courage Can Save Us: Ten Extraordinary Americans and the Fight for Our Future” by Rye Barcott (Bloomsbury, $32).

Here, Barcott profiles 10 Americans – nine veterans and one FBI agent; five Democrats and five Republicans – to highlight their service to America, before being in public office, and after. It’s a story of cooperation and unity, a collection of leaders and tales that aren’t really finished yet. If you want a book to make you proud, or to show another side of the political aisle or no politics at all, this is your book.

And if these four great reads don’t quite hit the target, then head to your favorite bookstore or library and ask for help finding what you need. The staffs there know books, and they know how to tease out the exact right thing you want and suggestions for now and later. Who says the semiquincentennial ended this summer? Big or small, there’s still time to celebrate.