Happy fourth of July (weekend). With all the barbecues, fireworks, and beers to be had over the next few days, you might not be looking at much reading time. But if you can steal away a few hours with a books, here are some suggestions to get you in the American spirit (the  world-underdog, don’t tread on me spirit, not the Sean Hannity twisted, dark-heart, imperialist entitlement spirit).

Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes 1943

Remember this one? You probably read it in 5th grade. It’s a great depiction of Revolutionary Boston, and the book takes its readers through all the major historical factors: the Boston Tea Party, the Sons of Liberty, Paul Revere’s famous ride, etc. Johnny had been a silversmith apprentice, but in a (sort of) accident his thumb and fingers are fused and he becomes a social outcast. This positioning gives Johnny a nice vantage point for objectively watching the many characters in Boston (some now legendary) as war looms and sides must be taken. Johnny Tremain is a kid’s book to be sure, so more mature readers should consider reading this book for nostalgia’s sake more so than stimulation.

But don’t forget, he’s deformed! In the words of the oft-wise Bart Simpson in my favorite ever episode, “Whacking Day”: “Deformed! Why didn’t you say so? They should call this book Johnny Deformed.” …
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