By Becca Castellano
USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Book covers and descriptions courtesy of goodreads.com
The summer reading program is in full swing at the Patch Library! Join in the fun with activities like black light mini golf, face painting, photography with color gels, flower planting and tie dye activities to name a few. And while you’re there, pick up some fresh summer reads. Whatever your plans are this July, avoid the summer slump and keep your kids’ reading. Just visit https://www.mwrlibrary.armybiznet.com/, select our local library on Patch and pick out up-to ten items from their massive database. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, request a specific book, game or movie through their online request system and it can be shipped from another location for your use. It’s as easy as that to learn, play and grow with the awesome team at the Patch Library.
In honor of Independence Day, check out these patriotic titles available at the Patch Library now.
The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Political Genius of an American Icon
By John Ferling
Perhaps the most revered American of all, George Washington has long been considered a stoic leader who held himself above the fray of political infighting. What has gone unnoticed about the much-researched life of Washington is that he was in fact a consummate politician, as historian John Ferling shows in this revealing and provocative new book. As leader of the Continental Army, Washington’s keen political savvy enabled him not only to outwit superior British forces, but–even more challenging–to manage the fractious and intrusive Continental Congress. Despite dire setbacks early in the war, Washington deftly outmaneuvered rival generals and defused dissent from officers below him, ending the war with the status of a national icon. His carefully burnished reputation allowed Washington, as president, to lead the country under the guise of non-partisanship for almost all of his eight years in office. Washington, Ferling argues, was not only one of America’s most adroit politicians, he was easily the most successful of all time–so successful, in fact, that he is no longer thought of as having been political.
The British are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777
By Rick Atkinson
In the initial volume of the Revolution Trilogy Rick Atkinson recounts the first twenty-one months of America’s violent war for independence. From the battles at Lexington and Concord in spring 1775 to those at Trenton and Princeton in winter 1777, American militiamen and then the ragged Continental Army take on the world’s most formidable fighting force. It is a saga alive with astonishing characters: Henry Knox, the former bookseller with an uncanny understanding of artillery; Nathanael Greene, the bumpkin who becomes a brilliant battle captain; Benjamin Franklin, who proves to be the wiliest of diplomats; George Washington, the commander in chief who learns the difficult art of leadership when the war seems all but lost. The story is also told from the British perspective, making the mortal conflict between the redcoats and the rebels all the more compelling.
Uncle Sam’s America
Written by David Hewitt, Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt
A rousing history of the good old U.S.A. Since he first appeared in the 1800’s, Uncle Sam has inspired our nation. A symbol of patriotic duty and national pride, Uncle Sam has witnessed our history, from the victory over the British in the War of 1812, to the struggle of the Great Depression, to the efforts of the civil rights movement. This eloquent book recounts America’s past through Uncle Sam’s eyes, celebrating the fortitude and ingenuity that are the hallmarks of this national symbol. With illustrations that incorporate postage stamps and antique images from each era, as well as portraits of famous Americans whose actions changed history, and back matter about the people in the book, this is a timeless tribute to Uncle Sam — an icon whose spirit embodies the American dream.
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
by Barrack Obama
In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.
Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood.
This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation’s founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever.
Independence Day
by Roland Emmerich
On July 2nd, communications systems worldwide are sent into chaos by a strange atmospheric interference. It is soon learned by the military that a number of enormous objects are on a collision course with Earth. At first thought to be meteors, they are later revealed to be gigantic spacecraft, piloted by a mysterious alien species. After attempts to communicate with the aliens go nowhere, David Levinson, an ex-scientist turned cable technician, discovers that the aliens are going to attack major points around the globe in less than a day.
On July 3rd, the aliens all but obliterate New York, Los Angeles and Washington, as well as Paris, London, Houston and Moscow. The survivors set out in convoys towards Area 51, a strange government testing ground where it is rumored the military has a captured alien spacecraft of their own. The survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens, and July 4th becomes the day humanity will fight for its freedom. July 4th is their Independence Day…
Star-Spangled: The Story of a Flag, a Battle, and the American Anthem
by Tim Grove
“O say can you see” begins one of the most recognizable songs in the US. Originally a poem by Francis Scott Key, the national anthem tells the story of the American flag rising high above a fort after a night of intense battle during the War of 1812. But there is much more to the story than what is sung at ball games. What was this battle about? Whose bombs were bursting, and why were rockets glaring? Who sewed those broad stripes and bright stars? Why were free black soldiers fighting on both sides? Who was Francis Scott Key anyway, and how did he end up with such a close view? Star-Spangled tells the whole story from the perspectives of different real players — both American and British — of this obscure but important battle from American history.
A Nation Rising: Untold Tales of Flawed Founders, Fallen Heroes, and Forgotten Fighters from America’s Hidden History
By Kenneth C. Davis
Following on his New York Times bestsellers America’s Hidden History and Don’t Know Much About History, Ken Davis explores the next chapter in the country’s hidden history: the gritty first half of the 19th century, among the most tumultuous in the nation’s short life.