Celebrate America's 250th Birthday—One Book at a Time

We're marking America's 250th birthday with a special reading challenge that takes you on a journey through our nation's story. From the colonial era to today, explore 12 different time periods in American history—one book at a time.

How It Works

Pick up a reading log and select books from our topics that represent an era of American history, spanning from colonial times through the modern day. Complete all 12 time periods, and you'll unlock an exclusive prize celebrating this milestone year. Whether you choose historical fiction, biographies, or primary source collections, every book counts toward your adventure through America's past.

Start Reading Today

Pick up a book from any period on the list and begin your journey. Complete all 12 time periods and submit your reading logs. The first person to finish all 12 wins an exclusive commemorative 250th Birthday Challenge prize—a special keepsake celebrating America's historic milestone and your reading achievement.  America's story is waiting!

Time periods: First Settlers, Revolutionary War, Civil War, Western Expansion, Gilded Age or Suffrage, World War I, Roaring 20s, Great Depression, World War II, Cold War, Civil Rights, Vietnam.