Happy Fourth of July! This day marks the 243rd anniversary of the signing the Declaration of Independence. This defining moment in American history is often celebrated with fireworks, burgers, hotdogs, parades, and pie. If you’re looking for a read as American as it gets for this day of celebration, we’ve got you covered.

A Song for the Road* by Rayne Lacko

Follow Carter on his cross-country road trip from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Santa Monica, California. With nothing but his dad’s old guitar, Carter hitches rides across the country, briefly settling in Las Cruses, New Mexico. There, he works in the kitchen at The Little Yucca Tavern and invents the Deep-Fried Yucca Blossom, an instant hit. On his trip, he experiences America first-hand and learns a lot about music—and himself—along the way.

Engineering a Life by Krishan Bedi

This is the ultimate American Dream story. At twenty years old, Krishan Bedi left his small village in India and came to the U.S. in order to get an education. He had only $300 and sheer determination to begin his new life. Despite the culture shock of being a Punjabi man in the American South in the 1960s and the various curveballs thrown his way, through friendship, family, and hard work, he ends up where he’s supposed to be.

Girl with a Gun by Kari Bovée

Annie Oakley is one of the most iconic female figures in American history. What could be more American than a story taking place at the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show that won her the acclaim for her sharp-shooting abilities? In this story, Annie Oakley is reimagined as an amateur sleuth, so when two innocents end up dead and her horse is stolen, Annie Oakley is on the case!

Roots and Wings* by Margery Kraus with Phyllis Piano

Margery Kraus is a prime example of the American dream. As a child of immigrants, she learned the value of working hard at a very young age. She founded APCO Worldwide, which became a huge success, grossing nearly $150 million under her leadership. Roots and Wingsis her attempt to share the secrets to her success: the ten lessons she learned from motherhood and leadership.

Sarah’s War by Eugenia Lovett West

Sarah Champion, a beautiful young Patriot, is sent to live with her rich Loyalist aunt in 1777—right in the throes of the American Revolutionary War. But things are not as they appear—her aunt is a secret Patriot, and she teaches Sarah to spy on British officers and flirt information out of them. With intrigue and treachery, this story is the realistic woman-centric historical spy novel that you’ve been waiting for.

Seventh Flag* by Sid Balman Jr.

This multi-generational story holds up a mirror to America as it is—and how it came to be. It follows two families, the Laws and the Zarkans, in Dell City, Texas. These friends and neighbors must adjust to the shifting paradigms that shape their world. Both families have a strong military background, and that becomes central to their experiences. Their stories beg the question: what constitutes identity and citizenship?

Trouble the Water by Jacqueline Friedland

One of the biggest turning points in American history is the Civil War. In the years leading up to it, a network of people came together to free slaves. These people—black, white, rich, poor, Southern, Northern—made up the Underground Railroad and put themselves at risk to stand up for what is right. This story follows two abolitionists as they initiate a dance of secrets and trust.

*not out yet, but available for pre-order now