Reading About a Revolution -- Book Sense Top Ten History Picks

This week, Book Sense is releasing the latest History Top Ten List. The new list features titles related to the American Revolution and is the result of nominations from independent bookstores in the Book Sense program nationwide.

To produce the History Top Ten List, Book Sense once again partnered with The History Channel. A new series focusing on the American Revolution will air on Sundays on The History Channel at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT beginning June 4. The series will continue weekly on Sunday for 13 episodes. The ongoing initiatives with The History Channel provide booksellers another opportunity to highlight some very notable titles about the American Revolution in conjunction with compelling new programming.

Stores with Book Sense will be receiving the History Picks pad in the May Red Box. The list is also available in PDF format.

1. 1776, by David McCullough (Simon & Schuster, $32, 0743226712) "History readers rejoice: David McCullough's 1776 leads the field with his account of George Washington and the first year of the Revolutionary War." --Sue Barnet, The Book Basket, Wetumpka, AL

2. FOUNDING MOTHERS: The Women Who Raised Our Nation, by Cokie Roberts (Harper Perennial, $14.95 paper, 006009026X) "This book is a highly readable and entertaining account of the women who helped found our nation. Inspiring!" --Julie Hansen, The Book Vault, Oskaloosa, IA

3. THE FORGOTTEN FIFTH: African-Americans in the Age of Revolution, by Gary B. Nash (Harvard, $19.95, 0674021932) "This is a fascinating look at the role African-Americans played during the American Revolution, covering the issues of race and slavery at this decisive moment in our history." --Dan Domike, Jackson Street Books, Seattle, WA

4. NOW & BEN: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin, by Gene Barretta (Holt Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0805079173) "We know Ben Franklin was an inventor and a statesman. But do we remember that he was a musician and a cartoonist? This delightful picture book opens our eyes to the ways that Ben affected his world and how his work relates to our daily lives." --Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

5. A DANGEROUS ENGINE: Benjamin Franklin, From Scientist to Diplomat, by Joan Dash, Dusan Petricic (Illus.) (Frances Foster Books/FSG, $17, 0374306699) "A fascinating look at one of our most influential Founding Fathers for readers from ages nine to 90! Engagingly written and fast paced." --Isabel Maisano, Mrs. Nelson's Toy & Book Shop, La Verne, CA

6. A PERFECT UNION: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation, by Catherine Allgor (Holt, $30, 0805073272) "The story of a strong, magnanimous woman who transformed the White House into a social and political center. Capturing the political, economic, and cultural climate of the time, Catherine Allgor skillfully portrays Dolley as perfect companion to James Madison, and perfect fit as First Lady." --Barbara Siepker, The Cottage Book Shop, Glen Arbor, MI

7. HIS EXCELLENCY: George Washington, by Joseph J. Ellis (Vintage, $15 paper, 1400032539) "In this sweeping biography, the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Founding Brothers draws on newly catalogued Washington papers at the University of Virginia and brings Washington to life as never before. A penetrating and multifaceted portrait that is sure to become a standard text." --Christina Tompkins, Olsson's Books & Records, Washington, D.C.

8. ALEXANDER HAMILTON, by Ron Chernow (Penguin, $18 paper, 0143034758) "This biography of the first Secretary of the Treasury is very interesting and informative, and also offers a very different viewpoint on John Adams and Thomas Jefferson." --Fred Bott, Books To Go, Devils Lake, ND

9. THE FOUNDERS: The 39 Stories Behind the U.S. Constitution, by Dennis Brindell Fradin, Michael McCurdy (Illus.) (Walker Books for Young Readers, $22.95, 0802789722) "Dennis Brindell Fradin's account of the crafters of the U.S. Constitution for young readers makes history accessible and personal." --Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA

10. JOHNNY TREMAIN, by Esther Forbes (Yearling, $6.50 paper, 0440442508) "This Newbery Medal-winning story of a young apprentice silversmith set in Boston just before the Revolutionary War is one of those classics of our youth that remain fondly in our hearts and heads as we grow older. I think it's one of the best ways to introduce children to the American Revolution." --Carl Wichman, Varsity Mart, Fargo, ND