Reading the Revolution MA250 Booklists: Our Ongoing Journey to a Free and Equal Nation
October 01, 2025
June Thammasnong
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
june.thammasnong@mass.gov
The Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB) and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) are pleased to announce the launch of the Reading the Revolution booklists. This multipart reading list honors the complex history of the American Revolution and our nation's unfolding evolution toward becoming a society where is everyone is truly "free and equal." The reading lists feature recommendations from libraries across the Commonwealth and are now available at massbook.org/ma250.
The Reading the Revolution booklists were developed as part of the MA250 commemoration, marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Special emphasis was placed on Massachusetts writers and thinkers, as well as important books from across the U.S. and the world. Nine separate reading lists explore various facets of American history that has been punctuated by ongoing social struggles, protest movements, and warfare, all in the pursuit of securing freedoms and political rights for every member of our nation. The booklists include works of fiction and non-fiction for adults, young adults and middle grade readers, as well as picture books.
About the Reading Lists
The Reading the Revolution reading lists offer a diverse range of perspectives on the revolutionary era and beyond, encompassing fiction, non-fiction, biography, and more in the following nine topics:
- ADA and Disability Rights
- African American Freedom Struggle
- American Indian Sovereignty and Civil Rights
- Asian American Movement
- Chicano and Latinx Civil Rights
- From Rebellion to Early Republic
- Gay Liberation and LGBTQIA Rights
- General
- Women’s Rights
About the Massachusetts Center for the Book
Founded in 2000, Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB) is the Commonwealth affiliate of the Library of Congress. Chartered as the 38th center for the book in a network that now sees centers in every state and territory in the country, MCB is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a love of reading, honoring the rich literary culture of the Commonwealth, promoting unrestricted access to books and libraries, and fostering literacy and learning through collaborative programming across Massachusetts.
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.