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Review: My Bicentennial Summer

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My Bicentennial Summer: True Adventures from the Most Epic Family Road Trip of All Time
Written by G. Neri
Illustrated by Corban Wilkin
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2026. Informational. 75 pages.

In 1976, America turned 200 and Greg Neri's family celebrated by driving from their home in L.A. across the whole country to make it to Washington D.C. for the Fourth of July. Along the way, the family visited 26 states, found strange local delicacies, encountered all kinds of accents, and saw natural and historic monuments. There's a lot packed into America, from its places to its people to its history and this book does a good job at touching on all of it.

I was a little surprised how weepy this book made me feel. As we prepare for America250, looking back on the Bicentennial celebrations was making me excited for things to come and reflect on parts of American history–both good and bad. I think this book does a good job of navigating all the things that make America great, while also acknowledging serious topics. Making expert use of scrapbook style illustrations, this book feels like a real snapshot of a trip across the country. Filled with nostalgia, hope, and extensive back matter, this book is a winner.
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