Songs of America YRE by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw - ADVISABLE

Songs of America YRE: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music that Made a Nation by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw, 221 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2019. $25

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE; HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Song has always been an essential part of human life and the birth of America and its history is no exception. Meacham, with a small assist from country star Tim McGraw, has created a wide ranging and insightful look at American history through its iconic songs. With more than 200 songs mentioned, Meacham has created a very satisfying panoply of music. 

Now I need to read the original version of this book!  While it is billed as Young Reader’s Edition, I don’t think many of our students will sit and read the entire book. But the adults around who teach American History will LOVE it! Buy a copy just to share with that whole department. The Hudson Public Library has created a playlist of all of the songs mentioned, some with several different versions, in the order the songs are presented in the book.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS

https://hudsonarealibrary.org/programs/adult-programs/nonfiction-book-group/playlist-for-the-book-songs-of-america-by-meachem-and-mcgraw/