Brooklyn Public Library on Thursday released 250 for 250, a handpicked, librarian-curated list of the 250 most notable books from 250 years of American history, reflecting on the pivotal role books and stories have played in shaping the country we are today.
Starting with Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, the list includes books published between 1776 and 2025. A committee of nearly two dozen librarians made the final selections. They considered well over 600 books in their discussions, working to create a list that reflects the breadth and depth of America’s stories, including the voices of those who have historically been left out of the conversation.
“Books remain one of our most powerful tools for defending democracy," said Linda E. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Public Library. "They help us understand our selves, each other, and the world around us. Together, the books on this list tell a story of our nation, our commitment to the ideals of freedom and justice for all, and that ongoing search for common ground.”
The list includes a vast array of subject matter, including biographies on Anita Hill and Biggie Smalls, to YA and graphic novels, to fiction titles from authors Michael Chrichton, Amy Tan and Alice Walker.
“This list started with one question: which books most shaped America in its first 250 years? What followed was a rare collective alchemy-librarians from across the entirety of Brooklyn coming together to curate a work rooted in American history, culture, ideas, and even the contradictions that continue to shape who we are as a nation,” said Chief Librarian Edwin Maxwell.
In addition, a small group of notable Americans were asked to select a book from the list and write about why it is meaningful to them and to the nation. Ethan Hawke reflects on The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Constance Wu considers Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Recess Therapy Host Julian Shapiro-Barnum discusses American Born Chinese, the graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang.
You can explore the complete list here.
