This week, we feature a kids’ picture book illustrating a beloved patriotic song and a biography of a forgotten 17th-century Massachusetts governor. 
Fiction
‘The Good Shepherd’
By C.S. ForesterThis book recounts 52 hours of a 1942 winter crossing of the Atlantic by a slow convoy. It was the worst part of the Battle of the Atlantic. The escort, commanded by U.S. Navy Commander George Krause, is inadequate, and German U-boats numerous. It’s Krause’s first wartime command, and likely his first completely independent command. It demonstrates how an ordinary man rises above his limitations to meet an extraordinary situation. The book was adapted into the 2020 movie “Greyhound,” starring Tom Hanks.
Must Have Books, 2023, 130 pages
Poetry
‘The Classical Hundred Poems: All Time Favorites’
Edited by William HarmonAfter surveying 1,000 anthologies, the editor chose the most commonly found English language poems and included them in this collection. These 100 poems, ranging from the 14th century to the 20th, introduce readers to unknown authors (literally “Anonymous”) and the most well-known writers, like Shakespeare and Frost. Along with works on love, war, seasons, and death, the work provides information about the poem, its author, the time period, and even the verse forms, like pentameters and sonnets.
Columbia University Press, 1998, 288 pages
Biography
By Leon Hopkins
William Phipps (or Phips) was Royal Governor of Massachusetts, the first governor born in the state. He made his fortune in an improbable way: successful treasure hunting. Controversial during his lifetime in colonial Massachusetts, he is largely forgotten today. This book, a biography of the man, tells his story. A fascinating work that brings the turbulent 1670s to 1690s to life. Presenting the contradictions and controversies swirling on both sides of the Atlantic, it shows Phipps’s role within them.
Pen and Sword History, 2025, 232 pages
Nonfiction
‘Fighting Forward: Your Nitty-Gritty Guide to Beating the Lies That Hold You Back’
By Hannah BrencherPlagued by doubts and a dark mood, Brencher titled a notebook “Fight Song” and began writing down some inspirational thoughts. This journal of hope was the basis for this book about getting out of the ruts we dig for ourselves and jumping back into the swing of life. From her first chapter, “Just Show Up,” she patiently lays out steps to conquer failure and lassitude with a wealth of examples. In doing so, she gives readers a guide for meeting life’s challenges.
Zondervan Books, 2021, 224 pages
Classics
‘The Rise of Music in the Ancient World: East and West’
By Curt SachsFirst published in 1943, this unabridged edition tackles the beginnings and maturation of music worldwide. Sachs uncovers the songs and instruments found in the Bible, and in Greece and Rome. He includes the Vedic chants of India, Chinese and Japanese scales, and many other topics, ending his tour in the Middle Ages. Despite its age, this well-written history by an eminent musicologist should appeal to students and teachers of music interested in learning more about the origins and forms of their art.
Dover Publications, 2008, 336 pages 
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For Kids
‘America the Beautiful’
By Wendell Minor and Katharine Lee Bates
A picture book illustrating the beloved song by Katharine Lee Bates, “America the Beautiful,” this patriotic treasure begins with the story behind the song then goes on to feature Minor’s stunning illustrations depicting each verse and the beauty of America—“from sea to shining sea.” A perfect read for the Fourth of July or any time at all.
Charlesbridge, 2020, 48 pages
