The Colorado State Library, Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Humanities, Denver Public Library, History Colorado, and local community expert, Mark McGoff, invite you to explore the history of the United States and Colorado through these thoughtfully curated reading lists during the 250/150 commemoration events through December 2026.
These reading lists will serve as a resource throughout the commemoration, guiding individuals and book groups to diverse and enriching literary works that promote knowledge and critical thinking centered around Colorado and US History, authors, and illustrators. Many, but not all, of these titles may be found at your local public library.
Reading lists will be posted quarterly. Please keep an eye on our social media and check back for more.
Please note: The suggested reading list is provided exclusively as a courtesy, and readers should note that not all books will be appropriate for all readers. The information provided here should not be interpreted to suggest any kind of endorsement from the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission and the Colorado Department of Education and its employees, or its affiliates, or the existence of a current or prior business relationship with any of the aforementioned parties.
Nonfiction
Being and Becoming Ute: The Story of an American Indian People by Sondra Jones
Citizen Coors: A Grand Family Saga of Business, Politics, and Beer by Dan Baum
Colorado Women: A History by Gail Beaton
The First Migrants: How Black Homesteaders' Quest for Land and Freedom Heralded America's Great Migration by Richard Edwards and Jacob K Friefeld
How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore
Fiction
Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
Variation by Rebecca Yarros
Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
Youth
Jefferson's Masterpiece: The Story of the Declaration of Independence for Young Readers by Dennis Parker (Grades K-5)
Arlo Finch In the Valley of Fire by John August (Grades 4-7)
Scout Moore, Junior Ranger: Rocky Mountain National Park by Theresa Howell (Grades K-5)