Whether it’s via their tone, topic, or tenor, certain works just say “America.” Here is one such title, suggested by Louise Dubé, executive director of iCivics/CivXNow:

First: Sandra Day O’Connor by Evan Thomas. “This book reflects on the life of the first woman on the Supreme Court and a national hero,” says Dubé. “I love the book because it recounts the life of a pioneer who was animated by a sense of service and devotion to country. Justice O’Connor served across two branches of our government (legislative and judicial), worked incredibly hard, and overcame massive gender bias. All the while, she made it look easy and even found time to enjoy herself!”

Patriotic Picks is a monthly feature in partnership with the Washington Independent Review of Books.