This month's picks come from Allison Harrison of Once Upon A Time Books, with stores in Bentonville, Tontitown, and Fayetteville (plus their Book Mobile). Five reads spanning classic Americana to a modern memoir — perfect for rounding out your summer reading list.

Written by Mark Twain

This year not only marks America's 250th anniversary but also the 150th anniversary of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and we couldn't let that milestone pass without mentioning it. Mark Twain's classic is packed with childhood adventures and small-town Americana. We currently have a first-edition copy in the store, which has made us appreciate the book even more. It's a fascinating glimpse into what life looked like for young Americans so long ago.

Written by Kristin Hannah

I've always been drawn to books about the Great Depression, but The Four Winds gave me a perspective I hadn't experienced before. Through the eyes of a mother determined to protect her children, Kristin Hannah paints a vivid picture of the hardships families faced during the Dust Bowl years. It's a reminder that history isn't just about events. It's about the people who lived through them, loved their families, and found ways to keep going.

Written by Alan Gratz

One of the things I appreciated most about Ground Zero is that it's written for readers who are now about the same age I was when 9/11 happened. As someone who remembers that day, it's fascinating to see Alan Gratz introduce such a significant moment in history to a new generation. The story is fast-paced, but it also helps young readers understand how the events of September 11 has shaped the world around them.

Written by Jeannette Walls

This is probably my favorite memoir I've ever read. Jeannette Walls shares the story of her unconventional childhood with remarkable honesty, and it gave me a glimpse into a version of American life I had never really considered before. While her experiences were often difficult, her story is also filled with resilience, determination, and hope. It's one of those books that stays with you long after you've finished the last page.

Written by Virginia Lee Burton

I've always loved the colorful illustrations in The Little House, but I appreciate the story even more as an adult. Having lived in Northwest Arkansas my entire life, I've watched our communities grow and change in many of the same ways the little house experiences in the book. It's a charming story for children, but it also offers a thoughtful look at how progress completely change the places we call home.

Visit Once Upon A Time Books in Bentonville, Tontitown and Fayetteville, or their Book Mobile — onceuponatimebooks.com