Book Published by North Carolina Office of Archives and History to be Included in 2026 National Book Festival

A book offered by the North Carolina Office of Archives and History, in partnership with America 250 NC, has been selected to represent North Carolina at the annual Library of Congress National Book Festival.

The National Book Festival will be held in Washington, D.C. on Saturday Aug. 22. A selection of programs will be livestreamed online, and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the festival concludes.

"Blue's March: An Overmountain Men Tale," written by Katelynn A. Hatton and illustrated by Gabhor Utomo, was chosen by North Carolina Humanities, home to the North Carolina Center for the Book, to be featured on the national Great Reads from Great Places reading list distributed by the Library of Congress' Center for the Book during the National Book Festival. The list is composed of books and authors from each affiliate Center for the Book to showcase the rich culture and heritage of our country. Books are either written by an author from the respective state/territory or portray stories of the area.

This young-reader book is part of the state's ongoing efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The book is designed for readers in grades 3-5 and is based on real events and figures from North Carolina's history.

"Blue's March: An Overmountain Men Tale" is set during the Overmountain campaign which occurred in the fall of 1780 when British loyalists terrorized patriots' homes throughout the Carolinas and planned to move westward over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Travel with Joseph and his faithful hound dog, Blue, as they enlist in the Overmountain troops and embark on their adventure. From Sycamore Shoals, Tennessee, to Kings Mountain Battleground in South Carolina, journey with Joseph, Blue, and the Overmountain Men as they battle for independence.

The book can be purchased from UNC Press at uncpress.org or from online retailers, bookstores, and gift shops statewide.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural ResourcesThe N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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