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G. Neri's 'My Bicentennial Summer' Revisits 1976 Road Trip Through a New Lens — Melanin News | Melanin
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G. Neri's 'My Bicentennial Summer' Revisits 1976 Road Trip Through a New LensCulture

G. Neri's 'My Bicentennial Summer' Revisits 1976 Road Trip Through a New Lens

2w ago

G. Neri is taking readers on an epic journey back to the summer of 1976. His upcoming book, "My Bicentennial Summer: True Adventures from the Most Epic Family Road Trip of All Time," promises a vibrant and deeply personal look at a pivotal moment in American history, seen through the eyes of an eight-year-old on an unforgettable cross-country adventure.

Scheduled for release on March 3, 2026, from Candlewick, Neri's latest work follows his previous travelogue, "My Antarctica." This new book recounts his real-life childhood experience: an eight-thousand-mile, seven-week road trip with his family in their station wagon. They traversed twenty-six states, from California all the way to Washington, D.C., all to celebrate America's bicentennial. The family navigated this extensive journey without the aid of modern technology, relying solely on paper maps and a transistor radio to guide their way.

Image related to G. Neri's 'My Bicentennial Summer' Revisits 1976 Road Trip Through a New Lens
Related image from the original report Source

During the sprawling trip, young Greg Neri was immersed in a diverse tapestry of American life. He encountered everything from distinct regional accents and unusual culinary delights, such as "Jello-marinated pickles," to awe-inspiring natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and historic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty. His path crossed with Civil War reenactors at Gettysburg and pioneer wagon riders in Valley Forge, and he even connected with his Texan cousins.

The journey culminated in participation in the grand Bicentennial celebrations in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Notably, in Philadelphia, the family encountered an unexpected protest march instead of a parade, an event that reportedly brought a different, more complex facet of the national celebration into sharp focus. The narrative also delves into what Neri describes as "the darker side of traveling as a family of color," prompting him to reflect on the true inclusivity of the phrase "We the People."

Neri’s book is presented with engaging text, sidebars, and dynamic illustrations by Corban Wilkin. It also incorporates Neri's own Polaroid photos, maps, and hand-drawn illustrations from the trip. Reports indicate the text is lighthearted and kid-friendly while also addressing serious subjects, complemented by extensive back matter that covers historical facts, travel insights, a recommended reading list, and source notes.

Greg Neri
Greg Neri Source

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Greg Neri initially pursued a career in film, working as a filmmaker, animator/illustrator, and digital media producer. He was also a founding member of The Truth anti-smoking campaign. Neri shifted his focus to writing for young people in 2005, following his illustration of his first book for Scholastic in 2001. He currently resides on the Gulf Coast of Florida with his wife, Maggie, and daughter.

An acclaimed and award-winning author, Neri has been recognized for his significant contributions to young adult fiction across various formats, including free verse, novelistic prose, graphic novels, and non-fiction. His accolades include the Michael L. Printz Award for his contribution to "The Collectors: Stories," the ALA/SLJ Young Adult Literary Award, a Coretta Scott King Honor for "Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty," the Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award for "Chess Rumble," and the Horace Mann Upstander Award for "Ghetto Cowboy." His work has also received honors from prestigious institutions such as the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the International Reading Association, the Museum of Tolerance, and the American Library Association. In 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the State University of New York (SUNY) for his literary achievements and polar science outreach.

One of Neri's most recognized works, the 2011 young adult novel "Ghetto Cowboy," was adapted into the Netflix film "Concrete Cowboy." The film, which starred Idris Elba as Harp and Caleb McLaughlin as Cole, premiered at number one on Netflix over Easter weekend in 2021. Neri served as an Executive Producer for the film, which was described by *Variety* as a "Masterful Father-Son Drama." A novel sequel, "Polo Cowboy," was released the following year.

Neri's writing is known for its focus on "provocative, edgy stories for reluctant readers," particularly urban boys. His narratives often tackle complex themes such as gangs, drugs, teen violence, and sex with an honest approach, aiming to provide young readers with knowledge to navigate challenging real-life situations. This consistent focus on difficult realities makes "My Bicentennial Summer" a natural continuation of his work, offering a nuanced perspective on American history and identity, particularly from the viewpoint of a "family of color" during a period of intense national celebration.

With "My Bicentennial Summer," G. Neri continues to engage young audiences by blending personal history with broader cultural commentary. The book promises to be a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be American, then and now, through the eyes of a child experiencing his country’s 200th birthday on the open road.