Did you know that the seventh month of the year is notable for celebrations of freedom and independence? July 1 is Canada Day, which celebrates the creation of the Dominion of Canada; July 4 is American Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress and announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain; and July 14 is Bastille Day, the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution. And, July is also National Ice Cream Month - which makes perfect sense since it is also the hottest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The good news is that plans to indulge in ice cream confections at baseball stadiums, amusement parks or at picnics are no longer on hold. Coincidentally, July is also National Picnic Month. So, while you are relishing returning to a semblance of normal life, do check out the works of (some of) the literary lights whose birthdays occur in the festive month of July. Click on book covers to be taken to links.