New attention from historians and journalists is raising pointed questions about the founding period: was the American revolution waged to preserve slavery, and was the Constitution a pact with slavery or a landmark in the antislavery movement? Leaders of the founding who called for American liberty are scrutinized for enslaving Black people themselves: George Washington consistently refused to recognize the freedom of those who escaped his Mount Vernon plantation. And we have long needed a history of the founding that fully includes Black Americans in the Revolutionary protests, the war, and the debates over slavery and freedom that followed. We now [...]

Using more than a thousand eyewitness records, Liberty Is Sweet is a “spirited account” (Gordon S. Wood, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution) that explores countless connections between the Patriots of 1776 and other Americans whose passion for freedom often brought them into conflict with the Founding Fathers. “It is all one story,” prizewinning historian Woody Holton writes. Holton describes the origins and crucial battles of the Revolution from Lexington and Concord to the British surrender at Yorktown, always focusing on marginalized Americans—enslaved Africans and African Americans, Native Americans, women, and dissenters—and on overlooked factors such as weather, North America’s [...]

In a genre overdue for a shakeup, Alexis Coe takes a closer look at our first—and finds he’s not quite the man we remember Young George Washington was raised by a struggling single mother, demanded military promotions, chased rich young women, caused an international incident, and never backed down—even when his dysentery got so bad he had to ride with a cushion on his saddle. But after he married Martha, everything changed. Washington became the kind of man who named his dog Sweetlips and hated to leave home. He took up arms against the British only when there was no other [...]

Here it is: #1 bestselling author Brad Meltzer’s very first non-fiction book: telling the true and untold story about the men who plotted to go after George Washington. Get ready for THE FIRST CONSPIRACY: The Secret Plot Against George Washington and the Birth of American Counterintelligence. In 1776, an elite group of soldiers were handpicked to serve as George Washington’s bodyguards. Washington trusted them; relied on them. But unbeknownst to Washington, some of them were part of a treasonous plan. In the months leading up to the Revolutionary War, these traitorous soldiers, along with the Governor of New York William Tryon [...]

From New York Times bestselling author Cokie Roberts comes Ladies of Liberty a follow up to Founding Mothers in which she examines the lives and times of the women who have helped shape America. In this eye-opening companion volume to her acclaimed history Founding Mothers, number-one New York Times bestselling author and renowned political commentator Cokie Roberts brings to life the extraordinary accomplishments of women who laid the groundwork for a better society. Recounted with insight and humor, and drawing on personal correspondence, private journals, and other primary sources, many of them previously unpublished, here are the fascinating and inspiring true stories of first ladies and freethinkers, educators and explorers. Featuring [...]

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.

When it comes to business, nice guys don’t finish last. In fact, the opposite is true. This award-winning book shows leaders how to leverage and exhibit kindness at work for the good of their teams and the future success of their organizations.

We All Live Here follows Lila Kennedy, whose life is in turmoil as she navigates a crumbling marriage, rebellious daughters, and an elderly stepfather. When her estranged father unexpectedly returns after 35 years, Lila learns that even the most challenging relationships can offer valuable lessons about love and family.

In Good Dirt, the daughter of an affluent Black family confronts the lingering effects of a childhood tragedy in which her brother was shot, shattering their lives and a cherished heirloom. As Ebby Freeman navigates her high-profile romance and the ensuing media frenzy, she flees to France, only to discover that the past - and the stoneware jar that symbolizes it - holds the key to her future.

Eleanor Bennett's death leaves her children, Byron and Benny, with a mysterious inheritance: a family recipe for a black cake and a voice recording revealing a tumultuous story of betrayal and secrets. As they piece together their mother's true history, they must confront the complexities of their relationship and the legacies that shape their identities.

This Is the Honey is a beautifully curated anthology that celebrates Black joy and uplifts Black voices through the works of contemporary poets. Edited by Kwame Alexander, this collection features celebrated poets such as Rita Dove and Jericho Brown, offering a hopeful and incisive exploration of America.

In How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?, authors Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen explore the whimsical question of Santa's descent on Christmas Eve. With a blend of earnest deadpan humor and irresistibly funny illustrations, they present a variety of imaginative possibilities, from sliding under doors to shape-shifting through faucets, inviting readers to ponder the delightful mysteries of the holiday season.

In President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath, author Mac Barnett humorously explores an unusual incident involving President William Howard Taft, who, despite his great stature, finds himself in a rather embarrassing predicament—stuck in a bathtub. This whimsical tale invites young readers to discover how he manages to get unstuck.

John's Turn, authored by Mac Barnett, beautifully celebrates the theme of individuality through the lens of a young boy's performance at school. As John prepares to share his talent for dancing, his journey unfolds with tenderness and subtlety, showcasing the courage it takes to express oneself in front of an audience.

In Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, the award-winning duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen tells the story of two friends on a quest to discover something extraordinary. As they dig deeper into the ground, they find nothing at first, but their adventure leads to a surprisingly spectacular outcome, proving that sometimes the most remarkable treasures are found in unexpected ways.

In Just Because, a curious child bombards their patient father with questions about the world, from the color of the ocean to the fate of the dinosaurs. As bedtime approaches, the father responds with increasingly imaginative answers, creating a delightful bedtime experience for both little ones and their parents.

In Twenty Questions, acclaimed author Mac Barnett invites readers to explore the playful and profound nature of questions that spark curiosity. Through a whimsical narrative paired with vibrant illustrations by Christian Robinson, the book encourages speculation and imagination, demonstrating that not all questions have definitive answers, and some lead to endless possibilities.

Acclaimed author Mac Barnett takes readers on a mysterious journey with a majestic polar bear as he navigates through a stunning landscape of snow and ice. With a perfect blend of suspense and emotion, the story invites readers to ponder the bear's destination and desires, while artist Shawn Harris's captivating illustrations enhance the enchanting experience.

Careless Love is the captivating conclusion to Peter Guralnick's masterful biography of Elvis Presley, chronicling the singer's life from his army service in Germany to his death in Memphis. This volume reveals the unraveling of Elvis' dreams and his complex relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker, offering a fresh perspective on a deeply misunderstood cultural icon.

Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley is a groundbreaking biography that transcends the myth of Elvis Presley, offering a deep dive into his life and the culture he transformed. Through extensive research and interviews, Peter Guralnick presents an intimate portrait of young Elvis, capturing his passion for music, his personal relationships, and the triumphs and challenges that defined his early years.

Olive Kitteridge delves into the complexities of human relationships through the eyes of its titular character, a retired schoolteacher confronting the changes in her small town of Crosby, Maine. As she navigates the lives of those around her, from a troubled lounge musician to her own adult child, Olive's journey reveals the profound truths about love, loyalty, and the often painful quest for self-understanding.

In My Name Is Lucy Barton, Lucy slowly recovers from what should have been a simple operation, during which her estranged mother comes to visit. As they share gentle gossip about their past in Amgash, Illinois, underlying tensions and longings reveal the complexities of Lucy's life, from her troubled family to her aspirations as a writer.

Haunted by their father's tragic accident during childhood, brothers Jim and Bob Burgess have lived vastly different lives since escaping their small Maine town for New York City. When their sister Susan, who remained in Shirley Falls, urgently calls them home, long-buried family tensions resurface, forcing them to confront the complexities of their relationships in The Burgess Boys.

In Tell Me Everything, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout returns to Crosby, Maine, exploring the complexities of new friendships and old loves amidst a shocking murder investigation. As characters navigate their intertwined lives, they grapple with profound questions about the meaning of existence, highlighting the enduring power of relationships and love in its many forms.

In The Wolf, The Duck & The Mouse, a mouse discovers that being swallowed by a wolf isn't the end of the world when he finds a duck already living comfortably inside. With delicious food, elegant table settings, and the joy of dancing, the duo learns to enjoy their unexpected situation—until a hunter threatens their newfound happiness. This charming tale by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen offers a whimsical perspective on cooperation and creative cuisine.

Renowned scientist Neil Shubin takes readers on an epic adventure to the polar regions, unveiling the secrets locked in ice about life and the cosmos. Blending travel writing with science and history, Shubin shares extraordinary discoveries and unforgettable moments from centuries of expeditions, revealing how these extreme environments are prime grounds for scientific breakthroughs that can change our understanding of our planet.

Molly Gray, a hotel maid with unique social challenges, finds her life turned upside down when she discovers the wealthy Charles Black dead in his suite. As the police mistakenly target her as their main suspect, she embarks on a heartwarming journey filled with unexpected friendships and a quest for truth. The Maid explores the complexities of human connection and the mysteries that bind us all.

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde, an expert in faerie lore, finds herself in the village of Hrafnsvik, where she intends to focus solely on her research. However, her plans are disrupted by her charming rival, Wendell Bambleby, as she uncovers the mysteries of the elusive Hidden Ones and grapples with her own heart's desires.

In Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, we meet Eleanor, a woman whose life is meticulously structured around avoiding social interactions. Her solitary existence is turned upside down when she befriends Raymond, a kind-hearted IT guy, and together they help an elderly man in need, leading Eleanor on a journey toward healing and connection.

In The Kiss Quotient, Stella Lane, a successful woman with Asperger's, believes that math is the only thing that can predict life's outcomes. To improve her dating skills, she hires escort Michael Phan, embarking on a journey that challenges her understanding of love and intimacy. As their no-nonsense partnership evolves, Stella discovers that love might just be the most logical equation of all.

In Will’s Race for Home, a young Black family embarks on a perilous journey from Texas to Oklahoma during the land rush of 1889, driven by the hope of land ownership and freedom. As they navigate treacherous terrain and face brutal bandits, they encounter a mysterious soldier whose presence complicates their quest for a place to call home.

Under the Same Stars intertwines the lives of several young women across different decades against the backdrop of World War II and its aftermath. As Sophie discovers a message from a suitor in the Bridegroom's Oak, her friend Hanna uses the tree's secrets to resist the Nazis. Fast forward to 1980s West Germany, where Jenny navigates her identity while falling for a punk-rock girl, and in 2020, best friends Miles and Chloe uncover a decades-old mystery linked to the same oak during the COVID lockdown.

When Judith Potts, a seventy-seven-year-old crossword setter, witnesses a brutal murder while swimming in the Thames, the local police dismiss her claims. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on an investigation, joined by a dog-walker named Suzie and the Vicar's wife, Becks. Together, they form the Marlow Murder Club, quickly realizing that they are entangled in a dangerous game with a real-life serial killer.

The witty crossword puzzle author Judith finds herself at a pre-wedding celebration for Sir Peter Bailey. When a loud crash interrupts the festivities, it becomes clear that the groom-to-be has been mysteriously crushed to death in a locked room, leading Judith and her friends to unravel a clever country house murder mystery.

Slavery After Slavery delves into the harrowing experiences of newly emancipated children who, despite the abolition of slavery, found themselves re-enslaved through exploitative apprenticeship systems. Historian Mary Frances Berry highlights the struggles of these families, revealing how systemic injustices and white supremacist practices perpetuated intergenerational harm and inequality. By documenting individual cases, Berry makes a compelling argument for reparations and restorative justice, shedding light on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of American history.

Power in Words offers an insightful look into the impactful speeches of President Obama, revealing the power of his oratory as a significant aspect of his legacy. Through a combination of political analysis, historical context, and commentary from speechwriters, the book highlights key addresses, including his notable speech opposing the war in Iraq and his poignant victory speech in 2008. This collection not only showcases Obama's rhetorical skills but also provides a deeper understanding of the narratives behind his most memorable moments.

In History Teaches Us To Resist, historian and civil rights activist Mary Frances Berry illustrates how resistance to presidential administrations has historically led to positive change, even in difficult times. By highlighting various movements and protests across different administrations, Berry emphasizes that while resistance may not always achieve immediate goals, it often plants the seeds for future progress.

Dr. Mary Frances Berry examines the critical issues of voter manipulation and electoral corruption in American democracy. She highlights the various methods of voter suppression, such as felon disfranchisement and hard-to-access polling places, while also revealing how vote buying and other illegal practices undermine accountability and disconnect politicians from their constituents. Through compelling narratives and examples from across the country, Berry advocates for increased voter turnout and the importance of grassroots education in empowering citizens.

In The Queen of Poisons, the Mayor of Marlow, Geoffrey Lushington, dies unexpectedly during a Town Council meeting, and traces of aconite are found in his coffee, indicating foul play. The Marlow Murder Club, consisting of Judith, Suzie, and Becks, is brought in as Civilian Advisors to investigate, leading them into a web of intrigue as they seek to uncover who would want to kill the beloved Mayor and how the poison was administered.

In The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, A. Wolf insists he was framed after spending twenty-five years in the Big House. He claims that the infamous huffing and puffing was simply an attempt to borrow sugar for his granny's birthday cake. As readers delve into this humorous tale, they are left to decide who to believe—the pigs or the wolf.