In a compelling, richly researched novel that draws from thousands of letters and original sources, bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie tell the fascinating, untold story of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph—a woman who kept the secrets of our most enigmatic founding father and shaped an American legacy. From her earliest days, Patsy Jefferson knows that though her father loves his family dearly, his devotion to his country runs deeper still. As Thomas Jefferson’s oldest daughter, she becomes his helpmate, protector, and constant companion in the wake of her mother’s death, traveling with him when he becomes [...]

In this sweeping, foundational work, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian David Hackett Fischer draws on extensive research to show how enslaved Africans and their descendants enlarged American ideas of freedom in varying ways in different regions of the early United States. African Founders explores the little-known history of how enslaved people from different regions of Africa interacted with colonists of European origins to create new regional cultures in the colonial United States. The Africans brought with them linguistic skills, novel techniques of animal husbandry and farming, and generations-old ethical principles, among other attributes. This startling history reveals how much our country was shaped by [...]

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 [...]

Everyone knows Benjamin Franklin—the thrifty inventor-statesman of the Revolutionary era—but not about his love life. Poor Richard’s Women reveals the long-neglected voices of the women Ben loved and lost during his lifelong struggle between passion and prudence. The most prominent among them was Deborah Read Franklin, his common-law wife and partner for 44 years. Long dismissed by historians, she was an independent, politically savvy woman and devoted wife who raised their children, managed his finances, and fought off angry mobs at gunpoint while he traipsed about England. Weaving detailed historical research with emotional intensity and personal testimony, Nancy Rubin Stuart traces Deborah’s life [...]

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 [...]

Benjamin Franklin is the Founding Father who winks at us. An ambitious urban entrepreneur who rose up the social ladder, from leather-aproned shopkeeper to dining with kings, he seems made of flesh rather than of marble. In bestselling author Walter Isaacson’s vivid and witty full-scale biography, we discover why Franklin seems to turn to us from history’s stage with eyes that twinkle from behind his new-fangled spectacles. By bringing Franklin to life, Isaacson shows how he helped to define both his own time and ours. He was, during his 84-year life, America’s best scientist, inventor, diplomat, writer, and business strategist, and [...]

While much has been written about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence, battled the British, and framed the Constitution, the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters they left behind have been little noticed by history. The late #1 New York Times bestselling author Cokie Roberts brings us women who fought the Revolution as valiantly as the men, often defending their very doorsteps. Drawing upon personal correspondence, private journals, and even favored recipes, Roberts reveals the often surprising stories of these fascinating women, bringing to life the everyday trials and extraordinary triumphs of individuals like Abigail Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Deborah Read Franklin, [...]

The past may seem the safest place to be . . . but it is the most dangerous time to be alive. . . . Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall were torn apart by the Jacobite Rising in 1746, and it took them twenty years to find each other again. Now the American Revolution threatens to do the same. It is 1779 and Claire and Jamie are at last reunited with their daughter, Brianna, her husband, Roger, and their children on Fraser’s Ridge. Having the family together is a dream the Frasers had thought impossible. Yet even in the North Carolina [...]

In this masterful book, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence – when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper.Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is a powerful drama written with extraordinary narrative vitality. It is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, [...]

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.