Nonfiction World

Nine-year-old Ling is very comfortable in her life; her parents are both dedicated surgeons in the best hospital in Wuhan. But when Comrade Li, one of Mao's political officers, moves into a room in their apartment, Ling begins to witness the gradual disintegration of her world. In an atmosphere of increasing mistrust, Ling fears for the safety of her neighbors and, soon, for herself and family.

Thomas B. Allen’s expertise in military history and strategy is combined with Roger MacBride Allen’s knowledge of technology to reveal a lesser-known yet fascinating side of the 16th president of the United States. Their authoritative narrative reveals Lincoln as our nation’s first hands-on commander in chief, whose appreciation for the power of technology plays a critical role in the North’s Civil War victory over the less-developed South.

Happiness does not come from revealing all your skin, going clubbing every weekend where you get so drunk you don't remember who you kissed, or maxing your credit cards just so you can buy the latest designer jeans. Happiness comes from living a life of character.

This heartwarming fictionalized autobiography tells the story of what it is like for a little girl to be growing up in an unfamiliar place. While other girls her age were enjoying childhood in America, Jean Fritz was in China in the midst of political unrest. During this time, foreigners were becoming more and more unpopular, and evacuation at a moment’s notice was imminent. Although Jean appreciated the beauty of China - the mountains, the countryside, the sea - she knew she belonged in America and longed to make her home there.

On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City burst into flames. The factory was crowded. The doors were locked to ensure workers stayed inside. One hundred forty-six people - mostly women - perished; it was one of the most lethal workplace fires in American history, until September 11, 2001. But the story of the fire is not the story of one accidental moment in time. It is a story of immigration and hard work to make it in a new country, as Italians and Jews and others traveled to America to find a better life.

After the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, Japanese Americans became the subject of racism and discrimination within the United States. Many were rounded up and put in concentration camps. But even while this was happening, there were many Japanese American soldiers who fought to ensure that all Americans were safe during the biggest conflict in world history. Facing the Mountain is the story of three Japanese American soldiers: Rudy Tokiwa, Fred Shiosaki, and Kats Miho, who volunteered for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team to fight for their country in World War II.

The Involuntary American demonstrates how even indi­viduals of humble circumstances were swept into the mael­strom of the First Global Age. It expands our understanding of immigration to the colonies, colonial servitude, the link­ages and tensions between Europe, Massachusetts Bay, and America's northeastern frontier, and of New England socie­ty in the early colonial period.

Over the span of two hundred years, Great Britain established, governed, lost, and reconstructed an empire that embraced three continents and two oceanic worlds. The British ruled this empire by correlating incoming information about the conduct of subjects and aliens in imperial spaces with norms of good governance developed in London. Officials derived these norms by studying the histories of government contained in the official records of both the state and corporations and located in repositories known as archives.

The insect world is a fascinating place. You may not think so. You may think insects are gross. Or scary. Or dangerous. But there’s so much more to insects than what meets the eye. Told through hilarious prose and packed full of jaw-dropping facts, Brenna Maloney’s first-person narrative presents the big picture on bugs. Insects play a critical role on our planet—as pollinators, garbage collectors, artistic muses, research partners, and even as “dinner.”

This young readers’ edition from New York Times best-selling author and Fox News anchor Bret Baier dives into the first of the secret World War II meetings between President Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin, which would shape the world for decades to come.

Sometimes, living a life of impact seems just out of reach. "What can I possibly do?" we ask. Amy Wolff often felt this way - that her personal grief and comfortable life made her unqualified to connect and uplift others. But one day she decided to do something - and that something sparked a nationwide and worldwide movement of encouragement. Signs of Hope is an intimate account of the yard signs with encouraging messages she created with her family and placed around their city, and how that act of love has sparked a new journey - helping you find your way to make a difference.

Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to the Groundhog Day tradition? Are you aware that the Liberty Bell is three feet tall? Including information on civilizations dating back to 10,000 years ago in the region, this book explores Pennsylvania's storied history, from its importance in the founding of the United States to the creation of the Philly cheesesteak.

Did you know that the Statue of Liberty was originally copper-colored? Are you aware that Niagara Falls is the oldest state park in the country? Or that the Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in New York? Including information on the region's earliest Native groups and the Harlem Renaissance, this book explores New York's varied history and dynamic landscapes, from the dazzling skyscrapers of Manhattan to the striking waters of the Great Lakes and the Finger Lakes. There’s a reason it’s the most-visited state in the country!

What does it take to be a STEM genius? Check out these exciting, highly listenable profiles of a dozen contemporary women who are on the cutting edge of scientific research.

In Marshall's Great Captain, author Kathy Wilson details Andrews's extraordinary life and career. The first biography dedicated to the namesake of Joint Base Andrews, this book sheds a light on Andrews's crucial role in orchestrating US involvement in WWII, as well as the professional relationship between Andrews and Marshall. Wilson raises Andrews's legacy to its legitimate place within the annals of both air power and WWII history and posits that there is a high probability that Andrews was Marshall's first choice for the office of Supreme Allied Commander.

Who’s Got Mail? is an intriguing and fact-filled look at how the mail has been delivered in the United States since before the Constitution was even signed. Full of eccentric characters, great stories, and technological achievements, this fun middle-grade narrative nonfiction from author Linda Barrett Osborne celebrates one of the oldest and strongest institutions, and is a true testament to the spirit of American democracy.

Did you know that cotton candy was invented in Tennessee? Are you aware that about three million people visit the Dollywood theme park each year? Or that Tennessee was the site of the worst earthquake in the history of the continental United States? Including information on the region's Indigenous groups, this book explores Tennessee's rich history and culture, from the Parthenon museum to the state's more than 10,000 caves. With so many sights to explore above and below ground, Tennessee is more than meets the eye!

Did you know that Michigan has a floating post office? Are you aware that wolverines are exceedingly rare in Michigan, even though it's called the wolverine state? Or that over 40 percent of Michigan is covered in water? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Michigan's rich history and culture, from the popularity of college sports to the history of Motown Records. The only US state split in two, Michigan has double the fascinating facts!

Did you know that Blackbeard the pirate crashed his ship off of North Carolina in 1718? Are you aware that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America? Or that the Wright brothers' first flight in a powered aircraft took place in North Carolina, lasting only twelve seconds? Including information on the region's Indigenous groups, this book explores North Carolina's rich history and culture, from the incredible archaeological finds at the Hardaway Site to the legacy of Appalachian music.

Did you know that Arizona is where humans first discovered Pluto? Are you aware that Arizona produces more copper than any other state? Or that the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world—the only one in the United States? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Arizona's rich history and culture, from the cliff dwellings of Ancestral Puebloans to the legendary shootout at the OK Corral.