Jon Swift is in trouble. His journalism career is in freefall. He's too old to be part of the new world order and he's never learned to suck up to those in charge. But experience has taught him to trust his instincts. When, for the first time in years, Jon runs into Lin Lifeng in a café in Oxford he wonders if the meeting is a coincidence. When Lin asks him to pass on a coded message, he knows it's not. Travelling to Beijing, Jon starts to follow a tangled web in which it is hard to know who he can trust. Under the watchful eyes of an international network of spies, double-agents and politicians, all with a ruthless desire for power, Jon is in a high-stakes race to expose the truth, before it's too late.
A New York Times Book Review Notable Book of 2017 A Wall Street Journal Best Book of 2017 From the great historian of the American Revolution, New York Times-bestselling and Pulitzer-winning Gordon Wood, comes a majestic dual biography of two of America's most enduringly fascinating figures, whose partnership helped birth a nation, and whose subsequent falling out did much to fix its course. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams could scarcely have come from more different worlds, or been more different in temperament. Jefferson, the optimist with enough faith in the innate goodness of his fellow man to be democracy's champion, was an aristocratic Southern slaveowner, while Adams, the overachiever from New England's rising middling classes, painfully aware he was no aristocrat, was a skeptic about popular rule and a defender of a more elitist view of government. They worked closely in the crucible of revolution, crafting the Declaration of Independence and leading, with Franklin, the diplomatic effort that brought France into the fight. But ultimately, their profound differences would lead to a fundamental crisis, in their friendship and in the nation writ large, as they became the figureheads of two entirely new forces, the first American political parties. It was a bitter breach, lasting through the presidential administrations of both men, and beyond. But late in life, something remarkable happened: these two men were nudged into reconciliation. What started as a grudging trickle of correspondence became a great flood, and a friendship was rekindled, over the course of hundreds of letters. In their final years they were the last surviving founding fathers and cherished their role in this mighty young republic as it approached the half century mark in 1826. At last, on the afternoon of July 4th, 50 years to the day after the signing of the Declaration, Adams let out a sigh and said, At least Jefferson still lives. He died soon thereafter. In fact, a few hours earlier on that same day, far to the south in his home in Monticello, Jefferson died as well. Arguably no relationship in this country's history carries as much freight as that of John Adams of Massachusetts and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. Gordon Wood has more than done justice to these entwined lives and their meaning; he has written a magnificent new addition to America's collective story.
February is time for snuggling . . . July is time for fireworks . . . This beautifully formatted picture book takes young readers through every month of the year as a little boy, girl, dog, and cat celebrate each month with unique, playful images that convey what makes it special. With gentle pastel illustrations in sequential panels, A Year with Friends teaches young readers about the seasons and the delightful ways they can be experienced with those you love. Praise for A Year with Friends: "This expressive childhood tribute to the joys of nature throughout the year warmly conveys the message that anytime is best when shared with a friend." —Kirkus Reviews "A beautiful, fun, and minimalist journey through the seasons...The format is varied, with panels, spreads, and full-page pictures, and the art is delightful. Youngsters are sure to take pleasure in following the characters’ activities throughout the year." —School Library Journal "In this pleasing concept book, husband-and-wife author-illustrator team Seven and Christy introduce two children enjoying typical activities throughout each month of the year." —Booklist "This beautiful new picture book will be a great way to start the New Year in classrooms with young readers. Illustrated with soft shades and panels across double page spreads, the story line alternates between a young girl and a young boy having fun each month of the year." —Reading Today Online "Rather than mentioning specific holidays by name, the book hints at festive occasions...keeping the emphasis on the generous, sociable, and downright fun things friends do together. Christy's illustrations provide humor, energy, and entertainment with year-round appeal." —Publishers Weekly
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were good friends with very different personalities. But their differing views on how to run the newly created United States turned them into the worst of friends. They each became leaders of opposing political parties, and their rivalry followed them to the White House. Full of both history and humor, this is the story of two of America's most well-known presidents and how they learned to put their political differences aside for the sake of friendship.
A young wolf, named Ben, goes into the forest one day to make friends. But Ben has a problem - no one likes wolves, since wolves are thought of as mean and dangerous, the other animals jeer and chase Ben away without really knowing him. Ben is left feeling sad and alone. Ben is faced with a challenge - either help one of the animals despite being treated poorly by him, or treat him, as he treated Ben, and get "justice" and revenge.
