This is the fascinating story of Catholic heroes who, despite discrimination and persecution, saw the promise of America and sought to fight for its independence. Some of these Catholic heroes were Americans, like the three Carroll brothersmof Maryland who included Charles, the longest-lived signer of the Declaration of Independence, John, America's first bishop, and John Barry, one of the founders of the U.S. Navy. Other heroes were foreign-born: Frenchmen like legendary generals the Marquis de Lafayette and the Comte de Rochambeau, as well as Polish soldiers such as Casimir Pulaski, the founder of the U.S. Calvary, and the daring Thaddeus Kosciuszko. All were inspired by their Catholic faith to join the Revolution and its call for human freedom and dignity. For all who are passionate about the Catholic Faith and the American experiment, Dan LeRoy's Liberty's Lions is a book you won't be able to put down.
In this action-packed history, award-winning author Harlow Giles Unger unfolds the epic story of Patrick Henry, who roused Americans to fight government tyranny -- both British and American. Remembered largely for his cry for "liberty or death," Henry was actually the first (and most colorful) of America's Founding Fathers -- first to call Americans to arms against Britain, first to demand a bill of rights, and first to fight the growth of big government after the Revolution. As quick with a rifle as he was with his tongue, Henry was America's greatest orator and courtroom lawyer, who mixed histrionics and hilarity to provoke tears or laughter from judges and jurors alike. Henry's passion for liberty (as well as his very large family), suggested to many Americans that he, not Washington, was the real father of his country. This biography is history at its best, telling a story both human and philosophical. As Unger points out, Henry's words continue to echo across America and inspire millions to fight government intrusion in their daily lives.
"Satisfying, gratifying, touching, weighty—this authentic piece of work has got soul."—The New York Times Book Review As twelve-year-old Marlee starts middle school in 1958 Little Rock, it feels like her whole world is falling apart. Until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is everything Marlee wishes she could be: she's brave, brash and always knows the right thing to say. But when Liz leaves school without even a good-bye, the rumor is that Liz was caught passing for white. Marlee decides that doesn't matter. She just wants her friend back. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are even willing to take on segregation and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families. Winner of the New-York Historical Society Children’s History Book Prize A New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice
Lionel the lion does NOT like to share. After all, he’s learned that lions always get the lion's share. He gets all the best instruments from the music shop, all the handsomest hats from the hat shop, and all the brightest balloons from the balloon cart. But at Chloe’s birthday party Lionel goes too far, eating ALL the cake. If Lionel’s not careful, he’ll have the best of everything . . . except friends. Can he turn things around in time?
The Winter Elf speaks to familiar feelings from childhood, especially those of fear and grief, but also of love and security. It’s Christmas time, and Clara Rose is grieving the absence of her mother who is hospitalized. The resulting family stress leaves the child feeling lost and alone. In response, she keeps her worries and tears silent, trying hard to be a 'good little girl' and not call attention to herself. When an odd but proper English elf shows up in her yard one snowy night, the little girl sees her sacrifice of self in a new light as she learns the importance of embracing her pain and opening up with those who love her. Clara discovers that it is only through sharing her hurts and hopes that her heart can find healing. The Winter Elf revisits the nostalgic enchantment of wintertime and fairytales. Reading the tale aloud, families connect and bond in the cozy evening hours before bed and learn with Clara Rose the importance of sharing one’s heart, hurt, and hope.
The fiery crucible of war had already taught the Bradford family that serving God and serving one's country often calls for great sacrifice. In the pursuit of the inalienable rights of the Sons of Liberty, the severing of strong ties with England had swept them into fields of battle and torn family loyalities asunder.
In the corner of Joanne Farrell's living room sits a box once owned by her grandfather, Dr. John A. Farrell. The contents of the old wooden box aided her in her search for the secrets of people long past. Each item in the wooden time capsule gave her life new meaning and purpose while courageously she wrote her first novel. She found pride and a deep understanding of life while learning and writing about the challenges faced by those who lived long ago. It is a novel to pay tribute to the grandfather she never knew. Now, she would like to share her novel of generations of Irish heritage with the world. It is the story of the Irish coming to America through exile, famine, and chain letters of hope. Once the Irish came to America, they shared their dreams and gifts with the new nation as well as the burdens of many American hardships. Each soul in each generation gave it all, suffered great, and found the will to survive when all odds were against them and every obstacle was put in their path. Their lives changes America forever. A deeply spiritual Christian, Farrell is a strong advocate for humane policies and is active in many grassroots organizations and causes. She is an avid songwriter, poet, guitarist, painter, hiker, traveler, and mother of three. At the present, she resides in the City of Rensselaer, N.Y. on the very same street as her great grandparents did a century ago.
The definitive biography of a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington forever Andrew Jackson, his intimate circle of friends, and his tumultuous times are at the heart of this remarkable book about the man who rose from nothing to create the modern presidency. Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, Andrew Jackson was an orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, bending the nation to his will in the cause of democracy. Jackson’s election in 1828 ushered in a new and lasting era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and the fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad. To tell the saga of Jackson’s presidency, acclaimed author Jon Meacham goes inside the Jackson White House. Drawing on newly discovered family letters and papers, he details the human drama–the family, the women, and the inner circle of advisers– that shaped Jackson’s private world through years of storm and victory. One of our most significant yet dimly recalled presidents, Jackson was a battle-hardened warrior, the founder of the Democratic Party, and the architect of the presidency as we know it. His story is one of violence, sex, courage, and tragedy. With his powerful persona, his evident bravery, and his mystical connection to the people, Jackson moved the White House from the periphery of government to the center of national action, articulating a vision of change that challenged entrenched interests to heed the popular will– or face his formidable wrath. The greatest of the presidents who have followed Jackson in the White House–from Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt to FDR to Truman–have found inspiration in his example, and virtue in his vision. Jackson was the most contradictory of men. The architect of the removal of Indians from their native lands, he was warmly sentimental and risked everything to give more power to ordinary citizens. He was, in short, a lot like his country: alternately kind and vicious, brilliant and blind; and a man who fought a lifelong war to keep the republic safe–no matter what it took.
