A Memory of Light, by Robert Jordan   

Since 1990, when Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time burst on the world with its first book, The Eye of the World, readers have been anticipating the final scenes of this extraordinary saga, which has sold over forty million copies in over thirty languages. When Robert Jordan died in 2007, all feared that these concluding scenes would never be written. But working from notes and partials left by Jordan, established fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson stepped in to complete the masterwork. (Hardcover, Sci Fi/Fantasy.) 

The Emancipation Proclamation, by Tonya Bolden  

This book offers readers a unique look at the events that led to the Emancipation Proclamation. Filled with little-known facts and fascinating details, it includes excerpts from historical sources, archival images, and new research that debunks myths about the Emancipation Proclamation and its causes. Complete with a timeline, glossary, and bibliography, Emancipation Proclamation is an engrossing new historical resource from award-winning children's book author Tonya Bolden. (Hardcover, History/Biography, Ages 10-14.) 

 Jefferson's Sons, by Kimberly Bradley
This story of Thomas Jefferson's children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings, tells a darker piece of America's history from an often unseen perspective-that of three of Jefferson's slaves-including two of his own children. As each child grows up and tells his story, the contradiction between slavery and freedom becomes starker, calling into question the real meaning of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This poignant story sheds light on what life was like as one of Jefferson's invisible offspring. (Paperback, Middle Grade.) 

  

Let It Shine, by Andrea Davis Pinkney   

Andrea Davis Pinkney's moving text and Stephen Alcorn's glorious portraits celebrate the lives of ten bold women freedom fighters of the civil rights movement. Includes biographies of Sojournor Truth, Biddy Mason, Harriet Tubman, Ida B.Wells-Barnett, Mary McLeod Bethune, Ella Josephine Baker, Dorothy Irene Height, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Shirley Chisholm. (Paperback, History/Biography, Ages 8-12.)   

  

A Splash of Red, by Jen Bryant   

As a child in the late 1800s, Horace Pippin loved to draw. He drew pictures for his sisters, his classmates, his co-workers. Even during W.W.I, Horace filled his notebooks with drawings from the trenches...until he was shot. Upon his return home, Horace couldn't lift his right arm, and couldn't make any art. Slowly, with lots of practice, he regained use of his arm, until once again, he was able to paint-and paint, and paint! Soon, people-including the famous painter N. C. Wyeth-started noticing Horace's art, and before long, his paintings were displayed in galleries and museums across the country. (Hardcover, History/Biography, Ages 5-8.)

 

Curses! Foiled Again, by Jane Yolen   

Aliera Carstairs is back. This time she's got her cousin-and best friend-Caroline in tow, and the stakes are higher than ever. The realm of Seelie, the fairy kingdom of which Aliera is the hereditary defender, is under attack, and only Aliera and Caroline can set things right. Caroline, fragile and wheelchair-bound, may seem like more of a liability than an asset, but Aliera knows there's more to her quiet cousin than meets the eye. Curses! Foiled Again is Jane Yolen at her best, reunited with her partner in crime, the fabulously talented illustrator Mike Cavallaro. (Paperback, Ages 11-16.) 

Bad Kitty: School Daze, by Nick Bruel   

Kitty and Puppy are out of control! They're screaming, fighting, hissing, and drooling all over the house, and all of the commotion is upsetting Baby. Time for school-obedience school, that is. Can Kitty learn to follow the rules and make friends with the other students or will she bring chaos to the classroom? (Hardcover, Ages 7-10.) 

 Ninja Meerkats, by Gareth P. Jones
Small, furry, and deadly--this is Meerkat Manor meets Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! In book one, a tiger is missing from Hong Kong Zoo, but this is no ordinary Big Cat--and she won't be found by sticking Lost posters on lamp posts. When the meerkats find a clown-shaped Clue in the Poo at the zoo it can only mean one thing. The Ringmaster and his Circus Goons are in town. It's time for the Ninja Meerkats to leap into action! (Paperback, Ages 7-9.)   

Lick!, by Matthew Van Fleet   

From the creator of the New York Times bestselling Heads and Tails, four clever pull-tabs and seven tickly textures put toddlers face-to-face with captivating critters who prove that tongues can do much more than taste! This hands-on read-aloud is sure to become a bedtime-and anytime-favorite.. (Board Book, Ages 2-6.)