Biography & Memoir Audiobooks

Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist

Winner of the American Library Association's 2021 Asian/Pacific American Award for Best Picture Book! An inspiring picture-book biography of animator Tyrus Wong, the Chinese American immigrant responsible for bringing Disney's Bambi to life. Before he became an artist named Tyrus Wong, he was a boy named Wong Geng Yeo. He traveled across a vast ocean from China to America with only a suitcase and a few papers. Not papers for drawing--which he loved to do--but immigration papers to start a new life. Once in America, Tyrus seized every opportunity to make art, eventually enrolling at an art institute in Los Angeles. Working as a janitor at night, his mop twirled like a paintbrush in his hands. Eventually, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime--and using sparse brushstrokes and soft watercolors, Tyrus created the iconic backgrounds of Bambi. Julie Leung and Chris Sasaki perfectly capture the beautiful life and work of a painter who came to this country with dreams and talent--and who changed the world of animation forever.

Julie Leung (Author), Feodor Chin (Narrator)

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The Polio Pioneer: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine

A SYDNEY TAYLOR NOTABLE BOOK • Learn about the importance of vaccines and the scientific process through the fascinating life of world-renowned scientist Jonas Salk, whose pioneering discoveries changed the world forever. Dr. Jonas Salk is one of the most celebrated doctors and medical researchers of the 20th century. The child of immigrants who never learned to speak English, Jonas was struck by the devastation he saw when the soldiers returned from battle after WWII. Determined to help, he worked to become a doctor and eventually joined the team that created the influenza vaccine. But Jonas wanted to do more. As polio ravaged the United States--even the president was not immune!--Jonas decided to lead the fight against this terrible disease. In 1952, Dr. Jonas Salk invented the polio vaccine, which nearly eliminated polio from this country. For the rest of his life, Dr. Salk continued to do groundbreaking medical research at the Salk Institute, leaving behind a legacy that continues to make the world a better place every day. This compelling picture book biography sheds light on Dr. Salk's groundbreaking journey and the importance of vaccination.

Linda Elovitz Marshall (Author), Gilli Messer, Linda Elovitz Marshall (Narrator)

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William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad

Coming soon

Don Tate (Author), Adam Lazarre-White (Narrator)

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Dear Librarian

When Lydia was five years old, she and her family had to leave their home. They hopped from Grandma's house to Aunt Linda's house to Cousin Alice's house, but no place was permanent. Then one day, everything changed: Lydia's mom took her to a new place?not a house but a big building with stone columns and tall tall steps. The library. In the library, Lydia found her special spot across from the sunny window at a round desk. For behind that desk was her new friend, the librarian. Together, Lydia and the librarian discovered a world beyond their walls, one that sparkled with spectacular joy.

Lydia M. Sigwarth (Author), Ira Glass, Lydia M. Sigwarth (Narrator)

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Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars

Coming soon

Laurie Wallmark (Author), Romy Nordlinger (Narrator)

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Astronaut Annie

Annie’s joyful exuberance and her family’s whole-hearted support leave no doubt that her dream is within her grasp. This delightful story-with backmatter about women astronauts-encourages young readers to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars. Career Day is approaching, and Annie can’t wait to show her family what she’s planning to be when she grows up. But, she must keep it a secret until Friday! So curious family members each ask Annie for a clue. Convinced that she’ll be a news reporter like he once was, Grandpop gives her his old camera and notebook to use for her presentation. Grandma is sure Annie wants to be a champion baker like her, so she offers a mixing bowl and oven mitts to Annie. Hopeful she'll become the mountain climber he aspired to be, Dad gives Annie an old backpack. Mom presents Annie with a pair of high-top sneakers to pursue Mom's favorite sport in high school-basketball. Grateful for each gift, Annie cleverly finds a way to use them all to create her Career Day costume. When the big day arrives, Annie finally reveals her out-of-this-world dream to everyone.

Suzanne Slade (Author), Joniece Abbott-Pratt (Narrator)

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She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds! In this chapter book biography by Rita Williams-Garcia, the award-winning author of One Crazy Summer, readers learn about the amazing life of three-time Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner--and how she persisted. Considered the fastest woman of all time, Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo Jo, set two world records in 1988 that still stand today. But getting there wasn't easy, and Flo Jo had to overcome many challenges along the way. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Florence Griffith Joyner's footsteps and make a difference!

Chelsea Clinton, Rita Williams-Garcia (Author), Chelsea Clinton, Janina Edwards (Narrator)

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Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped

As featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary Crip Camp, and for readers of I Am Malala, one of the most influential disability rights activists in US history tells her story of fighting to belong. "If I didn't fight, who would?" Judy Heumann was only 5 years old when she was first denied her right to attend school. Paralyzed from polio and raised by her Holocaust-surviving parents in New York City, Judy had a drive for equality that was instilled early in life. In this young readers' edition of her acclaimed memoir, Being Heumann, Judy shares her journey of battling for equal access in an unequal world-from fighting to attend grade school after being described as a "fire hazard" because of her wheelchair, to suing the New York City school system for denying her a teacher's license because of her disability. Judy went on to lead 150 disabled people in the longest sit-in protest in US history at the San Francisco Federal Building. Cut off from the outside world, the group slept on office floors, faced down bomb threats, and risked their lives to win the world's attention and the first civil rights legislation for disabled people. Judy's bravery, persistence, and signature rebellious streak will speak to every person fighting to belong and fighting for social justice.

Judith Heumann, Kristen Joiner (Author), Ali Stroker (Narrator)

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ORION: A life-changing Journey

Segui i tuoi sogni. Non aver paura di fallire. Quello che vuoi dalla vita non ti finirà in grembo. Non accadrà senza la tua supervisione. Ottenere ciò che vuoi - e senza dubbio meriti - richiede la volontà di combattere e di tirare fuori i pugni. Ma di tanto in tanto uno di quei pugni atterrerà e ti metterà KO. Quello che succede dopo è la cosa più importante: stai giù o ti alzi e riprendi a lottare? A volte, se hai occhi per vederlo, ottieni una nuova prospettiva quando sei sdraiato sulla tela... La mia storia – e la storia di questo libro – è iniziata in Italia, dove ho vissuto la mia giovinezza. La trama si è infittita con una deviazione in Australia prima che rispondessi alla chiamata del Regno Unito, dove finalmente ho visto realizzare i miei sogni. Lungo la strada, ho rotolato con i pugni e ho trascorso molto tempo sulla tela. Ma ho continuato a rialzarmi e spero che la mia storia ti ispiri a fare lo stesso.

Rosario Martone (Author), Thomas Centaro (Narrator)

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DK Life Stories: Albert Einstein

Learn all about Albert Einstein and his famous scientific theories in this children's biography. In this kids' biography, follow the remarkable life story of Albert Einstein, whose legendary genius and creative imagination made him one of the world's most famous thinkers. Albert Einstein is known as one of the most brilliant people in history. His many theories and discoveries changed the way scientists think and work, and the way in which we look at and understand things. Learn all about Einstein's family and education, his travels and troubles, and the special compass he was given as a young boy that first set him on the path to questioning the world around him. This new biography series from DK goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most interesting people. An age-appropriate text to create an engaging audiobook children will enjoy listening to. This is the one biography series everyone will want to collect. © 2019 Wil Mara © 2020 DK Audio

Dk, Wil Mara (Author), Joseph Balderrama (Narrator)

Audiobook

Starboy: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie

A starry-eyed ode to self-expression and staying true to yourself, inspired by the life and lyrics of beloved icon David Bowie. For as long as David could remember, he felt like a stranger on his own planet. As if he’d fallen to Earth from outer space… David Bowie is one of the most influential artists of our time, beloved for his joyful self-expression and fierce individuality. But how did he come to be this iconic Starman, celebrated by millions around the world? Inspired by the life and lyrics of David Bowie, author-illustrator Jami Gigot imagines the story of a lonely young boy enchanted by the music of the stars—yet no one else can hear the shimmy-shake rhythm that moves through his body. At first misunderstood and ignored, David ultimately finds the courage to be true to himself, sparking a dazzling revolution… At once vibrantly imaginative and true to the spirit of Bowie, Starboy is about embracing your individuality and discovering the cosmic rhythm that hums within each of us. A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

Jami Gigot (Author), Mike Cooper (Narrator)

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This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth

A deeply moving story about community and resilience, from the point-of-view of the Callery pear tree that survived the attacks on September 11, from Eisner Award-nominated author-illustrator Sean Rubin. 'A resonant, beautifully rendered testament to life and renewal.' —Kirkus, starred review In the 1970s, nestled between the newly completed Twin Towers in New York City, a Callery pear tree was planted. Over the years, the tree provided shade for people looking for a place to rest and a home for birds, along with the first blooms of spring. On September 11, 2001, everything changed. The tree’s home was destroyed, and it was buried under the rubble. But a month after tragedy struck, a shocking discovery was made at Ground Zero: the tree had survived. Dubbed the “Survivor Tree,” it was moved to the Bronx to recover. And in the thoughtful care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Callery pear was nursed back to health. Almost a decade later, the Survivor Tree returned home and was planted in the 9/11 Memorial to provide beauty and comfort…and also hope. This is the story of that tree—and of a nation in recovery. Told from the tree’s perspective, This Very Tree is a touching tribute to first responders, the resilience of America, and the restorative power of community. A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

Sean Rubin (Author), Jennifer Ceci (Narrator)

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