Biography & Memoir Audiobooks

Who Was Jackie Robinson?

As a kid, Jackie Robinson loved sports. And why not? He was a natural at football, basketball, and, of course, baseball. But beyond athletic skill, it was his strength of character that secured his place in sports history. In 1947 Jackie joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the long-time color barrier in major league baseball. It was tough being first- not only did 'fans' send hate mail but some of his own teammates refused to accept him.From the Compact Disc edition.

Gail Herman (Author), Dominic Hoffman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Do All the Good You Can

An inspiring and meticulously researched middle grade biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton-First Lady, senator, secretary of state, and Democratic candidate for president in 2016. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a true leader. Growing up in Park Ridge, Illinois, Hillary was inspired by the philosophy of John Wesley, who urged his followers to "do all the good you can." Rising to prominence in 1992 as the First Lady of the United States, Hillary captured the world's attention with her bold ideas and political forcefulness. From her time at Wellesley to her life at the White House and beyond, Hillary has been at the forefront of huge change-and despite setbacks and political scandals, she has worked for good in the world. Acclaimed author Cynthia Levinson creates a compelling and personal portrait of Hillary's historic journey from her childhood to her service as secretary of state and beyond. Includes a timeline of Hillary Rodham Clinton's life and an eight-page photo insert.

Cynthia Levinson (Author), Tavia Gilbert (Narrator)

Audiobook

Radioactive!: How Irene Curie and Lise Meitner Revolutionized Science and Changed the World

The fascinating, little-known story of how two brilliant female physicists' groundbreaking discoveries led to the creation of the atomic bomb. In 1934, IrEne Curie, working with her husband and fellow scientist, Frederic Joliot, made a discovery that would change the world: artificial radioactivity. This breakthrough allowed scientists to modify elements and create new ones by altering the structure of atoms. Curie shared a Nobel Prize with her husband for their work. But when she was nominated to the French Academy of Sciences, the academy denied her admission and voted to disqualify all women from membership. Four years later, Curie's breakthrough led physicist Lise Meitner to a brilliant leap of understanding that unlocked the secret of nuclear fission. Meitner's unique insight was critical to the revolution in science that led to nuclear energy and the race to build the atom bomb, yet her achievement was left unrecognized by the Nobel committee in favor of that of her male colleague. Radioactive! presents the story of two women breaking ground in a male-dominated field, scientists still largely unknown despite their crucial contributions to cutting-edge research, in a nonfiction narrative that reads with the suspense of a thriller. Photographs and sidebars illuminate and clarify the science in the book.

Winifred Conkling (Author), Andrea Gallo (Narrator)

Audiobook

Exciting Events: Volume 04

In 1810 a teenage American sailor, Joseph Bates, is abducted by the notorious British press gang. Listen as he is unjustly forced into the King's navy, then escapes only to be seized again. Released six years later, he works as a merchant seaman surviving ocean perils and harrowing storms. Joseph's skill and courage result in his becoming a trusted sea captain. His marine adventures continue, yet Joseph feels the need for faith in his life. Hear the inspiring story of Ida Scudder, a gifted physician/missionary. She could not ignore the needs of India's women who were suffering and dying-kept from receiving the urgent medical care they needed by cultural restrictions. Then travel with us to the early 1700s in Dresden, Germany. Ludwig, Count of Zinzendorf, was of noble birth, and schooled to be a lawyer. Using his influence to help others, young Ludwig believed 'no man liveth unto himself.' His love of missions and impact for good still resonates today. Great listening for the whole family!

Your Story Hour (Author), Aunt Carole, Uncle Dan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Great Americans in Sports: Drew Brees

This entry in a brand new line of sports biographies from Matt Christopher takes readers onto the field with a beloved quarterback Drew Brees grew up in a family of athletes, and overcame injuries and setbacks to become one of today's best quarterbacks. This comprehensive biography - complete with photos and fun infographics - shows how Drew Brees went from being a flag football player to Super Bowl MVP and modern legend, and is sure to appeal to legions of football fans.

Matt Christopher (Author), Alden Ford (Narrator)

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Great Americans in Sports: Blake Griffin

This entry in a brand new line of sports biographies from Matt Christopher takes readers onto the court with an all-star who reaches for new heights Blake Griffin is known for being a #1 draft pick, Rookie of the Year, Slam Dunk Contest winner, and one of the best power forwards playing today. But he had to fight to make it onto the NBA court at all after sitting out his first pro season with a devastating knee injury. Learn more about the perennial All-Star in this comprehensive biography, complete with photos and fun infographics.

Matt Christopher (Author), Alden Ford (Narrator)

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Island Treasures: Growing Up in Cuba

The author of My Name Is Maria Isabel offers an inspiring look at her childhood in Cuba in this collection that includes Where the Flame Trees Bloom, Under the Royal Palms, five new stories, and more. These true autobiographical tales from renowned Hispanic author and educator Alma Flor Ada are filled with family love and traditions, secrets and deep friendships, and a gorgeous, moving picture of the island of Cuba, where Alma Flor grew up. Told through the eyes of a child, a whole world comes to life in these pages: the blind great-grandmother who never went to school but whose wisdom and generosity overflowed to those around her; the hired hand Samone, whose love for music overcame all difficulties; the beloved dance teacher who helped sustain young Alma Flor through a miserable year in school; her dear and daring Uncle Medardo, who bravely flew airplanes; and more. Heartwarming, poignant, and often humorous, this wonderful collection encourages readers to discover the stories in their own lives-and to celebrate the joys and struggles we all share, no matter where or when we grew up. Featuring the classic and award-winning books Where the Flame Trees Bloom and Under the Royal Palms, Island Treasures also includes a new collection, Days at La Quinta Simoni, many new family photographs, and a Spanish-to-English glossary.

Alma Flor Ada (Author), Trini Alvarado (Narrator)

Audiobook

Alice Waters and the Trip to Delicious

'Alice Waters, owner of the restaurant Chez Panisse, is an American chef who is known for creating the 'slow food' movement--which promotes the benefits of healthy, organic food to ordinary people. Narrator Laura Hamilton portrays her in a voice that sounds eager and child-friendly.' - AudioFile Magazine

Jacqueline Briggs-Martin (Author), Alice Waters, Jacqueline Briggs-Martin, Laura Hamilton (Narrator)

Audiobook

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table

A former basketball star, Farmer Will Allen is an innovator, educator, and community builder. When he looked at an abandoned city lot he saw a huge table, big enough to feed the whole world. With clear and lively text and bright, engaging illustrations, this inspiring story of his determination to bring good food to every table inspires as it informs. A Live Oak Media audio production.

Jacqueline Briggs Martin (Author), Jacqueline Briggs Martin, Peter J. Fernandez, Will Allen (Narrator)

Audiobook

Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes

An inspiring tribute to Hispanic Americans who have made a positive impact on the world This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism, and athletics. Gorgeous portraits complement sparkling biographies of Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, and many more. Complete with timelines and famous quotes, this tome is a magnificent homage to those who have shaped our nation. In this volume: Adelina Otero-Warren, Bernardo de Galvez, Cesar Chavez, David Farragut, Dennis Chavez, Desi Arnaz, Dolores Huerta, Ellen Ochoa, Helen Rodriguez Trias, Hero Street USA, Ignacio Lozano, Jaime Escalante, Joan Baez, Judy Baca, Julia de Burgos, Luis Alvarez, Rita Moreno, Roberte Clemente, Sonia Sotomayor, and Tomas Rivera

Juan Felipe Herrera (Author), Luis Moreno (Narrator)

Audiobook

Lincoln's Spymaster: Allan Pinkerton, America's First Private Eye

From Samantha Seiple, the award-winning author of Ghosts in the Fog, comes the first book for young adults to tell the story of Allan Pinkerton, America's first private eye. Lincoln's Spymaster tells the dangerous and action-packed adventures of Allan Pinkerton, America's first private eye and Lincoln's most trusted spymaster. Pinkerton was just a poor immigrant barrel-maker in Illinois when he stumbled across his first case just miles from his home. His reputation grew and people began approaching Pinkerton with their cases, leading him to open the first-of-its-kind private detective agency. Pinkerton assembled a team of undercover agents, and together they caught train robbers, counterfeiters, and other outlaws. Soon these outlaws, including Jesse James, became their nemeses. Danger didn't stop the agency! The team even uncovered and stopped an assassination plot against president-elect Abraham Lincoln! Seeing firsthand the value of Pinkerton's service, Lincoln funded Pinkerton's spy network, a precursor to the Secret Service. Allan Pinkerton is known as the father of modern-day espionage, and this is the first book for young adults to tell his story!

Samantha Seiple (Author), Danny Campbell (Narrator)

Audiobook

Book

Books contain countless tales—but what if Book told its own story? From clay tablets to e-readers, here is a quirky, kid-friendly look at the book. Books are one of humankind’s greatest forms of expression, and now Book, in a witty, idiosyncratic voice, tells us the inside story. A wonderfully eccentric character with strong opinions and a poetic turn of phrase, Book tells of a journey from papyrus scrolls to medieval manuscripts to printed paper and beyond—pondering, along the way, many bookish things, including the evolution of the alphabet, the library (known to Egyptians as 'the healing place of the soul'), and even book burning. Book is a captivating work of nonfiction by one of England's leading poets.

John Agard (Author), Dion Graham (Narrator)

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