Award-winning author Joyce Hansen gives voice to 13 amazing African American women who have overcome adversity to make their mark in history. Each of these women will capture your heart and mind as you listen to their inspiring life stories. Hear about the life of acclaimed actress Ruby Dee and 1983 Pulitzer Prize winner Alice Walker. Meet the first African American woman to travel into space and the first African American resident neurosurgeon. These fascinating women remind us That with determination, we can overcome any obstacle. Myra Lucretia Taylor's heartwarming narration will draw you further into the lives of these astonishing women.
Do you have a favorite sports hero? If so, have you ever wondered about what kind of zany things things he or she likes to do when not competing? Have you ever wondered what the great athletes like to eat, or what they like to drink? For instance, it's a little-known fact that baseball great Babe Ruth relished the chance to wolf-down pickled eels and chocolate ice cream! Do you ever imagine what their childhoods were like? This fascinating book answers all these questions and many more you might never have even thought to ask! Featuring inspiring stories and wacky trivia about 20 different world-class athletes, this book by Kathleen Krull is sure to get young sports-fans excited about reading.
Lang Lang started learning to play the piano when he was three years old in Shenyang, China. Today he is one of the world’s most outstanding pianists. In this engrossing life story, adapted by Michael French, Lang Lang not only recounts the difficult, often thrilling, events of his early days, but also shares his perspective on his rapidly changing homeland. He thoughtfully explores the differences between East and West, especially in the realm of classical music and cultural life. Shining through his rags-to-riches story of a child prodigy who came of age as a renowned musician, Lang Lang’s positive spirit, his dynamic personality, and his enduring passion for music will inspire listeners of all ages.
He was named "Sham" for the sun, this golden red stallion born in the Sultan of Morocco's stone stables. Upon his heel was a small white spot, the symbol of speed. But on his chest was the symbol of misfortune. Although he was as swift as the desert winds, Sham's proud pedigree would be scorned all his life by cruel masters and owners.
This is the classic story of Sham and his friend, the stable boy Agba. Their adventures take them from the sands of the Sahara to the royal courts of France and, finally, to the green pastures and stately homes of England. For Sham was the renowned "Godolphin Arabian" whose blood flows through the veins of almost every superior Thoroughbred. Sham's speed–like his story–has become legendary.
What do King Tut, Galileo, Crazy Horse, Bruce Lee, Chico Mendes, Elvis Presley, Bill Gates, Tiger Woods, and the Dalai Lama all have in common? They each left their mark on the world in a big way-and all were boys or young men when they did! Did you know that King Tut was one of the youngest pharaohs ever to rule Ancient Egypt? If that sounds like a huge responsibility in itself, imagine that he was able to restore order, peace, and prosperity to the people after years of chaos! Have you ever heard about Chico Mendes? In 1959 Brazil, 15-year-old Chico protested against the rubber barons who were destroying the Amazonian rain forest. Winning many important victories using non-violent methods, Chico became an inspiration to people around the world! This exciting and informative book introduces listeners to the most fascinating boy heroes of all time and includes stories about 30 amazing individuals. Boys Who Rocked the World is the perfect audiobook to encourage kids to strive for excellence.
It was 1961. John Lewis and Jim Zwerg are two young men boarding a bus and heading south for Montgomery, Alabama and the thick of the brewing Civil Rights struggle. They are idealists, committed to justice and equality and full of hope for change. This is their Freedom Ride. Arriving in town, suddenly they find themselves helpless in the clutches of an angry white mob armed with bats, chains, and hammers. Both men are beaten within an inch of their lives, for the color of their skin-John was black and Jim was white-and for the ideas they had traveled so far to support. Told from the perspectives of these two Freedom Riders, this Robert F. Silbert Honor Book is a stunning testament to the power of nonviolent resistance in the face of racial discrimination and segregation. A thoughtful reading from narrator Cecelia Riddett brings this important tale of the Civil Rights Movement to life for today's readers.
If you made a list of people who rocked the world, how many girls would be on it? Author Amelie Welden was inspired to write this story when she learned of the many young women who made their mark on history before the age of 20. Cleopatra was only 18 when named queen of the Egyptian empire, and Victoria was only 19 when crowned Queen of England. Phillis Wheatley is credited with starting the African-American literary tradition, and jazz singer Bessie Smith was only nine when she made her stage debut. This book covers the best-known heroines as well as some you may never have heard of, like Mary Anning, who discovered a dinosaur fossil in 1809 at the age of 11 and went on to become one of the first professional female scientists. Kids will find that there are many ways to make a difference, and included with each story are statements from today's girls about how they plan to rock the world.
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. This was one of the most famous catch-phrases of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Rising from poverty-stricken Louisville in the 1950s he became one of the world's greatest athletes. Beginning life as Cassius Clay, Ali would struggle against opponents both in and out of the ring. Segregation and racism stood as obstacles in his path, but as he climbed the boxing ranks, his social conscience grew. He refused to be pigeonholed as a stereotypical black athlete in the 1960s and changed his name to Muhammad Ali after converting to Islam. Fighting for social justice even as his brutal profession took its toll on his body and mind, his spirit was never defeated. Best-selling author of the Coretta Scott King Honor book Monster (RB# 96335), Walter Dean Myers pens this inspirational biography of a true champion. Acclaimed narrator JD Jackson adds the perfect voice to this triumphant true story. "... the kind of universal story that needs a writer as talented as Myers to retell it for every generation."-Booklist
Sarah Miller's accomplished debut presents a fictionalized account of Anne Sullivan's life and her time as Helen Keller's teacher. Arriving at Ivy Green in 1887, Anne was a partially blind orphan who had been tasked with teaching the difficult blind, deaf, and mute girl to communicate. Anne quickly learned, along with Helen, that "words are a miracle." "A strong portrait ... stirring ..."-Booklist, starred review
In 1848 Vermont, railroad foreman Phineas Gage sat above a hole, preparing to blast through some granite. A 13-pound iron rod fell from his hands into the hole, triggering the explosion and sending the rod straight through Phineas' head. Thirty minutes after this terrible accident, Phineas sat on the steps of a hotel, patiently waiting for the town doctor to arrive. He chatted with his amazed coworkers as if nothing had happened. But something terrible had happened. The rod that shot through Phineas' head like a rocket had caused great damage. Yet-incredibly-Phineas survived another 11 years. This extraordinary book tells the true story of one of the most remarkable accidents in human history. Listeners will not only be fascinated by all the gruesome details, but will also learn riveting information about how Phineas helped change the history of brain science. "Readers of this fascinating book will become acquainted with both the unbelievable tale of Phineas Gage as well as valuable information about the workings of the human brain."-Children's Literature
New York Times best-selling author Kathleen Krull is known for compelling children's biographies like Harvesting Hope), a Jane Addams Award winner. Her concise yet informative Leonardo da Vinci presents a vivid and highly accessible portrait of a true renaissance man- an artist, scientist, and inventer of unparalleled genius. Themes include homosexuality.
With an emphasis on his early life and the hardships he overcame, this informative biography offers a clear, authentic introduction to one of the country's most important scientists.
