Biography & Memoir Audiobooks

Call Me Miss Hamilton: One Woman's Case for Equality and Respect

Mary Hamilton grew up knowing right from wrong. She was proud to be Black, and when the chance came along to join the Civil Rights Movement and become a Freedom Rider, she was eager to fight for what she believed in. She was arrested again and again?and she did not back down when faced with insults or disrespect. In an Alabama court, a white prosecutor called her by her first name, but she refused to answer unless he called her "Miss Hamilton." The judge charged her with contempt of court, but that wasn't the end of it. Miss Mary Hamilton fought the contempt charge all the way to the Supreme Court. This powerful story honors an unsung heroine who took a stand for respect?and won.

Carole Boston Weatherford (Author), Adenrele Ojo (Narrator)

Audiobook

She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference

A STEM-focused addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling She Persisted series! Throughout history, women have been told that science isn't for them. They've been told that they're not smart enough, or that their brains just aren't able to handle it. In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces readers to women scientists who didn't listen to those who told them "no" and who used their smarts, their skills and their persistence to discover, invent, create and explain.   She Persisted in Science is for everyone who's ever had questions about the world around them or the way things work, and who won't give up until they find their answers.   With inspiring prose, this is a book that shows readers that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and that women in science change our world.   This book features: Florence Nightingale, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Ynes Enriquetta Julietta Mexia, Grace Hopper, Rosalind Franklin, Gladys West, Jane Goodall, Flossie Wong-Staal, Temple Grandin, Zaha Hadid, Ellen Ochoa, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha & Mari Copeny, and Autumn Peltier, Greta Thunberg & Wanjiru Wathuti   Praise for She Persisted: * "[A] lovely, moving work of children's literature [and a] polished introduction to a diverse and accomplished group of women." -Publishers Weekly, starred review "Exemplary . . . This well-curated list will show children that women's voices have made themselves emphatically heard." -Booklist "[She Persisted] will remind little girls that they can achieve their goals if they don't let obstacles get in the way." -Family Circle "We can't wait to grab a copy for some of the awesome kids in our lives . . . and maybe some of the grown-ups, too." -Bustle  "A message we all need to hear." -Scary Mommy

Chelsea Clinton (Author), Chelsea Clinton (Narrator)

Audiobook

Who Was Charles Schulz?

Learn more about the cartoonist who created Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts gang in this new addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series! Charles (otherwise known as Sparky) Schulz always loved drawing from the time he was a young child, and as he grew older, he turned this passion into a phenomenally successful career. His early doodles of his mischievous dog and of a shy boy inspired two of his most familiar and beloved characters, Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Here's the story about Peanuts gang and Charles's life that's sure to excite all readers but especially those who love the classic cartoon series.

Joan Holub (Author), Mark Sanderlin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Who Was Ernest Hemingway?

Find out how a journalist and sportsman became one of the most famous American novelists of the twentieth century in this new addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series! Ernest Hemingway wasn't just a novelist. He was a hunter and a fisherman; he became an ambulance officer in Paris, France, during World War I; and he worked as a reporter during the civil war in Spain in the 1930s. All of these experiences had such an important impact on Ernest's life that he used them as inspiration for some of his most notable works of fiction, including The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and For Whom the Bell Tolls. He wrote short stories, novels, and articles in an understated, direct style, that is still beloved by readers today. Hemingway is remembered as much for his fiction as he is for his adventurous lifestyle.

Jim Gigliotti (Author), Matt Godfrey (Narrator)

Audiobook

How to Hear the Universe: Gaby González and the Search for Einstein's Ripples in Space-Time

Discover new realms of outer space in this biography of scientist Gabriela Gonzalez, who immigrated to America and became a ground-breaking scientist. Written by a molecular biologist, this audiobook explores science, space, and history. In 1916, Albert Einstein had a theory. He thought that somewhere out in the universe, there were collisions in space. These collisions could cause little sound waves in the fabric of space-time that might carry many secrets of the distant universe. But it was only a theory. He could not prove it in his lifetime. Many years later, an immigrant scientist named Gabriela Gonzalez asked the same questions. Armed with modern technology, she joined a team of physicists who set out to prove Einstein's theory. At first, there was nothing. But then... they heard a sound. Gabriela and her team examined, and measured, and re-measured until they were sure.   Completing the work that Albert Einstein had begun 100 years earlier, Gonzalez broke ground for new space-time research. In a fascinating biography that covers 100 years, 2 pioneering scientists, and 1 trailblazing discovery, Patricia Valdez sheds light on a little known but extraordinary story.

Patricia Valdez (Author), Ana Osorio (Narrator)

Audiobook

Lady Icarus: Balloonmania and the Brief, Bold Life of Sophie Blanchard

A riveting middle-grade biography about Sophie Blanchard, the first woman to work as a professional aeronaut in France in the late 1700s, set against the thrilling backdrop of early flight. Before Amelia Earhart, there was Sophie Blanchard, the first woman to earn her living in the air. While no one knows the fate of Earhart, a terrified crowd of thousands looked on as French aeronaut Sophie Blanchard met her end in a tragic blaze of glory over the streets of Paris in 1819. But first, Blanchard made nearly 70 spectacular flights, survived a revolution, and become a court favorite of the emperor Napoleon (who gave her the title, 'Aeronaut of the Official Festivals') and later of the King of France. Set against the backdrop of the history of flight, watch as Balloonmania-- a phenomenon that riveted all of Europe--took hold and inspired a great many artists authors, and dreamers.   This lively biography introduces a frightened, nervous girl who became a fearless legend in the skies.

Deborah Noyes (Author), Suzanne Toren (Narrator)

Audiobook

Out of the Shadows: How Lotte Reiniger Made the First Animated Fairytale Movie

Lotte Reiniger (1899-1981) was a German film director and animator best known for The Adventures of Prince Achmed, which was released in 1926 and is the oldest surviving animated movie. (It came out a full eleven years before Disney's Snow White!) As a little kid, Reiniger loved reading fairytales and fell in love with puppetry. At school, she learned about paperschnitte, or papercuts, which helped her create her signature style of silhouettes. She grew up to make more than forty films throughout her long career, most of which were fairytales that used her stop-film animation technique of hand-cut silhouettes. Reiniger is now seen as the foremost pioneer of silhouette animation and the inventor of an early form of the multiplane camera.

Fiona Robinson (Author), Natasha Soudek (Narrator)

Audiobook

She Persisted: Four Picture Books on Audio: She Persisted; She Persisted Around the World; She Persi

Four audiobooks-and unlimited inspiration for tiny feminists, mini activists, and little kids who are ready to take on the world. She Persisted, She Persisted Around the World, She Persisted in Sports, and She Persisted in Science each give listeners a collection of remarkable, diverse and tenacious women. Chelsea Clinton's words and narration bring the women to life, showing how they struggled and ultimately persevered, inspiring and empowering people across the U.S. and the entire world. Now together for the first time, this collection is a perfect gift for feminists of all ages.

Chelsea Clinton (Author), Chelsea Clinton (Narrator)

Audiobook

Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis

The moving true story of how young Ukrainian Jewish piano prodigies Zhanna (alias “Anna”) and her sister Frina outplayed their pursuers while hiding in plain sight during the Holocaust. A middle grade nonfiction novel-in-verse by award-winning author Susan Hood with Greg Dawson (Zhanna’s son). She wouldn’t be Zhanna. She’d use an alias. A for Anna. A for alive. When the Germans invade Ukraine, Zhanna, a young Jewish girl, must leave behind her friends, her freedom, and her promising musical future at the world’s top conservatory. With no time to say goodbye, Zhanna, her sister Frina, and their entire family are removed from their home by the Nazis and forced on a long, cold, death march. When a guard turns a blind eye, Zhanna flees with nothing more than her musical talent, her beloved sheet music, and her father’s final plea: “I don’t care what you do. Just live.”  This incredible true story in-verse about sisterhood, survival, and music is perfect for fans of Lifeboat 12, Inside Out and Back Again, and Alan Gratz. Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Greg Dawson, Susan Hood (Author), Aimée B. Dawson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II

In this award-winning memoir translated from Italian to English, a Jewish girl grows up during a difficult time of racial discrimination and war, and discovers light in unexpected places. This classic, powerful story from Lia Levi is adapted for young readers, with a powerful author’s note to readers. 1938, Italy. Six-year-old Lia loves to build sandcastles at the beach and her biggest problem is her shyness and quiet, birdlike voice—until prime minister Mussolini joins forces with Hitler in World War II, and everything changes. Now there are laws saying Jewish children can’t go to school, Jews can’t work, or go on vacation. It’s difficult for Lia to understand why this is happening to her family. When her father loses his job, they must give up their home and move from city to city. As war comes closer, it becomes too dangerous to stay together, and Lia and her sisters are sent to hide at a convent. Will she ever be “just a girl” again? The memoir is full of poignant moments of friendship and loss, dreaded tests at school, told in Lia's captivating voice, as she grows into a young teen. Just a Girl is an important addition to the WWII Jewish canon. Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Lia Levi (Author), Carlotta Brentan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Girls Solve Everything: Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Building a Better World

Brave women from diverse backgrounds make the world a better place through their businesses in this inspiring companion to the best-selling Girls Think of Everything by Sibert-winner Catherine Thimmesh and Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet. For fans of Women Who Dared and Women in Science.   Women all over the globe are asking questions that affect lives and creating businesses that answer them. Like, can we keep premature babies warm when they're born far from the hospital? Or, can the elderly stay in their homes and eat a balanced diet? Women are taking on and solving these issues with their ingenuity and business acumen. How did they get their ideas? Where does the funding for their projects come from? And how have some of these businesses touched YOUR life? Girls Solve Everything answers these questions, inspiring today's kids to learn from entrepreneurs and take on some of the world's biggest problems, one solution at a time.

Catherine Thimmesh (Author), Courtney Patterson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Ich überlebte. Ein Mädchen auf Schindlers Liste

Kurz nachdem die Nationalsozialisten Polen überfallen haben, werden die elfjährige Rena und ihre Familie gezwungen, in das jüdische Ghetto von Krakau zu ziehen. Hunger und harte Arbeit bestimmen den Alltag, und Rena muss immer wieder mitansehen, wie Freund*innen und Familie deportiert werden. Durch eine glückliche Fügung kommen ihre Mutter und sie in der Fabrik von Oskar Schindler unter. Ihre Namen landen auf der Liste, die später als 'Schindlers Liste' weltweit bekannt werden wird, und sie überleben. Dieses Hörbuch ist Renas Zeitzeugenbericht, eindrücklich und bestürzend und doch auch voller Hoffnung auf bessere Zeiten.

Joshua M. Greene, Rena Finder (Author), Julia Nachtmann (Narrator)

Audiobook