Biography & Memoir Audiobooks

Raggin', Jazzin', Rockin': A History of American Musical Instrument Makers

2012 American Library Association Notable Children's Book. 2012 YALSA-ALA Award for Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Nominee. Meet the inventors and innovators who defined American music history. A radio repairman named Leo Fender imagined a solid-body electric guitar. The inventor of 3-D glasses, Laurens Hammond, envisioned an electric organ in every home. And a German carpenter named Steinway immigrated to New York City with the dream of designing the greatest piano in the world. From Steinway's pianos, Bob Moog's synthesizers, and C.G. Conn's band instruments to Avedis Zildjian's cymbals, William Ludwig's drums, C.F. Martin's guitars, and more, noted music writer VanHecke offers a fascinating, insider view of the personalities and perseverance that led to some of music's most important innovations - from classical to jazz to rock.

Susan VanHecke (Author), Jonathan Hogan (Narrator)

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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)

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Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

Somewhere in Brooklyn, a little boy dreams of being a famous artist, not knowing that one day he would make himself a king. Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat's own style introduces young readers to the powerful message that art doesn't always have to be neat or clean--and definitely not inside the lines--to be beautiful. This stunning picture book was awarded the 2017 Randolph Caldecott Medal and the 2017 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.

Javaka Steptoe (Author), Ron Butler (Narrator)

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Rachel's Tears: 10th Anniversary Edition: The Spiritual Journey of Columbine Martyr Rachel Scott

'I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus . . . If I have to sacrifice everything . . . I will.' --Rachel Scott The Columbine tragedy in April 1999 pierced the heart of our country. We later learned that the teenage killers specifically targeted Rachel Scott and mocked her Christian faith on their chilling, homemade videotapes. Rachel Scott died for her faith. Now her parents talk about Rachel's life and how they have found meaning in their daughter's martyrdom in the aftermath of the school shooting. Rachel's Tears comes from a heartfelt need to celebrate this young girl's life, to work through the grief and the questions of a nation, and to comfort those who have been touched by violence in our schools today. Using excerpts from Rachel's own journals, her parents offer a spiritual perspective on the Columbine tragedy and provide a vision of hope for preventing youth violence across the nation. Photos and journal entries are included in the audiobook companion PDF download. Meets national education standards.

Beth Nimmo, Darrell Scott (Author), Deboral Seide, Jeff Durham, John Behrens, Karen Ireland (Narrator)

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Puffin Lives: Sunita Williams: A Star in Space

Sunita Williams' story is one of having to settle for second choices. She grew up wishing to become a professional swimmer. Then she wanted to train as a vet. Instead she went on to join the Naval Academy and serve as a pilot. Before long, however, space was calling. A new dream had been born in Sunita. But it wasn't all cakewalk. The path to becoming an astronaut called for resilience, patience and grit. Sunita had all this and more.As record holder for the longest spaceflight by a woman (195 days), Sunita's story inspires and excites one to look anew at the world of space missions. And even more than inspiration, she makes life as an astronaut seem thrilling and fun.

Aravinda Anatharaman (Author), Rohini Vij (Narrator)

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Puffin Lives: Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of The Nation

'On his passport he was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The poet Rabindranath Tagore gave him the title Mahatma - the great soul- but he was rather uncomfortable with that. Nelson Mandela calls him a sacred warrior , others describe him as the the saint of the spinning wheel and we now declare him as our Father of the Nation . A courageous freedom fighter, a shrewd politician, a passionate social reformer and a staunch nationalist, Mahatma Gandhi was all this and much more. He was the most unusual leader this country has seen, and one of the most influential personalities whose name is synonymous with India s independence. He was the one who touched the lives of millions, whose ideals of satyagraha and ahimsa inspired great leaders of the world, and who could make the entire country come to a halt by going on a fast. Through a vivid narrative, author Subhadra Sen Gupta recreates the life and legacy of this phenomenal leader to portray the man beneath the simple handspun clothes, who ate saltless vegetables and bitter neem chutney; who greeted kings and paupers alike; who walked 240 miles at the age of sixty to break the Salt Law; and whose entire life was dedicated to truth and to peace. Even today as we read inspirational accounts of Gandhiji s life and talk of gandhigiri, we know that his ideals are alive and relevant to today s generation.

Subhadra Sen Gupta (Author), Rohini Vij (Narrator)

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Puffin Lives: B.R. Ambedkar: Saviour of the Masses

Born to a poor Mahar family in April 1891, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a victim of casteism from his very childhood. He fought for the political rights of the Dalits at a time when India was being terrorised by the British. He was also the first 'untouchable' to receive college education as well as an eminent jurist, a brilliant politician, an astute economist, a committed anthropologist, a celebrated historian and a distinguished philosopher. Throughout his life he fought the prejudices of social discrimination in the country and came to be known as Babasaheb. He was also the founding pillar of the Indian Constitution. This thrilling narrative, with its wealth of little-known facts takes the reader on a journey through the life of independent India's first law minister, a formally converted Buddhist who wholeheartedly dedicated himself to initiating various movements for the social and political betterment of the Dalit community. This book presents a fascinating outlook on Ambedkar's political aspirations and promises to be an engaging and enrapturing read.

Payal Kapadia (Author), Rohini Vij (Narrator)

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Proud (Young Readers Edition): Living My American Dream

The inspiring all-American story of faith, family, hard work, and perseverance by Olympic fencer, activist, and Time"100 Most Influential People" honoree Ibtihaj MuhammadAt the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ibtihaj Muhammad smashed barriers as the first American to compete wearing hijab, and made history as the first Muslim-American woman to medal. But it wasn't an easy road--in a sport most popular among wealthy white people, Ibtihaj often felt out of place. Ibtihaj was fast, hardworking, and devoted to her faith, but rivals and teammates (as well as coaches and officials) pointed out her differences, insisting she would never succeed. Yet Ibtihaj powered on. Her inspiring journey from a young outsider to an Olympic hero is a relatable, memorable, and uniquely American tale of hard work, determination, and self-reliance. **Contact Customer Service for Additional Material**

Ibtihaj Muhammad (Author), Ibtihaj Muhammad, Suehyla El Attar, Suehyla El-Attar (Narrator)

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Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis

Critically acclaimed author Jabari Asim and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis team up to give readers a fascinating glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis. Even as a very young boy, John Lewis knew he wanted to be a preacher when he grew up. He wanted to be the kind of leader who could use his passionate speeches to stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait to grow up? At five years old, when he became the official caretaker of the sixty chickens on his family's farm, he realized he had a wonderful audience to practice on-and they became this brave Civil Rights activist's first flock, content under his watchful care and riveted by the power of his words.

Jabari Asim (Author), Kevin R. Free (Narrator)

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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

Pocahontas

Marie Patterson (Author), Teacher Created Materials (Narrator)

Audiobook

Playwrights and Authors: Ladybird Audio Adventures

Brought to you by Ladybird. Follow our fearless adventurers Cassandra (and Missy, the smartest bird in the universe) as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! On this adventure we're going to meet literary legends throughout history! These audiobooks help children learn about their environment on a journey of discovery with narrators Ben Bailey Smith (a.k.a. Doc Brown, rapper, comedian, and writer) and Sophie Aldred (best known for her role as Ace in Doctor Who). Ladybird Audio Adventures is an award-winning original series for three to seven-year-olds; an entertaining and engaging way for children to learn about the world around them. Special stories written exclusively for audio so little ones can become their own adventurers with fun sound and musical effects that are perfect for listening at home, before bed and on long journeys. Have you listened to all our Ladybird Audio Adventures? Dinosaur Times The Human Body Outer Space Deep Sea Dive The Animal Kingdom Ancient Egypt Ancient Rome Incredible Inventors Lake, Lochs, and Rivers Volcanoes This Ladybird story was written by Donna David. (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Tbd (Author), Sophie Aldred (Narrator)

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