Biography & Memoir Audiobooks

Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest

2022 Green Earth Book Award Winner NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book John Burroughs Association Riverby Award Honorable Mention, Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award This picture book biography tells the story of Meg Lowman, a groundbreaking female scientist called a 'real life Lorax' by National Geographic, who was determined to investigate the marvelous, undiscovered world of the rainforest treetops. Meg Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head — the colors, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there. Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rain forest tree canopies — and to be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms, the high canopy was difficult to get to, and worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. Meg never gave up or gave in. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but making sure that the rainforests had a future as well. Working closely with Meg Lowman, author Heather Lang and artist Jana Christy beautifully capture Meg's world in the treetops. 'Meg Lowman or 'Canopy Meg' is a true hero, a courageous explorer, who made amazing discoveries high in the forest canopy. The Leaf Detective captures the magic of that little-known world with its clear, informative text and fabulous illustrations. Young readers everywhere will be fascinated and inspired to learn more about nature.' —Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and Pioneer of Peace “Margaret Lowman is a pioneer scientist in a discipline that demands exceptional imagination, courage, and physical rigor. But of equal importance, she has created an extraordinarily important branch of environmental and conservation research. Heather Lang and Jana Christy, in this charming introduction, have invited us to climb on up and visit her.” —Edward O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize winner and Professor Emeritus, Harvard University

Heather Lang (Author), Sandy Rustin (Narrator)

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Le déluge-Le tisserand intelligent

Laurence Biava (Author), Evelyne Moser (Narrator)

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Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Storybook Life

Laura stared at the black cloud blotting out the sun. The cloud was unlike anything she had ever seen. As it got closer, it made a strange noise, like hail pelting the ground. Suddenly the sky began to rain grasshoppers. The bugs clung to Laura's hair and clothes and peered at her with bulging eyes. Soon they began destroying Papa's crops. From the big woods of Wisconsin to the Indian country of the Great Plains, new adventures and landscapes filled the rich childhood of Laura Ingalls Wilder. On a frontier steeped in both danger and great possibility, Laura would grow up to witness firsthand the rapid transformation of the West as pioneers and covered wagons gave way to farms, towns, and railroads. A pioneer, teacher, farmer's wife, and storyteller, Laura Ingalls Wilder experienced one of the most exciting times in American history -- history that this gifted writer brought to life for millions and preserved for generations to come.

Janet And Geoff Benge (Author), Rebecca Gallagher (Narrator)

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Laugh With Lincoln

Gale Sypher Jacob (Author), Highlights For Children (Narrator)

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Langston Hughes: Harlem Renaissance Writer

After the Civil War, African Americans were still experiencing discrimination and segregation. Many people chose to move North in search of equality and freedom. Langston Hughes was one of these migrants. He moved to New York City to attend college at Columbia University. He settled in Harlem, a thriving city full of jazz and blues music, art, and culture. Hughes became the “Voice of the Harlem Renaissance” and opened a window into African American culture. He was a gifted man who inspired many people with his poetry, plays, short stories, and autobiographies. Eventually more African Americans banded together and formed groups like the NAACP, which led to the Civil Rights Movement. They organized boycotts, marches, and other peaceful demonstrations to fight to end segregation. After 10 years of protests, President Kennedy passed the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Many people today believe that Hughes’s literature and poetry inspired people to take the action needed to end segregation.

David Anthony, Stephanie Kuligowski (Author), Teacher Created Materials (Narrator)

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Lang Lang: Playing With Flying Keys

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.

Lang Lang (Author), Andrew Pang (Narrator)

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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)

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Kobe Bryant: Legends in Sports

The #1 sports series for kids takes readers on the court and behind the scenes with beloved NBA icon Kobe Bryant in this inspiring biography. As the son of Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, a former NBA player and star of various European teams, Kobe spent his childhood watching professional basketball. From the moment he could pick up a ball, he was learning to dribble and shoot. His basketball education was unique -- a combination of lessons on basic fundamentals, one-on-one games against his dad, and observation and analysis of the world's best players. At age eighteen, Kobe was given the chance to prove his skills when he was drafted into the NBA. Fresh out of high school, Kobe showed that he had the talent and heart to make it in the pros -- and the rest is history. This biography gives readers a courtside seat to the achievements of one of basketball's greatest legends as it traces Kobe's life from childhood to his five NBA championships to his successful career outside of the game to his tragic death and lasting legacy.

Matt Christopher (Author), Cary Hite (Narrator)

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Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Almost True Stories of Growing up Scieszka

How did Jon Scieszka get so funny, anyway? Growing up as one of six brothers was a good start, but that was just the beginning. Throw in Catholic school, lots of comic books, lazy summers at the lake with time to kill, babysitting misadventures, TV shows, jokes told at family dinner, and the result is Knucklehead. Part memoir, part scrapbook, this hilarious trip down memory lane provides a unique glimpse into the formation of a creative mind and a free spirit.

Jon Scieszka (Author), Jon Scieszka (Narrator)

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Knothole In The Closet: A Story About Belle Boyd, A Confederate Spy

Early in the Civil War, 19-year-old Belle Boyd risks capture to spy for the South and her native state of Virginia. On the eve of battle, she races to the Confederate camp to deliver important information to General Stonewall Jackson. Thanks in part to Belle's courage, the Confederates drive the Federal forces from Front Royal, Virginia, and win a major victory on May 23, 1862. Marilyn Weymouth Seguinis the author of eight historical books for young readers. Marilyn teaches in the English Department at Kent State University.

Marilyn Weymouth Seguin (Author), Kate Fleming (Narrator)

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Klaus-Dieter John: Hope in the Land of the Incas

It was totally dark. The lights in the city were turned off, and there were no street lamps, no neon signs, and no extra glow in shop windows. Klaus noticed that theirs was the only car on the road. How would they slip by the checkpoint? Klaus glanced at his wife Tina, whose eyes were shut in prayer. Suddenly he heard a thunderous crash, then saw a bright flash of light. Klaus-Dieter John (1960-) dreamed of becoming a medical missionary in the developing world. He would do whatever it took -- study in top universities and practice surgery in remote and dangerous places -- to reach his goal of providing health care for people who needed it most. Dr. John's seemingly impossible vision of Diospi-Suyana, a world-class hospital for impoverished Peruvians deep in the Andes Mountains, was blessed by God to the end. Despite challenges in fund-raising, construction, moving his family from Germany, and countless roadblocks, Klaus's dream was finally realized, bringing hope in a land loved by God.

Janet And Geoff Benge (Author), Tim Gregory (Narrator)

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King of the Wind

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.

Marguerite Henry (Author), David McCallum (Narrator)

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