Health & Family Audiobooks

The Bear in My Family

An overbearing older sibling can really be a bear, but the child in this understated, gently humorous story finds out that they can have their advantages, too. 'I live with a bear,' the story's young narrator declares. The bear is loud, messy, uncouth, and very strong (too strong!). For some reason, his parents treat the bear like family, despite his protests. Why can't they see? Then he runs into some bullies on the playground. When the bear ROOAARS with all her might and scares them away, he realizes that there are advantages to having a bear in the family. In a delightful twist, the narrator's older sister (the bear) appears, telling him that she is NOT a bear. But if she is, HE is too--because two bears are even better than one!

Maya Tatsukawa (Author), James Sie (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Beautiful Lost

From New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice, a sweeping story of a girl and boy, both troubled in different ways, who take off on a whirlwind road trip up the East Coast. Here are three things to know about Maia: 1. Ever since her mother left, Maia's struggled with depression -- which once got so bad, she had to go to an institution for a while. She doesn't want to go back. 2. Maia's sure that if she finds her mother, if the two of them can talk about whale songs and constellations, then everything will be okay again. 3. She's in love with Billy, the handsome, brooding boy who lives in the group home in town. He doesn't seem to know that Maia exists . . . until now. When Maia sets off on a road trip in search of her mom, Billy unexpectedly comes along. They drive up the East Coast, stopping along the way for lobster rolls and lighthouses. Maia learns that Billy has dark secrets of his own-and wants to outrun his past, too. But what will the future hold if they reach their destination? From internationally bestselling author Luanne Rice, this is a sweeping, stunning story about the surprising directions our hearts can take.

Luanne Rice (Author), Hallie Clarke (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Bee Tree

When Mary Ellen gets bored with her reading, Grandpa knows a hunt for a bee tree is just what she needs. Half the town joins the exciting chase, but it's not until everyone returns home that Mary Ellen makes a discovery of her own: sometimes, even the sweetest of things must be worked for. "Polacco has created another charming story featuring a child learning from a grandparent in an idyllic pastoral setting." -School Library Journal, starred review

Patricia Polacco (Author), Suzanne Toren (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Beginning of Everything

Golden boy Ezra Faulkner believes everyone has a tragedy waiting for them,a single encounter after which everything that really matters will happen. His particular tragedy waited until he was primed to lose it all: In one spectacular night, a reckless driver shatters Ezra's knee, his athletic career, and his social life. No longer a front-runner for Homecoming King, Ezra finds himself at the table of misfits, where he encounters new girl Cassidy Thorpe. Cassidy is unlike anyone Ezra's ever met,achingly effortless and fiercely intelligent. Together, Ezra and Cassidy discover flash mobs, buried treasure, and a poodle that might just be the reincarnation of Jay Gatsby. But as Ezra dives into his new studies, new friendships, and new love, he learns that some people, like books, are easy to misread. And now he must consider: If one's singular tragedy has already hit, what happens when more misfortune strikes? Robyn Schneider's The Beginning of Everything is a lyrical, witty, and heart-wrenching novel about how difficult it is to play the part that people expect, and how new beginnings can stem from abrupt and tragic endings. Robyn Schneider is a writer, actor, and online personality who misspent her youth in a town coincidentally similar to Eastwood. Robyn is a graduate of Columbia University, where she studied creative writing, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where she studied medical ethics. She lives in Los Angeles, California, but also on the internet. You can watch her vlogs at youtube.com/robynisrarelyfunny and follow her on the networks below.

Robyn Schneider (Author), Dan John Miller (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Bell Bandit

Jacqueline Davies' The Lemonade War was praised for using subjects such as math and economics to create a "suspenseful, subtly educational plot that goes down as easily as a cool glass of lemonade in August" (Children's Literature). The third novel in the series starring 4th-grader Evan Treski and his smarty-pants younger sister, Jessie, follows the siblings as they try to solve the mystery of who stole the New Year's Bell from atop Lovell Hill.

Jacqueline Davies (Author), Stina Nielsen (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor

In this adaptation for middle graders based on her bestselling adult memoir, My Beloved World, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor's extraordinary life inspires. Her achievement serves as a true testament to the fact that no matter the obstacles, dreams can come true.  Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States, was a young girl when she dared to dream big. Her dream? To become a lawyer and a judge.      As Justice Sotomayor explains, 'When I was a child my family was poor and we knew no lawyers or judges and none lived in our neighborhood. I knew nothing about the Supreme Court and how much its work in reinterpreting the Constitution and the laws of the United States affected peoples' lives. You cannot dream of becoming something you don't even know about. That has been the most important lesson of my life. You have to learn to dream big dreams.'      Sonia did not let the hardships of her background--which included growing up in the rough housing projects of New York City's South Bronx, dealing with juvenile diabetes, coping with parents who argued and fought personal demons, and worrying about money--stand in her way. Always, she believed in herself. Her determination, along with guidance from generous mentors and the unwavering love of her extended Puerto Rican family, propelled her ever forward.

Sonia Sotomayor (Author), Jaina Lee Ortiz, Sonia Sotomayor (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Bench

Brought to you by Puffin. Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex's first children's book, The Bench, beautifully captures the special relationship between father and son, as seen through a mother's eyes. The book's storytelling and illustration give us snapshots of shared moments that evoke a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion. This is your bench Where you'll witness great joy. From here you will rest See the growth of our boy. In The Bench, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between father and son and reminds us of the many ways that love can take shape and be expressed in a modern family. Evoking a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion, The Duchess's debut children's book gives us a window into shared and enduring moments between a diverse group of fathers and sons-moments of peace and reflection, trust and belief, discovery and learning, and comfort and nurture. With a universal message, this thoughtful and heartwarming read-aloud is destined to be treasured by families for generations to come. © Megan The Duchess of Sussex 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Meghan The Duchess Of Sussex, Meghan, The Duchess Of Sussex (Author), Meghan The Duchess Of Sussex, Meghan, The Duchess Of Sussex (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there's Lenny, her mom's boyfriend-they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer. At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend, Fuchsia, has her own issues, and since they're in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it's best if no one notices them. Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses. Unfortunately, she's not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club. Even though Zoey resists participating, debate ultimately leads her to see things in a new way: her mom's relationship with Lenny, Fuchsia's situation, and her own place in this town of people who think they're better than her. Can Zoey find the courage to speak up, even if it means risking the most stable home she's ever had?

Ann Braden (Author), Amy Melissa Bentley (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Berenstain Bears and Mama for Mayor!

When Mama Bear runs for town mayor, she promises to get things done. Mama is the bear for the job! But will she win?

Jan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain (Author), Lance Rubin (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Berenstain Bears and the Rowdy Crowd: An Early Reader Chapter Book

Something's up with Brother Bear. He's talking tough, he's walking tough, and he has a new hobby: shooting hoops with Too-Tall and his trouble-making team. And basketball isn't the only new pastime Brother takes up when he falls in the wrong crowd. Will Brother realize who his true friends are before it's too late? The Berenstain Bears and the Rowdy Crowd features entertaining text and relatable characters. It helps kids connect plot to chapter structure and will have teachers and librarians asking for more. And as part of the beloved Living Lights series, it's perfect for fans of the brand and a great segue to more advanced stories.

Jan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain, Stan Berenstain (Author), Jill Blackwood (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Berenstain Bears and the Shaggy Little Pony

Meet Oscar the shaggy little pony. Oscar is slow and steady and he has come to live at Farmer Ben's stable. Brother and Sister offer to help care for Oscar in return for riding lessons from Farmer Ben. Before long, Oscar and the cubs are ready to enter the local riding show. Beginning readers will delight in learning about life on the farm and horseback riding in this new adventure from the Berenstains.

Jan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain (Author), Lance Rubin (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Berenstain Bears at the Aquarium

The Berenstain Bears are off to the aquarium, and the Cubs can't wait to see their favorite sea creatures. Brother Bear is wishing for the whales, and Sister hunting for a dazzling dolphin. But first to the fish, penguins, seals, and so much more! There is so much to see under the sea!

Jan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain (Author), Lance Rubin (Narrator)

Audiobook