Historical Audiobooks

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The story of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the cover, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about. If you do start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence. We hope you never have to cross such a fence.

John Boyne (Author), Michael Maloney (Narrator)

Audiobook

Percy Jackson erzählt, Teil 2: Griechische Heldensagen (Gekürzt)

Wem klaut Perseus einen Augapfel? Was hat Herkules angestellt? Und wer schlug der Medusa den Kopf ab? Noch einmal öffnet Percy Jackson die Büchse der Pandora. Und dieses Mal bringt er die ruhmreichen Taten und kühnen Abenteuer der griechischen Helden auf den Tisch. Holt euch den flammenden Speer und streift das Löwenfell über - jetzt werden Königreiche gerettet und Monster enthauptet!

Rick Riordan (Author), Marius Clarén (Narrator)

Audiobook

Firebrand

In 1855 the westward expansion of slavery was all but assured. Pro-slavery forces had swarmed the newly-opened territory of Kansas and packed its legislature. They had the support of all three branches of the federal government and the Army. Yet within two years, a ragtag free-state militia, led by a wild-eyed crusader named John Brown, scored a series of tactical victories that helped turn the tide in Kansas - while putting America on the path to civil war. Of all the men in Brown's army, one stands out: the young Jewish immigrant August Bondi, a freedom fighter since the age of 14. With a scrupulous eye toward history, author Aaron Barnhart brings this remarkable story to life and shows how a young man's conscience, like John Brown's broadsword, can cut both ways. From Vienna's barricades to bleeding Kansas to the Civil War, August Bondi was continuously engaged in the struggle for freedom for half of his young adult life. As an old man, he wrote down what he remembered, and author Aaron Barnhart closely followed Bondi's autobiography in writing Firebrand. Barnhart also drew upon the 1958 novel Border Hawk: August Bondi, by children's author Lloyd Alexander (winner of the Newbery Medal and National Book Award), to bring Bondi's story back to life. The story begins in 1848. The Bondi family is leaving for a better life in America. But 15-year-old August doesn't want to go. He's found his life's purpose in Vienna, fighting on the barricades against a tyrant king. But in America, August discovers a new cause after confronting the evil of slavery. Though he loves his life of freedom, the young firebrand ultimately heads to Bleeding Kansas and casts his lot with the notorious John Brown. A Quindaro Press audio production.

Aaron Barnhart (Author), Aaron Barnhart (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Taste for Monsters

The mesmerizing story of a young woman in Victorian London, who, haunted by the ghosts of Jack the Ripper's victims, is set on a terrifying path to salvation. The real monsters are men. London 1888, and Jack the Ripper is terrorizing the people of the city. Evelyn, a young woman disfigured by her dangerous work in a matchstick factory with nowhere to go, does not know what to make of her new position as a maid to the Elephant Man in London Hospital. Evelyn wanted to be locked away from the world, like he is, shut away from the filth and dangers of the streets. But in Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man, she finds a gentle kindred, who does not recoil from her, and who understands her pain. When the murders begin, however, Joseph and Evelyn are haunted nightly by the ghosts of the Ripper's dead, setting Evelyn on a path to facing her fears and uncovering humanity's worst nightmares. A terrifying and haunting tale from the Edgar Award-winning author of Icefall and the Assassin's Creed novels, Matthew J. Kirby.

Matthew J. Kirby (Author), Anna Mountford (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero

Perfect for fans of suspenseful nonfiction such as books by Steve Sheinkin, this is a page-turning narrative about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor and pacifist who became an unlikely hero during World War II and took part in a plot to kill Hitler. Written by two-time National Book Award finalist Patricia McCormick, author of Sold and Never Fall Down and coauthor of the young reader’s edition of I Am Malala. It was April 5, 1943, and the Gestapo would arrive any minute. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had been expecting this day for a long time. He had put his papers in order—and left a few notes specifically for Hitler’s men to see. Two SS agents climbed the stairs and told the boyish-looking Bonhoeffer to come with them. He calmly said good-bye to his parents, put his Bible under his arm, and left. Upstairs there was proof, in his own handwriting, that this quiet young minister was part of a conspiracy to kill Adolf Hitler. This compelling, brilliantly researched account includes the remarkable discovery that Bonhoeffer was one of the first people to provide evidence to the Allies that Jews were being deported to death camps. It takes readers from his privileged early childhood to the studies and travel that would introduce him to peace activists around the world—eventually putting this gentle, scholarly pacifist on a deadly course to assassinate one of the most ruthless dictators in history. The Plot to Kill Hitler provides fascinating insights into what makes someone stand up for what’s right when no one else is standing with you. It is a question that every generation must answer again and again.

Patricia McCormick (Author), Adam Verner (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog

The bestselling author of A Tale Dark and Grimm takes on medieval times in an exciting and hilarious new adventure about history, religion . . . and farting dragons. 1242. On a dark night, travelers from across France cross paths at an inn and begin to tell stories of three children: William, an oblate on a mission from his monastery; Jacob, a Jewish boy who has fled his burning village; and Jeanne, a peasant girl who hides her prophetic visions. They are accompanied by Jeanne's loyal greyhound, Gwenforte . . . recently brought back from the dead. As the narrator collects their tales, the story of these three unlikely allies begins to come together. Their adventures take them on a chase through France to escape prejudice and persecution and save precious and holy texts from being burned. They’re taken captive by knights, sit alongside a king, and save the land from a farting dragon. And as their quest drives them forward to a final showdown at Mont Saint-Michel, all will come to question if these children can perform the miracles of saints. Beloved bestselling author Adam Gidwitz makes his long awaited return with his first new world since his hilarious and critically acclaimed Grimm series. Filled with Adam’s trademark style and humor, The Inquisitor's Tale is bold storytelling that’s richly researched and adventure-packed. Read by Vikas Adam, Mark Bramhall, Jonathan Cowley, Kimberly Farr, Adam Gidwitz, Ann Marie Lee, Bruce Mann, John H. Mayer, and Arthur Morey Features medieval music performed by Benjamin Bagby of Sequentia

Adam Gidwitz (Author), , Adam Gidwitz, Ann Marie Lee, Arthur Morey, Bruce Mann, John H. Mayer, Jonathan Cowley, Kimberly Farr, Mark Bramhall, Vikas Adam (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beautiful Blue World

Beautiful Blue World is a thrilling and moving story of children who become the key to winning a war. Sofarende is at war. For twelve-year-old Mathilde, it means food shortages, feuding neighbors, and bombings. Even so, as long as she and her best friend, Megs, are together, they 'll be all right. But the army is recruiting children, and paying families well for their service. If Megs takes the test, Mathilde knows she will pass. Megs hopes the army is the way to save her family. Mathilde fears it might separate them forever. This touching and suspenseful novel is a brilliant reimagining of war, where even kindness can be a weapon, and children have the power to see what adults cannot. Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, Outstanding Merit ILA-CBC Choices Reading Lists, Teacher 's Choice Junior Library Guild Selection Selected for the Kansas NEA Reading Circle Catalog Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award Master List

Suzanne LaFleur (Author), Christy Carlson Romano (Narrator)

Audiobook

In the Shadow of Liberty: The Hidden History of Slavery, Four Presidents, and Five Black Lives

Did you know that many of America’s Founding Fathers―who fought for liberty and justice for all―were slave owners? Through the powerful stories of five enslaved people who were “owned” by four of our greatest presidents, this book helps set the record straight about the role slavery played in the founding of America. From Billy Lee, valet to George Washington, to Alfred Jackson, faithful servant of Andrew Jackson, these dramatic narratives explore our country’s great tragedy―that a nation “conceived in liberty” was also born in shackles. These stories help us know the real people who were essential to the birth of this nation but traditionally have been left out of the history books. Their stories are true―and they should be heard. Read by Ken Davis, with Frankie Faison, Keith David, JD Jackson, Adenrele Ojo, Adam Lazarre-White, Dion Graham, and Mark Bramhall

Kenneth C. Davis (Author), Adam Lazarre-White, Adenrele Ojo, Dion Graham, Frankie Faison, JD Jackson, Keith David, Ken Davis, Mark Bramhall, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001

On the day that shocks the world, one boy just wants to find his family. A powerful addition to the gripping I SURVIVED series. The only thing Lucas loves more than football is his Uncle Benny, his dad's best friend at the fire department where they both work. Benny taught Lucas everything about football. So when Lucas's parents decide the sport is too dangerous and he needs to quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan. So the next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It's a bright, beautiful day in New York. But just as Lucas arrives at his uncle's firehouse, everything changes--and nothing will ever be the same again.

Lauren Tarshis (Author), Rachel Fulginiti (Narrator)

Audiobook

I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906

The terrifying details of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake jump off the page! Ten-year-old Leo loves being a newsboy in San Francisco -- not only does he get to make some money to help his family, he's free to explore the amazing, hilly city as it changes and grows with the new century. Horse-drawn carriages share the streets with shiny new automobiles, new businesses and families move in every day from everywhere, and anything seems possible. But early one spring morning, everything changes. Leo's world is shaken -- literally -- and he finds himself stranded in the middle of San Francisco as it crumbles and burns to the ground. Does Leo have what it takes to survive this devastating disaster? The I SURVIVED series continues with another thrilling story of a boy caught in one of history's most terrifying disasters!

Lauren Tarshis (Author), Jennifer Bronstein (Narrator)

Audiobook

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011

During the heart-stopping events of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, one boy struggles to make it out alive. The I Survived series continues with a terrifying recent international disaster. Eleven-year-old Japanese-American Owen has been in Japan for his sixth-grade year. By March he finally feels like he's getting the hang of the new culture, making friends at school and feeling at home with the "weird" food. But early one morning, everything changes--and Owen suddenly finds himself just trying to survive one of history's most devastating disasters.

Lauren Tarshis (Author), Janet Song (Narrator)

Audiobook

Who Was Frida Kahlo?

You can always recognize a painting by Kahlo because she is in nearly all-with her black braided hair and colorful Mexican outfits. A brave woman who was an invalid most of her life, she transformed herself into a living work of art. As famous for her self-portraits and haunting imagery as she was for her marriage to another famous artist, Diego Rivera, this strong and courageous painter was inspired by the ancient culture and history of her beloved homeland, Mexico. Her paintings continue to inform and inspire popular culture around the world.

Sarah Fabiny (Author), Marisol Ramirez (Narrator)

Audiobook