Historical Audiobooks

The Eighty-Dollar Champion: The True Story of a Horse, a Man, and an Unstoppable Dream

Adapted from the #1 New York Times bestselling adult novel, this inspiring true story of a man and horse duo who rose to the top of the competitive equestrian world is one of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all, perfect for animal lovers and history buffs alike. On a bleak winter afternoon, Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would name Snowman between the slats of a rickety truck bound for the slaughterhouse. Noting a spark in the horse's eye, the Dutch immigrant bought the beaten-up animal for only eighty dollars and took him to the family's modest farm on Long Island. Though Snowman thrived in his new home, Harry needed money. Reluctantly, he sold Snowman to another farm a few miles down the road. But the shaggy horse had other ideas. When he turned up back at Harry's barn, dragging an old tire and a broken fence board, Harry knew that he had misjudged the horse. Snowman then began his extraordinary path to stardom as Harry trained him to show jump, taking Snowman all the way to the very top of the sport. This dramatic and inspiring rise to stardom of an unlikely duo is based on the insight and recollections of the Flying Dutchman himself. Snowman and Harry's story captured the heart of Cold War-era America--a story of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all. Elizabeth Letts's message is simple: Never give up, even when the obstacles seem sky-high. There is something extraordinary in all of us. Praise for the Adult Edition of The Eighty-Dollar Champion 'A classic American dream story, with a down-on-its-luck horse galloping in for good measure.'-USA Today 'If you loved the story of Seabiscuit, the surprise champion racehorse, make a date to check out the true story of Snowman.'-San Jose Mercury News "This is a wonderful book-joyous, heartfelt, and an eloquent reminder that hope can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Most of all, it's a moving testament to the incredible things that can grow from the bond between animals and humans. If you love a great animal tale, you'll love this book!"-Gwen Cooper, author of Homer's Odyssey 

Elizabeth Letts (Author), Arthur Morey (Narrator)

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The Elephant Thief

Based on real events, this is a miraculous story of a boy who befriends a famous elephant during a race against time and villains! When young pickpocket Danny accidentally buys an elephant at an auction, he finds himself swept up on an unforgettable adventure. Offered a job by a zookeeper, all he has to do is ride Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester in one week.Everyone in the country is watching, even the Queen, but the journey soon proves to be filled with drama and danger. A rival zookeeper will stop at nothing to make sure they fail, and soon Danny's shady connections from his past threaten to overturn the mission... Can Danny win the trust and friendship of the elephant and guide him home? Can the two of them stick together through the odds and win the day?

Jane Kerr (Author), Robin Laing (Narrator)

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The Emancipation Proclamation

Published on the anniversary of when President Abraham Lincoln's order went into effect, this book offers listeners a unique look at the events that led to the Emancipation Proclamation. Filled with little-known facts and fascinating details, it includes excerpts from historical sources and new research that debunk myths about the Emancipation Proclamation and its causes. Complete with a timeline, glossary, and bibliography, Emancipation Proclamation is an engrossing new historical resource from award-winning children's book author Tonya Bolden.

Tonya Bolden (Author), Michael Early (Narrator)

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The Enchanted Castle

Three children - Jerry (bossy), Jimmy (hungry) and Kathleen (sensible) - find themselves standing in front of a bejewelled princess in the garden of an enchanted castle. It is the first day of their summer holidays. Is she really a princess? And if she isn't, what about her ring which makes the wearer invisible? This ring, combined with the children's appetite for exploring, sparks a tale full of vivid adventures and extraordinary characters. With 'ugly-wugglies' on the loose, statues alive in the moonlight and crimes needing to be solved, there is never a dull moment. Imagination is powerful; magic is possible.

Edith Nesbit (Author), Genevieve Helsby, Joanna Page (Narrator)

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The End of the World and Beyond

In this sequel The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Newbery Medalist Avi, Oliver's adventures take him to the 18th century American colonies, where he is forced to fend for himself in the harsh wilderness, live as an indentured servant, and come face to face with the brutality of enslavement. Convicted of thievery and transported from England to America, Oliver Cromwell Pitts, shackled to his fellow prisoners, endures inedible food, filthy conditions, and deadly storms on his voyage across the Atlantic. But the hazardous shipboard journey is nothing compared to the peril that waits for him on the colonial shores. In Annapolis, Oliver's indentured servitude is purchased by the foul, miserly Fitzhugh, who may have murdered another servant. On Fitzhugh's isolated tobacco farm, Oliver's only companion is an enslaved boy named Bara. Oliver and Bara become fast friends with one powerful goal: to escape Fitzhugh. Oliver hopes he can find his sister, Charity, brought somewhere in the colonies on a different ship. Bara dreams of reaching a community of free black people in the cypress swamp who may help him gain his liberty. But first the boys must flee Fitzhugh's plantation and outrun their brutal pursuer and the dangers that lurk in the swamp.

Avi (Author), James Langton (Narrator)

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The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia

Poland, 1940. The Russian army invades the beautiful city streets of Vilna. Soldiers storm ten-year-old Esther Rudomin's house and arrest her entire family. The Rudomins, the soldiers say, are "capitalists-enemies of the people." Forced from their home and friends, the Rudomins are herded onto crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia. For five years, Esther and her family live in exile, weeding potato fields and working in mines, fighting against all odds to stay alive. It is not an easy life. But through it all, Esther sustains the hope that one day she will return to Poland-and to freedom. A National Book Award finalist, The Endless Steppe is the true story of Esther Rudomin Hautzig's girlhood in World War II Siberia. For over 25 years, this extraordinary book has touched the hearts of young people around the world with its vivid portrayal of life during World War II and its inspiring testament to the power of hope in the harshest conditions.

Esther Hautzig (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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The Enemy

After a decisive Revolutionary War battle a family takes in the young son of an enemy soldier.

Sandra E. Mcbride (Author), Highlights For Children (Narrator)

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The Entertainer and the Dybbuk

Just after World War II ex G.I. Freddie T. Birch finds his ventriloquist act taking a turn for the weird when he is possessed by the spirit of Avrom Amos, a twelve-year-old Jewish boy killed by the Nazis. Fortunately for Freddie, Avrom is not merely a ghost, he's a comical one, with sharp theatrical training-exactly what's needed to liven up the act.

Sid Fleischman (Author), Banna Rubinow (Narrator)

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The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

The summer of 1899 is hot in Calpurnia's sleepy Texas town, and there aren't a lot of good ways to stay cool. Her mother has a new wind machine from town, but Callie might just have to resort to stealthily cutting off her hair, one sneaky inch at a time. She also spends a lot of time at the river with her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist. It turns out that every drop of river water is teeming with life - all you have to do is look through a microscope! As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and learns just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century. Debut author Jacqueline Kelly deftly brings Callie and her family to life, capturing an unusual year with unique sensitivity and wit.

Jacqueline Kelly (Author), Natalie Ross (Narrator)

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The Executioner's Daughter

Moss hates her life. As the daughter of the Executioner in the Tower of London, it's her job to catch the heads in her basket after her father has chopped them off. When she discovers a hidden tunnel that takes her to freedom, she learns that her life isn't what she believes it to be. Her search for the truth takes her on a journey along the great River Thames. Could the answers lie deep in its murky depths?

Jane Hardstaff (Author), Sarah Ovens (Narrator)

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The Extraordinary Life of Mary Seacole

Brought to you by Puffin. Mary Seacole is now known for her medical work in the Crimean war, and as a brilliant woman who combated the racial prejudice she experienced in her lifetime. But for a long time her story was lost. From growing up in Kingston, Jamaica as the daughter of a doctress to helping soldiers in the war, discover the details of the amazing life that Mary Seacole led with real-life stories, timelines and facts. Extraordinary Lives is a bold, inclusive biography series shining a light on modern and historical figures. Entertaining, accessible and educational, they are the perfect introductions to these amazing people and their achievements. © Naida Redgrave 2019 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Naida Redgrave (Author), Weruche Opia (Narrator)

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The Extraordinary Life of Nelson Mandela

Brought to you by Puffin. The story of the first black president of South Africa. NELSON MANDELA is known for dedicating his life to fighting for equality in South Africa and overthrowing racial segregation. He grew up hearing the elders' stories of his ancestors' fighting in the wars of resistance, and he dreamed of fighting for the freedom of his people. His childhood wish was granted when he became the first black president of South Africa, and an icon for hope, change and equality. Extraordinary Lives is a bold, inclusive biography series shining a light on modern and historical figures. Entertaining, accessible and educational, they are the perfect introductions to these amazing people and their achievements. © E. L. Norry 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

E. L. Norry (Author), Theo Solomon (Narrator)

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