Historical Audiobooks

The Legend of the Wandering King

The most dangerous magical object in the history of the world waits quietly in the treasury of a decaying Arabian palace. It knows your name and home and history and fate: it knows the past and future of the entire human race. It is a carpet, an impossible, dazzling carpet, and though a glance at it can drive a man mad, many will risk their lives to look into its pattern and discover their destinies. And when the carpet is stolen, it is up to young King Walid to recover it. Walid bears the scars of a terrible secret, a crime of pride and hatred whose memory drives him on the quest. The search for the carpet will take him across the brilliant deserts of the Middle East, from a tribe of fierce bandits to the riches of Damascus to the love of a beautiful woman. And it will lead him finally to his own surprising destiny... one that even the carpet might never have predicted. Inspired by the true story of a real prince of pre-Islamic Arabia. The Legend of the Wandering King is a novel like no other: an original historical fantasy, a thoughtful exploration of our fates and choices, and an utterly thrilling adventure.

Laura Gallego Garcia, Laura Gallego García (Author), Patrick Fraley (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Length of a String

Imani is adopted, and she's ready to search for her birth parents. Anna has left behind her family to escape from Holocaust-era Europe to meet a new family--two journeys, one shared family history, and the bonds that make us who we are. Perfect for fans of The Night Diary. Imani knows exactly what she wants as her big bat mitzvah gift: to find her birth parents. She loves her family and her Jewish community in Baltimore, but she has always wondered where she came from, especially since she's black and almost everyone she knows is white. Then her mom's grandmother--Imani's great-grandma Anna--passes away, and Imani discovers an old journal among her books. It's Anna's diary from 1941, the year she was twelve and fled Nazi-occupied Luxembourg alone, sent by her parents to seek refuge in Brooklyn, New York. Anna's diary records her journey to America and her new life with an adoptive family of her own. And as Imani reads the diary, she begins to see her family, and her place in it, in a whole new way.

Elissa Brent Weissman (Author), Carlotta Brentan, Tyla Collier (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Liberation of Gabriel King

Gabriel King believes he was born chicken. He’s afraid of spiders, corpses, loose cows, and just about everything related to the fifth grade. If it’s a choice between graduating or staying in the fourth grade forever, he’s going to stay put–only his best friend, Frita Wilson, won’t hear of it. “Gabe,” says Frita, “we got to do something about you.” When Frita makes up her mind, she’s like a locomotive–there’s no stopping her. “First, you’re going to make a list. Write down everything you’re afraid of.” Gabe’s list is a lot longer than he’d like Frita to know. Plus, he can’t quite figure out how tackling his fears will make him brave. Surely jumping off the rope swing over the catfish pond can only lead to certain death . . . but maybe Frita knows what she’s doing. It turns out she’s got her own list, and while she’s watching Gabe face all his fears, she’s avoiding the fear that scares her the most. With wisdom and clarity, K. L. Going explores the nature of fear in what should be an idyllic summer for two friends from different backgrounds. For them, living in a small town in Georgia with an active Ku Klux Klan, the summer of 1976 is a momentous one. It’s the summer they discover what courage is all about. From the Compact Disc edition.

K. L. Going, K.L. Going (Author), Robert Keefe (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Liberty Bell

In The Liberty Bell: Saving the Sound of Freedom, the Mickley family realizes that they might be the only ones that can save the important Old State House Bell as they run from the British. Though they risk their lives and must leave most of their belongings behind, they know that they have an important job to do. Based on actual events, this story brings the importance of the Liberty Bell to life.

Debra Housel (Author), Teacher Created Materials (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Life of Coretta Scott King

Coretta Scott King was the wife, friend, and tireless supporter of Martin Luther King Jr., America's most famous civil rights leader. However, her life went well beyond that which she shared with her husband. This amazing woman was a gifted singer, passionate political activist, and respected diplomat and stateswoman.

Lillian Forman (Author), Highlights For Children (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Lily Pond

A Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book and an ALA-ALSC Notable Childrens Book, The Lily Pond continues the story of two Jewish sisters who left Austria during WWII/Holocaust and found refuge in Sweden. A year after Stephie Steiner and her younger sister, Nellie, left Nazi-occupied Vienna, Stephie has finally adapted to life on the rugged Swedish island where she now lives. But more change awaits Stephie: her foster parents have allowed her to enroll in school on the mainland, in Goteberg. Stephie is eager to go. Not only will she be pursuing her studies, she'll be living in a cultured city again - under the same roof as Sven, the son of the lodgers who rented her foster parents' cottage for the summer. Five years her senior, Sven dazzles Stephie with his charm, his talk of equality, and his anti-Hitler sentiments. Stephie can't help herself - she's falling in love. As she navigates a sea of new emotions, she also grapples with what it means to be beholden to others, with her constant worry about what her parents are enduring back in Vienna, and with the menacing spread of Nazi ideology, even in Sweden. In these troubled times, her true friends, Stephie discovers, are the ones she least expected. From the Hardcover edition.

Annika Thor (Author), Amy Rubinate (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Linden Tree

When eleven-year-old Katy Sue loses her mother, Edna, to meningitis, she and her family must adjust to life without her. The rural farm in the 1940s provides a natural backdrop that is rhythmic and routine but unforgiving, even when a family member dies. The house's haunted emptiness is filled only when Aunt Katherine, Edna's youngest sister, comes to the family's aid, as does Jake, an ornithologist and family friend. Katy Sue, the youngest of the three children, struggles to define her place in the family and understand what the loss of her mother means for her now. With the guidance of her teacher, Mrs. Breton, Katy Sue begins to contemplate the shape of her family and the farm through drawing, a process that allows her to accept her father's soon-to-be wife, farm life without her mother, and, eventually, her own role within the family. "Gavin's interpretation of a wide range of emotions is respectful and clear. Her voice becomes gently gruff for Katy Sue's strong and loving father and takes on a higher, slightly shaky timbre for her anxious older sister. Gavin brings a casual, homey feel to the novel, dropping the final g (as in cookin'), while maintaining a reflective tone. This story sensitively captures the sorrow, loneliness, and small moments of joy that Katy Sue feels, with Gavin's reading eliciting deep compassion for the young protagonist."-Booklist

Ellie Mathews (Author), Marguerite Gavin (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Lions of Little Rock

Everything’s changing for twelve-year-old Marlee. Her brother’s gone off to college and her sister’s moved out of the room they’ve shared since Marlee was born. To Marlee, it feels like her whole world’s falling apart. On top of all that, she’s starting middle school and has to break in new teachers—teachers who don’t yet know Marlee doesn’t talk. At least not until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is she’s brave, brash and always knows the right thing to say, especially to the resident mean girl, Sally. Liz even helps Marlee overcome her fear of speaking. But when Liz leaves school without even a good-bye, the rumor is that Liz was really a colored girl caught passing for white. Marlee decides that doesn’t matter. She just wants her friend back. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are even willing to take on segregation and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.

Kristin Levine (Author), Julia Whelan (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Little Duke

Based on historical fact, this audiobook is full of intrigue and chivalry, and at a time when Normandy was not part of France. This is the romantic childhood history of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy. After his father was assassinated, when he was just nine years old, he is kidnapped and imprisoned by Louis of France who wanted to annex Normandy. But thanks to the bravery and daring of Richard's loyal squire and knight, Osmond de Centeville, he makes good his escape. Richard's great grandson was to become William the Conqueror and King of England. The story is full of suspense and bravery, of loyalty and resolve under the most scary cirucumstances. Courage is a strong value for all involved. Table of Contents Chapter 01: A Welcome Visit Chapter 02: An Untimely Death Chapter 03: Richard Assumes the Ducal Mantle Chapter 04: A Comrade Chapter 05: Danger in the Castle Chapter 06: At the French Court Chapter 07: For the Sake of a Falcon Chapter 08: A Daring Escape Chapter 09: Danes to the Rescue Chapter 10: Royal Hostages Chapter 11: The Passing of a Prince Chapter 12: A Boon Granted Chapter 13: Reconciliation at Last AUTHOR Charlotte Yonge Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823-1901) was a prolific British novelist, magazine editor, best know for her work in children's literature. Yonge taught Sunday School for 71 years and her novels express the same values and concerns she shared with her students, courage and self-sacrifice for a greater good. COMMENTARY Reviews for Alcazar AudioWorks' production of The Little Duke I like to listen to a story read aloud by a master storyteller just as much as any of my children. There is often a book-on-tape or book-on-CD playing in the background at our house when we're busy at some task like washing dishes, folding laundry, cutting and pasting and drawing and painting, anything that requires the attention of our hands and our eyes, while leaving our ears and brains free. We had read The Little Duke together when we were studying the Middle Ages, and so we were already familiar with the story. What a joy to hear it read aloud by David Thorn, whose rich voice and British accent somehow suit the tale to a ""T""! Richard's great grandson would someday become the famous William the Conqueror, but at the time this story is set, Richard is just a bewildered little boy, a pawn in the game of power, with no less than the King of France seeking to control him and the rich lands he has inherited upon the assassination of his father, the Duke of Normandy. But young Richard is not without friends and protectors... The story has all the elements that appeal to young and old alike: adventure, intrigue, knightly doings, deadly peril, and thrilling rescue. The chapters are punctuated by music and the reading goes by all too quickly - four-and-a-half hours in all - if you listen to it in one sitting. (Which we have.) Or you could break it up and listen a chapter at a time. (We've done that, too.) Through the story, Richard grows in wisdom, compassion, and understanding, and we see him go from an indulged child to a young liege lord. He learns such valuable lessons as controlling his temper and his impulses, and putting others before himself. There is quite a contrast between the spoiled, cruel son of the King of France, and the Little Duke, and the end of the story left us wanting more. If you like to listen to a story well-read, I highly recommend this one. Reviewed By: Jean Hall - EHO Eclectic Homeschool Online Makes Learning History Unforgettable! This was a great story that is based on history. I listened to this one with my seven year old and we both enjoyed it! David Thorn does a nice job creating the voices of even the children. It is a story with a lot of adventure and human relationships. This was back when life was hard, even for the wealthy rulers. This book helps one understand what life was like back then. THis is not a book that is written at a dumbed down level. Charlotte Yonge wrote back in the late 1800's. She knew hew history and it was a pleasure to learn from her. This book has stood the test of time. We will listen to it again soon on an upcoming car trip with the rest of the family. Listener Review - Audible.com "

Charlotte Yonge (Author), David Thorn (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Littlest Voyageur

Longing to fulfill his dream of becoming a voyageur, Jean Pierre Petite Le Rouge stows away in one of the canoes traveling from Montreal to a faraway trading post. Hes so excited, he cant stay hidden long and soon finds himself perched on the bow of the canoe, whiskers to the wind, singing his heart out. The voyageurs are not amused to find a pesky red squirrel among their crew. He rides, but does not paddle! He eats, but does not cook! On the portages, he doesnt carry anythingsometimes it is he who is carried! And hes a terrible singer. What kind of voyageur is that? Fortunately, his kind crewmate Jean Gentille takes pity on him and lets Le Rouge ride in his vest pocket. But when they finally arrive at the trading post, Jean Pierre Petite Le Rouge is in for a terrible shockthe voyageurs have traveled 1,200 miles to collect what? Furs! Skins! The pelts of his fellow fur-bearers! Heartsick, he believes he will have to give up his dream of becoming a voyageur. Unless, of course, he can find a way to change their minds.

Margi Preus (Author), Graham Halstead (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger

A thrilling middle grade mystery series, perfect for fans of Robin Steven’s Murder Most Unladylike. Set in eighteenth-century London, with all the fun and zest of Hamilton, Bridgerton fashion and inspired by real Black British historical figures. Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds – Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad’s tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House – but they both share a love of solving mysteries. And when their eyes meet in the audience of the Drury Lane theatre one night, both girls are sure they’ve seen something suspicious on stage. Lizzie and Belle soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery – and becoming best friends. But can they work out what’s going on in time to prevent a murder?

J.T. Williams (Author), Amanda Bright (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Loch Ness Monster

The legend of the Loch Ness monster goes back hundreds of years. Believers say that sightings and blurry photographs prove the existence of what appears to be a surviving dinosaur, while skeptics argue that it’s a hoax. Beginning readers will be introduced to the elusive Nessie in this intriguing title. A Bellwether Media production.

Ray Mcclellan (Author), Dana Fleming (Narrator)

Audiobook