Historical Audiobooks

All About Venturesome Vikings

This audiobook describes what life was like for the Vikings, with an in-depth account of all aspects of the people at the time and how they lived their daily lives. Narrator Jason Zenobia talks us through plenty of amazing facts about Viking voyages, invasions, ships and religion, including fascinating information about gods such as Odin, Thor and Loki. This excellent audiobook is a great addition to the collection of anyone interested in the Vikings, and is part of PS Quick's 'All About' series of books which introduce both children and adults to a number of extinct civilizations.

P.S. Quick (Author), Jason Zenobia (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sinking the Sultana: A Civil War Story of Imprisonment, Greed, and a Doomed Journey Home

In one terror-filled night, more than fifteen hundred people were lost when the Sultana sank. In 1865, the Civil War was winding down and the country was reeling from the assassination of President Lincoln. Thousands of Union soldiers released from Confederate prisoner-of-war camps began a long journey home. Follow the story of five of those soldiers who barely survived the atrocious conditions in the camps in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi until they were paroled and sent north. Transportation for the soldiers was arranged on the Sultana, a steamboat built with the latest technology. The captain stood to profit from each passenger it carried. Rushing needed boiler repairs, Captain James Mason boarded more than two thousand people in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on a boat certified for a capacity of 376. For two days, soldiers and others were squeezed together on the overcrowded boat. On their third night on the Mississippi River, just north of Memphis, the boilers exploded, engulfing the boat in steam and flames. Passengers were burned, crushed, or flung overboard. Although rescue efforts were launched, the survival rate was dismal. Who or what was responsible for the disaster? A greedy captain, corrupt army officers, faulty equipment, or the risks of a cold, flooded river?

Sally M. Walker (Author), Janet Metzger (Narrator)

Audiobook

Max Tilt: Fire the Depths

"A bold, big-hearted start to a groundbreaking new series." -Soman Chainani, author of The School for Good and Evil The New York Times bestselling author of the Seven Wonders series and books in the 39 Clues series, Peter Lerangis, brings us the enthralling first installment of the adventure-filled Max Tilt trilogy. When thirteen-year-old Max Tilt happens upon his great-great-great-grandfather Jules Verne's unfinished, unpublished manuscript, The Lost Treasures, he doesn't realize that he's found the answers to all his problems. And Max has a lot of problems-his mother is sick, his father is out of work, and his home is about to be foreclosed on. But when Max and his cousin Alex discover that Verne's last work reveals everything he wrote was fact, not fiction, they realize that the book holds the key to something incredibly valuable. A treasure that can save his house-and maybe his entire family. But Max and Alex aren't the only ones who know about Verne's clues. Spencer Niemend, a strange skunk-haired man who has spent his life researching Verne's works, is bent on reshaping the world with the hidden treasure. To find it first, Max and Alex must go on an adventure that'll take them from the broken remains of an underwater city to the very jaws of a giant squid to the edges of a whirlpool from which no one has ever emerged alive. This is the first book in a new hair-raising, edge-of-your-seat adventure series from master storyteller and New York Times bestselling author Peter Lerangis.

Peter Lerangis (Author), Johnathan McClain (Narrator)

Audiobook

Craig & Fred Young Readers' Edition

A heartwarming story of a stray dog and a U.S. Marine who met under the unlikeliest circumstances in Afghanistan-and who changed each other's lives forever. As part of an elite team of Marines, Craig Grossi was sent on his most dangerous assignment to the Sangin District of Afghanistan. He expected to face harsh conditions and violence from Taliban fighters. What he didn't expect was to meet a stray dog, with a big goofy head and little legs-a dog all on his own, filthy and covered in bugs, in a bomb-ridden district, but who carried himself with confidence. And even though the Marines have a rule against approaching strays, Craig couldn't help but offer some food and a pat-and was shocked when the dog wagged his tail. From that moment on, they were inseparable; whether out on missions or back at the base, the dog named Fred went along. When the time came for Craig to leave Afghanistan, he knew that Fred had to leave with him no matter what. And as Craig tried to get acclimated to civilian life, Fred was there for him. This audiobook tells the inspiring story of two friends who ultimately rescued each other, and the stubborn positivity and love that continue to shape their world.

Craig Grossi (Author), Craig Grossi (Narrator)

Audiobook

Trapped Between the Lash and the Gun

Jordan is going to join a gang. But just as he's about to start his future with the Cobras, his past calls him back. Way back--to the nineteenth-century, where he meets his ancestors and gets a bitter taste of what life was like for them as slaves. Jordan must live with the constant threat of the whip's lash. His journey back in time will strike a chord with any young person who has felt trapped by hard times and difficult choices.

Arvella Whitmore (Author), Allyson Johnson (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Is Our Constitution: Discover America with a Gold Star Father

From Gold Star father and beloved Democratic National Convention speaker Khizr Khan comes a book for young people about the Constitution-what it says and why it matters for everyone. Our Founding Fathers created the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights as a blueprint for American government and the rights of American citizens. This document is not merely a piece of parchment but a living, breathing promise of our deepest democratic values. Khizr Khan grew up in Pakistan, with few of the fundamental rights that are enshrined in the Constitution. He immigrated to America and became a citizen, raising his family to appreciate and honor all our nation has to offer. He is deeply passionate about the Constitution: the guarantees and protections it provides for each and every person and the beacon of light it shines throughout the world. This Is Our Constitution is a personal journey that Khizr Khan is taking with our nation's young people. It includes: * An introduction from Khizr Khan that shares his highly personal perspective on the relevance and importance of the Constitution. * A history of how the Constitution was drafted, passed, and amended. * An easy-to-read explanation of exactly what the Constitution and Bill of Rights say. * A passionate argument about why kids should care deeply about the Constitution (with a focus on the 1st and 14th amendments). * Information on some of the key turning points in its interpretation that he considers essential to our understanding of our country. * The complete text of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other amendments. This is a book about why the Constitution matters to you, and us all. **Please Contact Customer Service for Additional Documents**

Khizr Khan (Author), Khizr Khan, Sunil Malhotra (Narrator)

Audiobook

Black and White Knights: Brotherhood Gone Bad

Two brothers are torn apart by their egos. Will they reunite and get the castle back in order? One castle, two sides, the one white and the other black...the one gloomy and the other radiating light, each to their divorced parents' preference. In this story of two knights, Radius and Exdobor have always stuck together. They accept each other's' differences, but become suspicious when a scheming servant traps their pride with an anonymous object. The end result is a big battle and a ferocious fight between the siblings. Find out what else happens in this exciting book about two knights.

Jeff Child (Author), John H. Fehskens (Narrator)

Audiobook

Adventure Books for Kids: 3 Action Stories for Kids (Children's Adventure Stories)

Three action stories for kids. Story One: This is what the king's messenger told him. Corbin was a rebel, he was someone who wouldn't bow to the oppressive rules the dictator imposed upon his village. And because of that, he was banished. He was forgotten, but little did they realize that he would return. Hear about betrayal, revolution, and a sincere desire to liberate the people from tyranny in this book about a true warrior. Story Two: One castle, two sides, the one white and the other black...the one gloomy and the other radiating light, each to their divorced parents' preference. In this story of two knights, Radius and Exdobor have always stuck together. They accept each other's' differences, but become suspicious when a scheming servant traps their pride with an anonymous object. The end result is a big battle and a ferocious fight between the siblings. Find out what else happens in this exciting book about two knights. Story Three: Valentina the witch is a little dyslexic, which is why she has a hard time getting that one potion right. But when her book is snatched away by a jealous teacher, one who envies her beauty, she is determined to do something about it. Enjoy this short story about pearls, dragons, potions, beauty, enmity, and friendship. Find out what Valentina has to do to strengthen the bond between her and someone in need.

Jeff Child (Author), John H. Fehskens (Narrator)

Audiobook

Polaris

A crew of children must pilot a ship across unfamiliar seas while a strange creature lurks belowdecks in this fast-paced survival story from New York Times bestselling author Michael Northrop. Alone at sea, with only the stars to guide them . . . The Polaris is on a mission to explore new lands, and its crew is eager to bring their discoveries back home. But when members of the advance landing party mysteriously disappear, the remaining adults abandon ship, leaving behind the young cabin attendants and deckhands -- none of them older than twelve. With whispers of mutiny, a strange tropical illness, and perhaps even a wild beast shadowing them, the young sailors are desperate to steer the vessel to safety. When one of their number goes missing, and a strange but sweet smell drifts up from belowdecks, the young crew begins to suspect that someone -- or something -- else is onboard. Having steeled themselves for the treacherous journey home, they now have more to fear than the raging waters of the Atlantic . . .

Michael Northrop (Author), Steven Kaplan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today

Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution. Husband-and-wife team Cynthia and Sanford Levinson take readers back to the creation of this historic document and discuss how contemporary problems were first introduced--then they offer possible solutions. Think Electoral College, gerrymandering, even the Senate. Many of us take these features in our system for granted. But they came about through haggling in an overheated room in 1787, and we're still experiencing the ramifications. Each chapter in this timely and thoughtful exploration of the Constitution's creation begins with a story--all but one of them true-- that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and government. From the award-winning team, Cynthia Levinson, children's book author, and Sanford Levinson, constitutional law scholar, Fault Lines in the Constitution will encourage exploration and discussion from young and old readers alike. Read by Mark Bramhall, Arthur Morey, Kimberly Farr, Erin Spencer, and Adenrele Ojo

Cynthia Levinson, Sanford Levinson (Author), , Arthur Morey, Mark Bramhall, Various Authors (Narrator)

Audiobook

Threads of Blue

The thrilling sequel to the acclaimed Beautiful Blue World follows a brave girl who must flee her country during wartime and work undercover to defeat the enemy. For fans of The War That Saved My Life and Wolf Hollow. "A thoughtful, pellucid story . . . [that] gently probes questions of loyalty, patriotism and sacrifice." -The Wall Street Journal on Beautiful Blue World A war took Mathilde away from her family when she was chosen to serve her country, Sofarende, with other children working on a secret military project. But now the other children-including her best friend, Megs-have fled to safety, and Mathilde is all alone, determined to complete her mission. In this powerful and deeply moving sequel to the acclaimed Beautiful Blue World, Mathilde must make her way through a new stage of the war. Haunted by the bold choice she made on the night she chose her country's future over her own well-being, she clings to the promise Megs made long ago: "Whatever happens, I'll be with you." Praise for Beautiful Blue World: "Readers will be drawn in by the underlying belief that kids' work is important and powerful, and eager for the promised sequel." -Publishers Weekly, Starred "Deeply emotional, compelling, and brilliant." -Kirkus Reviews, Starred "LaFleur crafts a protagonist who is compassionate and resourceful, in a war-ravaged world in which children are, by turns, exploited and empowered. The tension is high and danger ever present." -School Library Journal, Starred

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

Audiobook

The Dollmaker of Krakow

In the vein of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and Number the Stars, this fusion of fairy tales, folklore, and World War II history eloquently illustrates the power of love and the inherent will to survive even in the darkest of times. In the land of dolls, there is magic. In the land of humans, there is war. Everywhere there is pain. But together there is hope. Karolina is a living doll whose king and queen have been overthrown. But when a strange wind spirits her away from the Land of the Dolls, she finds herself in Kraków, Poland, in the company of the Dollmaker, a man with an unusual power and a marked past. The Dollmaker has learned to keep to himself, but Karolina's courageous and compassionate manner lead him to smile and to even befriend a violin-playing father and his daughter-that is, once the Dollmaker gets over the shock of realizing a doll is speaking to him. But their newfound happiness is dashed when Nazi soldiers descend upon Poland. Karolina and the Dollmaker quickly realize that their Jewish friends are in grave danger, and they are determined to help save them, no matter what the risks.

R. M. Romero (Author), Abby Craden, Robert Fass (Narrator)

Audiobook