Non-fiction Audiobooks

George Balanchine: The Life and Legacy of One of the 20th Century’s Most Influential Choreographers

"By the turn of the 20th century, American entertainment was still preoccupied with European-style operetta, as embodied in the works of cellist-composer Victor Herbert. Traditional dance forms moved from European stories to the American prairie in Oklahoma by the late 1940s, and what was once the property of Bavarian princes became the singing standards of cowboys riding through the corn fields in Oh What a Beautiful Morning and Out of My Dreams. At the time, the availability of classical ballet in America was scant. In contrast to the evolution of an American style in musical theater, Broadway, and film, ballet in the United States was ushered in largely through the efforts of an individual who brought with him a strong traditional sense from Russia and the rest of Europe but was intent on producing a distinctly American style. Other experimentalists appeared, such as Isadora Duncan, but it was George Balanchine who managed to institutionalize and fund both a hybrid traditional as well as experimental form. Balanchine, although a dancer as well, is today regarded as the “foremost contemporary choreographer in the world of ballet.”[1] Despite much work in Russia and other parts of Europe, his eventual relocation to the United States made possible the establishment of an American ballet school and an elite ballet company, the New York City Ballet. In contrast to the fiercely guarded Russian classical style of the Bolshoi Theater, the New York City Ballet featured uniquely choreographed performances to previously unfamiliar musical works. These were approached with a uniquely American style of dance, however steeped in tradition the basic steps may have been."

Charles River Editors (Author), David Van Der Molen (Narrator)

Audiobook

Tyrone Power: The Life and Legacy of One of Hollywood’s Most Famous Swashbucklers

"Hollywood has never lacked leading men who could captivate viewers with dramatic performances that depict them as suave romantics or dashing heroes, especially during the Golden Age of Hollywood, when stars like Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, and Cary Grant graced screens. But in the mid-20th century, one of the most popular stars was a man who’s been frequently overlooked.   Some actors were recruited based on their appearance alone, signing contracts before taking screen tests or ever having been on a stage or set. Others became overnight sensations, darlings of the public for decades. Only a few of these turned out to be excellent actors, but one of them was certainly Tyrone Power, one of Hollywood’s leading men from the 1930s into the 1950s. With a career spanning over 50 films, Power did not have to work through the system, rising to the top almost immediately at the age of 22.  Power was named “King of the Movies” for three straight years (1939 -1941) by fans, and while critics claimed that his success came from his good looks, today he is acknowledged as a good actor, among the most underestimated of this era. Power starred in a variety of film genres, and at least some contemporaries made note of his “remarkable acting range.” This included several musicals such as Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Second Fiddle, Rose of Washington Square, and The Eddy Duchin Story. He also made appearances in several dramas, including Johnny Apollo, Witness for the Prosecution, Crash Drive, and The Razor’s Edge. Power was even known for a good comedic sense in films like The Luck of the Irish, That Wonderful Urge, and Love is News."

Charles River Editors (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Modern Cinderella

"A Modern Cinderella is a collection of four short stories by Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women. Like her more famous novels, Alcott tells stories of young women interacting with people and events from the late 1800s. Louisa May Alcott bestows a truly amusing and thoroughly modern retelling of The Brothers Grimm's Cinderella. Alcott pokes fun throughout, describing a "cool blonde" as "having many cares those happy little housewives never know." What modern gal doesn't appreciate that those old, worn out shoes are dependable and will take you far--forget impractical glass slipper or stilettos!"

Louisa May Alcott (Author), Lyssa Browne (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Well-Known Great Big Slap: Old Rivals’ Friendship Tested

"From children to adults, this novel prompts everyone to rethink some of the essential elements of life… William and Christopher are two friends living entirely different lives, and somewhere along the way, this makes them adversaries. In the process of life and growth, they find themselves asking hard questions about life, such as: Just how important is money in life? How often should one laugh every day? What's the true meaning of happiness? Are we all so different, or what makes us different? If you also find yourself asking these questions, then your kids will certainly draw valuable lessons that will help shape them in the right direction!"

Patrice M Foster (Author), Aaron Hammond (Narrator)

Audiobook

Im Not Your Nigga

"The book Not your Nigga was written by author Robert Carpenter to teach children of all races and ethnic backgrounds that words have power, and that the word nigga was used to oppress and dehumanize a particular race of people and that that word should never be used at anytime."

Robert Carpenter (Author), Robert Carpenter (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Spanish] - Cómo Dejar el Café y la Cafeína para Siempre: Descubre Cómo Dejar de Depender de la Cafe

"¿Sientes que tu día no ha iniciado sin esa taza de café? ¿Incluso te has sentido malhumorado si no obtienes esa cafeína el día? ¿Sueles relacionar tu productividad con la cantidad de café que consumes? Entonces sigue leyendo… “En realidad, esta parece ser una necesidad básica del corazón humano en casi toda crisis importante: una buena taza de café caliente”. - Rey Alejandro I de Yugoslavia Luchar con las tareas cotidianas en el trabajo, universidad, o en casa, puede parecer mucho más entretenido con la compañía de una taza de café. Su olor, su sabor y la pequeña pausa de diez segundos para tomar un sorbo y pensar: “¡Ah, esto es realmente refrescante!” Si nos encontramos acá es porque los últimos días, justo en esos momentos refrescantes de la mañana, te has preguntado: ¿Acaso tomaré café el resto de mi vida? ¿Qué pasa si necesito darme un tiempo libre? ¿Si un día decido dejarlo… será posible de la noche a la mañana?  Si los grandes filósofos griegos como Platón, Sócrates y Aristóteles no necesitaron del café para terminar proyectos majestuosos que impactaron a la humanidad ¡Tampoco tú lo necesitas! En este libro, descubrirás:  Tácticas sencillas y cotidianas para reducir el consumo del café. Maneras en las que puedes tener un consumo más responsable y saludable.  Todos los comportamientos asociados al consumo del café.  El café y su rol en el área del trabajo.  Tipos de bebedores de café.  Consejos adicionales para empoderar tus esfuerzos. Y mucho más… Si estás buscando dejar el café para empezar tus días ¡Este libro es para ti! ¡No esperes más y desplázate hacia arriba!"

Cassian Dixon (Author), Matías Gallego (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Ramayan of Valmiki (Unabridged)

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The Ramayana, written by Valmiki, tells the legendary tale of Rama, the prince of Ayodhya. Rama is forced into exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana due to palace intrigue. In the forest, the demon king Ravana abducts Sita. With the help of the monkey god Hanuman, Rama locates Sita and wages a fierce war against Ravana, ultimately defeating him and rescuing his wife. The epic explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil. It is considered a foundational text of Hinduism and continues to inspire millions across the globe."

Valmiki (Author), Digital Voice Mary G (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Truth About Mrs. Claus

"An empowering holiday book by Meena Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ambitious Girl. Amalia the Elf loves everything about making teddy bears . . .   Watching Grandma and Mama sew! Feeling the soft, velvety fur! Imagining the bears in their new homes!   . . . except the bear-making part.    Worried about disappointing her family, Amalia goes straight to Santa for advice. But it's Mrs. Claus who knows how to solve Amalia's problem-and who needs help with a secret of her own.   From #1 New York Times bestselling author Meena Harris, The Truth About Mrs. Claus is an empowering story about being true to yourself, honoring family traditions, and believing in Christmas magic."

Meena Harris (Author), Meena Harris (Narrator)

Audiobook

What Are You?

"This program contains original sound design. From Christian Trimmer comes What Are You?, a brilliant, new early-listener audiobook brimming with warmth and playfulness that explores questions of race and identity. When a puggle meets two new poodle friends, there is a question the poodles feel they must ask. What are you? What am I? Yes, what are you? I am a dog. No, what are you? So begins a conversation about family and identity, and about the things we're good at... and why we're good at them. Brimming with warmth and playfulness, What Are You? is an exemplary audiobook for early listeners. Equally funny and thoughtful, it includes prompts to facilitate important first conversations about stereotypes and bias between child and adult. A Macmillan Audio production from Roaring Brook Press."

Christian Trimmer (Author), Ramon De Ocampo (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Christmas Competition

"‘A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson on The Christmas Carrolls The Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back! Funny festive middle grade from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder’s Tinsel, and the Nativity! films The Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back – and this time, they have an ice-skating baby penguin! There’s a new family in town determined to steal the Carrolls’ tinselly crown. Can Holly and her family win the Christmas Chronicle’s competition for the Most Festive Family? Or will they discover that there is more to life than perfect Christmas decorations, a personal toboggan run, and more pressies than you can shake a candy cane at?"

Mel Taylor-Bessent (Author), Shakira Newton (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sisterhood of Sleuths

"A clever and thought-provoking mystery that pays homage to classic Nancy Drew stories, perfect for fans of Wendy Mass and Trenton Lee Stewart.  Maizy always assumed she knew everything about her grandmother, Jacuzzi. So when a box full of vintage Nancy Drew books gets left at her mom's thrift store, Maizy is surprised to find an old photo of her grandmother and two other women tucked beneath the collection. Stranger still, when Maizy shows the photo to Jacuzzi she feigns ignorance, insisting the woman is someone else. Determined to learn the truth - and inspired by the legacy of Nancy Drew - Maizy launches her own investigation with the help of new friends, Nell and Cam. What they discover not only points to the origins of the iconic series, but uncovers a truth from the past that will lead to self-discovery in the present, connecting three generations of women.   This intergenerational mystery filled with literary history, friendship, and family secrets delivers a captivating tribute to the world's most famous girl detective. "

Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (Author), Moriah Martel (Narrator)

Audiobook

Who Was Michelangelo?

"Travel to Renaissance Italy and learn about the young apprentice who went on become a true master, and one of the most beloved sculptors and painters of all time in this addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series! Michelangelo created some of the world's most recognizable art, from the statue of David to the intricate ceiling fresco of the Sistine Chapel. Beyond his well-known painting and sculpting, he was a gifted poet and architect. Young readers can learn about the entirety of Michelangelo's life, from his time as a young apprentice, his relationships with several Catholic popes and the Medici family, to his unwillingness to stop working into his late eighties. A perfect read for art lovers and fans of the Renaissance."

Kirsten Anderson (Author), Caitlin Davies (Narrator)

Audiobook