Non-fiction Audiobooks

Boys Will Be Human: A Get-Real Gut-Check Guide to Becoming the Strongest, Kindest, Bravest Person Yo

"From filmmaker, actor, and author Justin Baldoni comes a real-talk, self-esteem-building guidebook that helps boys ages 11 and up embrace their feelings and fears instead of repress them. Filled with activities, sidebars, and inspirational quotes, this book is the perfect social-emotional learning tool for parents and educators to jump-start conversations about masculinity with the boys in their lives. WARNING: THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST HONEST BOOK YOU’VE EVER READ Have you ever noticed that there are unwritten rules that tell boys how to act, think, and feel? Nobody knows where they came from, but one day—BAM!—you suddenly feel these invisible forces, pushing you to follow the rules of masculinity, even if they don’t make you happy. This book isn’t about learning the rules of the boys’ club, it’s about UNLEARNING them. It’s a get-real guidebook that will show you how to be: Brave enough to reveal who you really are Smart enough to ask questions Cool enough to feel all your emotions Confident enough to know your worth Strong enough to speak your truth —and much, much more. Be prepared: This book is raw and surprising. There is no subject off-limits or lies detected. Sometimes things might get a little uncomfortable, but that’s an important part of getting to know—and believe in—yourself. Don’t worry, you're not on this journey alone, so let’s jump in together to become the smartest, bravest, strongest HUMANS we can be! Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook."

Justin Baldoni (Author), Justin Baldoni (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sardines

"In this affecting middle grade debut, perfect for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Lynda Mullaly Hunt, a boy finds unexpected friendship in a motley group of kids following a devastating loss. Nothing’s been the same since Lucas’s older brother died. After the accident, Lucas’s mom disappeared without any warning, and his dad is struggling to cope. Lucas is pretty much alone—except for the other kids he meets at his middle school’s aftercare program. There’s Cat, the star athlete; Robbie, the goofball; Anna, the popular girl; and Finn, the mysterious new kid. Between games of Sardines, a reverse hide-and-seek, the kids realize that each group member has a secret wish. If they work together, the group might be able to help make each person’s dream come true. But for that to happen, Lucas will have to find the strength to trust his new friends with his family’s secrets. * 2023 Maine Literary Award Winner * ''You will fall in love with these characters and root for them each step of the way.'' —Ann Braden, author of The Benefits of Being an Octopus “At once tender and funny, honest and smart.” —Megan Frazer Blakemore, award-winning author of The Water Castle"

Sashi Kaufman (Author), Andrew Eiden (Narrator)

Audiobook

Into the Glades

"New York Times bestselling author Laura Sebastian makes her middle grade debut with an emotional fantasy adventure about four friends who journey through a magical, Everglades-inspired swampland to break a curse tied to the death of a loved one. Best friends Cordelia and Larkin have always called the Glades-a peaceful swamp full of magical creatures-home. But when Oziris, Cordelia's father and the leader of their village, dies unexpectedly, a dark curse sweeps over the land. The girls know that the curse must be tied to Oziris's death, and they're determined to break its hold on their home and bring Oziris back to life. Together, Cordelia, Larkin, and their two little brothers set off into the wild Glades in search of an elusive and enigmatic witch who is rumored to have the power to reverse death. The Glades are no longer a familiar and friendly place, though, and danger lurks around every corner. But on their journey, the children discover that the most difficult challenge isn't wild marsh-maids or bogilisks or dragon-gators-it's the grief threatening to consume them."

Laura Sebastian (Author), Rachel L. Jacobs (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Spanish] - ¿Quién fue Selena?

"Descubra por qué Selena, la reina de la música tejana, ¡se convirtió en una de las artistas méxico-americanas más célebres del siglo XX!   De joven, Selena Quintanilla cantaba en un grupo llamado Selena y Los Dinos con su hermano y su hermana. La familia actuaba en ferias, bodas, fiestas de quince años y en las esquinas de su Texas natal. Selena aprendió a cantar en español y pronto se hizo muy popular entre la comunidad latina, hasta el punto de convertirse en la artista latina más vendida de la década de 1990. Selena estaba lista para llegar a la cumbre del éxito, pero su vida se vio truncada tras ser herida de muerte por la presidenta de su club de fans. Las contribuciones de Selena a la música y a la moda durante su vida la convirtieron en una de las principales estrellas latinas de la década de 1990, y los lectores querrán saber más sobre la mujer que introdujo en el mundo la música tejana. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION Discover why Selena, the Queen of Tejano music, became one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the twentieth century in this Spanish edition of the WHO HQ series! As a young girl, Selena Quintanilla sang in a band called Selena y Los Dinos with her brother and sister. The family performed at fairs, weddings, quinceañeras, and on street corners in their native Texas. Selena learned how to sing in Spanish and soon became hugely popular within the Latino community--so much so that she became the best-selling Latin artist of the 1990s. Selena was poised to be a great success, but her life was cut short after being fatally wounded by the president of her fan club. Selena's contributions to music and fashion during her life made her one of the top Latin musicians in the 1990s, and readers will want to know more about the woman who introduced the world to Tejano music."

Kate Bisantz, Max Bisantz (Author), Jane Santos (Narrator)

Audiobook

Busy Betty

"A New York Times bestseller! From Academy Award-winning actress, founder, and bestselling author, Reese Witherspoon, comes Busy Betty, a story about a creative, curious, and exuberant young girl who has big plans and an even bigger heart. Busy Betty has always been busy . . . even when she was just a baby! When Betty gives Frank a big hug, she realizes he needs a bath, PRONTO! Her best friend, Mae, is coming over, and Betty can't have the smelliest dog in the whole world! But giving Frank a bath is harder than she thought and just when everything seems impossible, with Mae's help, Betty learns she can accomplish anything with perseverance, teamwork, and one great idea. From Reese Witherspoon comes a smart and larger-than-life character who encourages young readers to celebrate what makes them unique and realize that anything is possible! Praise for Busy Betty: 'A fun and high-spirited story for the fans of Fancy Nancy, Pinkalicious, or Freckleface Strawberry.'--School Library Journal 'An earnest and unabashed celebration of youthful entrepreneurial zeal that feels very of the moment.' --Publishers Weekly 'Extreme angles effectively convey a sense of perpetual motion. . . . Witherspoon's rollicking text never holds back . . . . as Betty says, "Being busy is a great way to be." Young readers are sure to agree.'--Kirkus reviews"

Reese Witherspoon (Author), Reese Witherspoon (Narrator)

Audiobook

Playing Through the Turnaround

"In a timely, insightful story told with sparkling wit and heart, young musicians protesting plans for budget cuts navigate miscalculations, indifferent adults, and unexpected loss as they discover the power of speaking out and the value of listening. “A brave and dazzling debut, this timely novel is a blueprint for hope.”—Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medalist and best-selling author of The One and Only Ivan “Keen and clear and fiercely funny.”—Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and best-selling author of A Long Walk to Water “Brilliant, sharp, comic, poignant, and true.”— Gary D. Schmidt, two-time Newbery Honor-winning author of The Wednesday Wars “A splendid novel filled with honesty and heart.”—Karina Yan Glaser, best-selling author of the Vanderbeekers series. Fifth period is hands down the best time of day in Connor U. Eubanks Middle School, because that’s when Mr. Lewis teaches Jazz Lab. So his students are devastated when their beloved teacher quits abruptly. Once they make a connection between budget cuts and Mr. Lewis’s disappearance, they hatch a plan: stop the cuts, save their class. Soon, they become an unlikely band of crusaders, and their quest quickly snowballs into something much bigger—a movement involving the whole middle school. But the adults in charge seem determined to ignore their every protest. How can the kids make themselves heard?"

Mylisa Larsen (Author), James Fouhey (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Food Group Audio Collection: The First Bunch

"The whole Food Group is coming to the table in one fresh package! Dig in and enjoy this jam-packed audio collection, featuring five charming stories about learning and self-discovery, from the creative minds of Jory John and Pete Oswald.  This bunch includes:     The Bad Seed The Good Egg The Cool Bean The Couch Potato The Smart Cookie"

Jory John (Author), Andrew Eiden, Cassandra Morris, Dan Bittner, Kirby Heyborne, Maxwell Glick (Narrator)

Audiobook

50 Times Football Changed the World

"Brought to you by Puffin. From football legend, Gary Lineker, comes a collection of truly uplifting, empowering and extraordinary football stories that have inspired him throughout his career. Did you hear about the match that took place in no-man's land between enemy forces during World War I? Or about the world's greenest club, working to tackle climate change? And I bet you didn't know about the mother of women's football who showed the world why girls should compete too! Written with author and TV writer Ivor Baddiel, in this fun and fact-packed book, Gary Lineker shares 50 of his favourite football stories that highlight the many awe-inspiring, heart-warming and eye-opening moments that have changed the game - and sometimes the world - forever. From pioneering players, trailblazing managers, and incredible tales from both on and off the pitch, this book contains everything you ever wanted to know about the beautiful game. And with 'Game-Changer Awards' presented to incredible teams and players throughout, this is the ultimate gift for young footie fans everywhere. © Ivor Baddiel & Gary Linkeker 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022"

Gary Lineker, Ivor Baddiel (Author), Ivor Baddiel (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Return of the Christmas Witch

"In the much-anticipated follow-up to the bestselling The Legend of the Christmas Witch, Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza and creative partner Dan Murphy's fiery heroine has returned. . . and this time she's taking on Christmas. By now you've heard the legend, all but forgotten, of Santa Claus's twin sister. Many years ago, this shadowy figure followed in Santa's footsteps, searching for him while leaving odd gifts of her own. One fateful night, they finally came face-to-face, and she hasn't been heard from since. Until now . . . The Christmas Witch has returned. After centuries trapped in her icy chamber, the snow is finally melting, and Kristtörn awakens. She finds that the holiday she loved is now controlled by the mysterious Kringle Corporation. She embarks on a journey to a world unknown to her, where she meets the inventive young Poppy and sweet old reindeer Donner, who agree to help her restore Christmas to its former glory. Little do they know that she wants more than order . . . she wants revenge. In the highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling The Legend of the Christmas Witch, award-winning producer and actress Aubrey Plaza and her creative partner Dan Murphy give the true spirit of Christmas a modern and wonderfully witchy twist."

Aubrey Plaza, Dan Murphy (Author), Aubrey Plaza (Narrator)

Audiobook

One More Mountain

"It's 2021, and the Taliban have regained power in Afghanistan. Parvana and Shauzia, the brave protagonists of The Breadwinner, must now flee to escape new dangers from an old enemy. In Kabul, 15-year-old Damsa runs away to avoid being forced into marriage by her family. She is found by a police officer named Shauzia, who takes her to Green Valley, a shelter and school for women and girls run by Parvana. It has been 20 years since Parvana and Shauzia had to disguise themselves as boys to support themselves and their families. But when the Taliban were defeated in 2001, it looked as if Afghans could finally rebuild their country. Many things have changed for Parvana since then. She has married Asif, who she met in the desert as she searched for her family when she was a child. She runs a school for girls. She has a son, Rafi, who is about to fly to New York, where he will train to become a dancer. But Shauzia is still Parvana's best friend. And Parvana is still headstrong, bringing her in conflict with her spoiled sister Maryam. While Asif tries to get Maryam and Rafi on one of the last flights out of Kabul, the Taliban come to the school, and Parvana must lead the girls out of Green Valley and into the mountains."

Deborah Ellis (Author), Meera Simhan (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Vanderbeekers on the Road

"The Vanderbeekers are off on their first big trip! Recreating a cross-country road trip Papa never got the chance to take with his own father, the biracial crew pack up and hit the highway, ready for anything that travel might bring. Nothing, not wet tents, creepy campgrounds, or overheated vans, can dampen their enthusiasm for seeing America’s sights and finally reaching California. But when the younger Vanderbeekers learn of a frightening change headed their way, they worry their family and their life in the beloved Harlem brownstone will never be the same. What would home be without the people they love living in it? For anyone who has ever feared—and faced—change, here is a fresh, empowering addition to a perennially favorite series the New York Times Book Review hails as “delightful and heartwarming.”"

Karina Yan Glaser (Author), Robin Miles (Narrator)

Audiobook

Ocean's World: An Island Tale of Discovery and Adventure

"Read by the authors. Includes an exclusive bonus song, "Ocean's World," written for the book! Join Ocean and Kingston as they explore the ocean, discover wildlife, and learn fascinating marine facts in Ocean's World, an action and adventure story for kids! Ocean and his little brother, Kingston, explore the beautiful island of Maui in search of a sunrise shell for their mom's birthday gift. But with a rumbling volcano and so much to unearth, will the boys ever find the special shell? Celebrity couple Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, known for their starring roles in Big Time Rush and Spy Kids, respectively, debut their first children's book, inspired by their firstborn son, Ocean, and their home in Hawaii. As Ocean and Kingston's adventure unfolds, you'll encounter so many fun and educational surprises along the way! During their journey you'll learn - how high a dolphin can jump; - how long it takes for a sea-turtle egg to hatch; - different types of shells including the cone, cowrie, puka, and Triton's trumpet; and - types of animals in the ocean. Whether they're surfing the waves, scouring the beach, or snorkeling in the tide pools, Ocean and Kingston are determined to learn everything the island can teach them. With lively narration and sea-sational facts, Ocean's World is ideal for kids 4 to 8, especially fans of Octonauts or Magic School Bus. Kids will so love exploring the island and ocean--and all the wonders they have to offer--that they won't want their island adventure to end!"

Alexa Penavega, Carlos Penavega (Author), Alexa Penavega, Carlos Penavega (Narrator)

Audiobook