Nonfiction World

Each entry in this series is a biography of a significant historical figure, told in a simple, conversational, vivacious way, and always focusing on a character trait that makes the person a role model for kids. The heroes tell their life stories in first-person present tense, which keeps the books playful and accessible to young children. This 10th audiobook in the series features Jane Goodall, the scientist and conservationist who is famous for her work with chimpanzees.

Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to the Groundhog Day tradition? Are you aware that the Liberty Bell is three feet tall? Including information on civilizations dating back to 10,000 years ago in the region, this book explores Pennsylvania's storied history, from its importance in the founding of the United States to the creation of the Philly cheesesteak.

Did you know that the state is named after King George II? Are you aware that Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia? Or that the Cherokee Nation is responsible for peaches in the region? Including information on the area's first residents from 15,000 years ago, this book explores the complex and captivating history of Georgia, from the historic rock mounds of the Woodland Period to the birth of Coca-Cola in Atlanta in 1886.

Did you know that nearly one in three Texans speak Spanish at home? Are you aware that Texas is home to thousands of natural caves? Or that the largest urban bat colony in the world lives in this state? Including information on the many pre-Columbian groups traced to the region, this book explores what makes the history of Texas exceptionally unique, from its Spanish influences to the Texas Revolution. Discover the state’s distinct identity and why everything’s bigger in Texas!

Did you know Illinois was the first state to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment? Are you aware that the Chicago River flows backwards? Or that the state is home to President Barack Obama? Including information on the Cahokia region and early French settlers, this book on Illinois history and culture will engage all readers, from the story of why the northern border of Illinois was altered twice to the deadly Great Chicago Fire.

Did you know that the Statue of Liberty was originally copper-colored? Are you aware that Niagara Falls is the oldest state park in the country? Or that the Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in New York? Including information on the region's earliest Native groups and the Harlem Renaissance, this book explores New York's varied history and dynamic landscapes, from the dazzling skyscrapers of Manhattan to the striking waters of the Great Lakes and the Finger Lakes. There’s a reason it’s the most-visited state in the country!

Did you know that the Golden Gate Bridge isn't actually gold? Are you aware that Southern California experiences around 10,000 earthquakes each year? Or that you might spot your favorite celebrity's name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores California's rich history and culture, from its nine national parks to the filming sites of most American movies. No wonder it’s the most populous state in the country!

Get ready to hop on a mythical time machine and travel to Japan—a land of legendary samurai, magical creatures, and ancient wisdom! Prepare to dive into a world where brave warriors battle dragons, spirits roam enchanted forests, and gods and goddesses shape the destiny of mortals.

Author Sumbul Ali-Karamali offers her personal account, discussing the many and varied questions she fielded from curious friends and schoolmates while growing up in Southern California - from diet, to dress, to prayer and holidays and everything in between. She also provides an academically reliable introduction to Islam, addressing its inception, development, and current demographics. Through this engaging work, listeners will gain a better understanding of the everyday aspects of Muslim American life.

On this adventure we're travelling right around the world - to visit Australia! We're going to learn about everything this brilliant vibrant county has to offer. We're going to learn about the amazing Great Barrier Reef, see the magnificent Uluru, encounter some wonderful wildlife and we might even have time to take in a performance at the Opera House.

Malala Yousafzai won the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17 for speaking out against injustice even when it was terrifying to do so. She was an ordinary Muslim girl who wanted to attend school, and she refused to stop protesting for her rights even after being attacked by a powerful group in Pakistan who wanted women to remain in the shadows. She continues to fight for women’s rights and free education for children all over the world.

The incredible true story of a friendship so strong that it crosses the globe! You will love the inspiring tale of Gobi, a lost dog who kept pace with an ultramarathon runner, Dion Leonard, across a vast desert. Follow their unlikely friendship through the challenges of a race and Dion's struggle to bring Gobi home for good.

Before the twentieth century ships when relied upon visual signaling, vessels beyond range of sight or a cannon shot, were blind, deaf, and dumb in the dark, making night battles at sea rare, and near always accidental. The introduction of certain technologies like the torpedo, the searchlight, radio, and then radar, transformed naval warfare by making night combat feasible and, in some cases, desirable. The process by which navies integrated these new tools of war and turned the dark into a medium for effective combat, however, was long and difficult.

On the News gently introduces young children to the realities of natural disasters, terrorism and other forms of tragedy. In age-appropriate language and tone, Dr. Roberts explains what tragedy is, the feelings it may create and how to manage those feelings. She also emphasizes the good that can come out of tragedy, looking at how people help one another in caring, compassionate and heroic ways.

You might know that capybaras are totally adorable and are related to guinea pigs, but there’s so much more to learn about these cuddly creatures! Discover how capybaras are perfectly adapted to swimming, why they like birds riding on their backs, and what makes them eat their own poop! You’ll also discover what it takes to become a capybara zoologist. Filled with simple science and plenty of animal facts, it’s a must for all capybara fans!

As German tanks rolled toward Paris in late May 1940, the US Ambassador to France, William Bullitt, was determined to stay put, holed up in the Chateau St. Firmin in Chantilly, his country residence. Bullitt told the president that he would neither evacuate the embassy nor his chateau. As German forces closed in on the French capital, Bullitt wrote the president, "In case I should get blown up before I see you again, I want you to know that it has been marvelous to work for you."

From an early age, Cecilia Chiang could be found delighting in the sounds and smells from her favorite room in her home—the kitchen. Little did Cecilia know that she would one day have to escape war and travel to a faraway country, destined to change Chinese cuisine in the United States forever. Experience the dishes Cecilia Chiang enjoyed throughout her life as the seventh daughter in a large family to the owner of the famous Mandarin restaurant in San Francisco.

Meet our fearless adventurers Cassandra, Otto and Missy AKA the smartest raven in the universe as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure! On this adventure, we're travelling back in time to Ancient Egypt where we'll learn about one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the pyramids! We'll also visit the River Nile and the ancient tombs. Beware of the mummies!

Did you know that Walt Disney World has over 58 million visitors each year? Are you aware that NASCAR is headquartered in Florida? Or that there are over 800 Florida Keys with 42 bridges connecting the tiny islands? Including information on the first people who arrived in the area 12,000 years ago, this book explores Florida's rich history and diverse landscape, from the wetlands of the Everglades to the state's famous sandy beaches. Florida truly is the Sunshine State!

Did you know that seven US presidents have been born in Ohio? Are you aware that the Ohio state flag is not a rectangle? Or that more than half of the state is made up of farmland? Including information on the region’s many Indigenous groups, this book explores how Ohio is truly at the heart of it all, from its roots as the new American frontier to its legacy as the home of rock and roll.