North America Culture

A finalist for the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award, Sue Macy’s Wheels of Change offers young listeners an ear-opening account of how, beginning in the late 19th century, the bicycle helped change the course of women’s history. Macy meticulously documents how women used the freedom of their newfound mobility to effect social change, even in the face of constant challenges.

During the civil rights movement, the state of Mississippi created an elaborate spy network. Its mission was to preserve segregation by any means necessary—including voter interference, sponsorship of white supremacy groups, and even murder.

Imagine your shock at waking up one morning to a fleet of enormous, otherworldly craft looming over you. And when bizarre aliens begin to emerge - speaking strange gibberish - your heart races even faster. Similar fears may have gripped New World inhabitants when diverse civilizations - separated by a vast ocean - first met. American natives once knew nothing of towering ships, galloping horses, thundering guns, or smallpox. From 1492 onward, however, waves of adventurers would give them a cruel introduction.

Trusting an overly optimistic guidebook, the Donner Party sets out for the Promised Land in May of 1846 - unaware that they're following only rumor-fueled speculations. But after betting their lives on a bogus shortcut, the starving travelers soon struggle to survive the November snows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Praying for a miraculous rescue, 48 of the original 88 escape certain death by living off the flesh of their dead comrades.

The Big Wander is a trip 14-year-old Clay Lancaster and his older brother Mike have planned for years. It’s Clay’s dream to find his ex-rodeo-star uncle, who quit the tour and disappeared somewhere in the vast and colorful Monument Valley. But Mike - heartbroken and unfocused after losing his girlfriend - soon heads for home. Clay, however, will not give up. He finds a job in a remote trading post, and follows a lead on his uncle’s whereabouts that takes him deep into Navajo country.

What was the Louisiana Purchase and why was it important? How did the Louisiana Purchase change the United States? How did it affect the future for black people and American Indians? When the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, it would lead to historic changes for the young country. Using an inquiry-based approach, listeners will learn the history behind the Louisiana Purchase and how it affected the future of America and its people.

After breaking or tying more than 60 records in hockey, it's no wonder that Wayne Gretzky is known as "The Great One". Born in Brantford, Ontario, on January 26, 1961, in a nation obsessed with the sport, he threw himself into the game practically from the time he first laced up a pair of skates. When he retired from the NHL in 1999, he had led several teams to Stanley Cup victories, competed in the Olympics, and changed the way hockey was played forever.

Ophelia DeVore boldly overcame tragedy and hardship to become the first Black model in the United States of America. She possessed grace, finesse, intelligence, natural beauty, and courage. Being the first black graduate of the Vogue Modeling School, she eventually became a powerful business mogul, an exuberant entrepreneur, and a respected leader in her field. Her story is unique because she redefined "beauty" in America. Throughout her life, she sought to prove to the world beauty could be found in every shade of color.

Examines the instruments that make up an orchestra, their arrangement on the stage, the role of the conductor, and the need of the musicians to practice.

Director Solomon gives a guided tour of Star City Planetarium, where he explains such things as what equipment is used in a planetarium show and what some of the different objects in the night sky are.

An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of the United States.

A group of children go on a field trip for a guided tour of city hall, where they learn about the roles of the city council, the mayor, and other city departments.

A group of children go on a field trip for a guided tour of the United States Mint in Philadelphia, where they learn how coins are made.

This audiobook uses a field trip to a bakery to introduce the process by which baked treats are made. Learn about using flour and yeast to make bread.

A group of children go on a field trip for a guided tour of a public library, where they learn how to find and check out books and other materials.

Aquarium worker Ming gives a guided tour of the Blue Harbor Aquarium, where she explains such things as what kinds of jobs people have there, what kinds of fish and animals live there, and how food is prepared for aquarium dwellers.

Why is it so warm inside the greenhouse? Which plants prefer cooler, dry air? Which like it hot and wet? Who takes care of all these plants? Go on a guided tour of a greenhouse to find out! Meet a plant expert, see how plants are cared for, and learn how a greenhouse can be warm even in winter.

A group of children go on a field trip for a guided tour of a newspaper, where they learn how reporters, photographers, and other staff members work together to publish a newspaper.

Museum guide Maria gives a tour of the science museum explaining the various collections and exhibits that are found there and the ways in which science museums differ from other museums. This audiobook includes instructions for creating a museum exhibit and other resources.

Who works in a stadium? Where do the players get ready for the big game? Who makes all those hot dogs? Go on a guided tour of a stadium to find out! Meet a baseball manager and see how thousands of people can gather, have fun, and cheer their team at a stadium.