Historical Audiobooks

Daybreak on Raven Island

From the critically acclaimed author of Midnight at the Barclay Hotel comes a thrilling new middle grade mystery novel inspired by Alcatraz Prison. Tori, Marvin, and Noah would rather be anywhere else than on the seventh grade class field trip to Raven Island prison. Tori would rather be on the soccer field, but her bad grades have benched her until further notice; Marvin would rather be at the first day of a film festival with his best friend, Kevin; and Noah isn't looking forward to having to make small talk with his classmates at this new school. But when the three of them stumble upon a dead body in the woods, miss the last ferry back home, and then have to spend the night on Raven Island, they find that they need each other now more than ever. They must work together to uncover a killer, outrun a motley ghost-hunting crew, and expose the age-old secrets of the island all before daybreak.

Fleur Bradley (Author), Kamali Minter (Narrator)

Audiobook

Courage Like Kate: The True Story of a Girl Lighthouse Keeper

An inspiring audiobook biography based on the life of Kate Moore, a twelve-year-old lighthouse keeper in the 19th century who saved the lives of twenty-three sailors. With an evocative text, travel back to the stormy, rocky shores of 19th century Connecticut and meet an unforgettable heroine-- at a time when girls were considered anything but. Fayerweather Island had seen blustery blizzards and rip-roaring tides, but it had never seen a pint-sized hurricane until Kate Moore claimed that tiny island as her own. Little Kate was supposed to be the lighthouse keeper's daughter, but she thought of herself as Papa's assistant.   The thirty-three spiraling lighthouse stairs finally took a toll on Papa's body, and so twelve-year-old Kate stepped up. Over the years, she kept the flame lit to guide ships to safety, listened for cries for help, and, time and again, pulled men to safety-twenty-three of them in all. At the age of forty-seven, Kate received word-she had been named the official lighthouse keeper of Fayerweather Island. This girl-power audiobook introduces a small heroine, who, with her can-do attitude and incredible spirit, is sure to inspire.

Anna Crowley Redding (Author), Arischa Conner (Narrator)

Audiobook

Egyptian Myths: Meet the Gods, Goddesses, and Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt

Delve into a world of strange creatures, magical powers, and warring gods in this thrilling compendium of ancient Egyptian myths. With 20 exciting tales alongside fascinating historical information, this is a must-have introduction for young readers interested in one of the world's great early civilizations. From the creation of the world, to the pharaohs worshipped as gods, this book charts the full sweep of ancient Egyptian mythology, revealing fascinating elements of culture and religion along the way. The enthralling stories introduce mighty gods and wicked villains, while a handy reference section is packed with information about the ancient Egyptians themselves. Learn how Ra fought daily battles to make the Sun rise, how trouble-making Set brought chaos to the kingdom, and how Osiris became the first mummy. © 2022 Jean Menzies © 2022 DK Audio

Jean Menzies (Author), Suzie Rai (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Wizard and the Future King

Once there was a boy named Arthur who had a wizard for a teacher. Arthur wanted to be a knight like his brother. Arthur tried to learn how to be kind and humble and clever... but sometimes he forgot. He did not know he would ride to war when enemies invaded his country. He did not know he would one day pull a sacred sword from a stone. He did not know one day he would be king. This is the story of the first part of Arthur's life. Did you know some Arthurian legends have roots in historical events? Did you know some legends of King Arthur are over 1,000 years old and the story is still being embellished today? Join your young reader on a beautiful retelling of the boy who would one day become a legendary king of Britain and dive deeper with historical tie-ins and educational text along the way.

Elizabeth Hauris, Stephanie Hanson (Author), Caleb Hauris, Elizabeth Hauris (Narrator)

Audiobook

John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy

Meet the youngest person to fight in the Civil War in this middle-grade historical fiction novel, part of the Based on a True Story series. Do you have what it takes to run off and join the army, leaving your family behind? That’s what John Lincoln Clem, a nine-year-old boy living in Ohio, does as the American Civil War rages on. In 1861, Johnny sneaks onto a train filled with men from the 3rd Ohio Union Regiment, determined to fight for his country. Taken in by the older soldiers, Johnny becomes a drummer boy—not to mention the youngest person to serve in the war. Living a soldier’s life, Johnny experiences the brutalities of battle and the hunger and illness in between. Eventually he is captured by the Confederates, imprisoned, and then sent home a hero. John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, writing as E. F. Abbott, is a fascinating novel for young listeners. The Based on a True Story books by E. F. Abbott are exciting historical fiction stories about real children who lived through extraordinary times in American History. This book has Common Core connections.

E. F. Abbott (Author), Alex Boyles (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider

A historical fiction middle-grade novel in the Based on a True Story series about the Revolutionary War experiences of Sybil Ludington, who gathered troops to fight the British What would you do if your country was counting on you to deliver an important message? That’s the story of sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington’s famous midnight ride. In 1777, Sybil and her family believe the American colonies should be free from British control, and Sybil’s father leads a regiment of New York militiamen. Using spy tactics and codes, the Ludingtons gather intelligence, hoping to stay one step ahead of their enemies. When British troops raid nearby Danbury, Connecticut, Sybil gallops through the night to call out her father’s men. With obstacles at every turn, will she make it in time to stop the British? Based on a True Story books are exciting historical fiction about real children who lived through extraordinary times in American History.

E. F. Abbott (Author), Erica Sullivan (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Star That Always Stays

'Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories—stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage. Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia’s mother forces her to pretend she’s not Native at all—even to Mr. Ward, Ma’s new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia’s irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. It’s dizzying for a girl who grew up on the forested shores of Lake Michigan. Despite the move and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings—all five of them—are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it…and upon her discretion. But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she is? Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh, vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson’s family history.'

Anna Rose Johnson (Author), Elise Randall Modica (Narrator)

Audiobook

From Machu Picchu to El Dorado

A Melissa Greentree Adventure In Ancient Peru

Lino Omoboni (Author), Steven Miller (Narrator)

Audiobook

Prehistoric Warfare: The History of Early Human Conflicts

Most scientists believe the evolution of humans has a history nearly as long as life itself. Anatomically modern humans and all other life that has existed on the planet first came about from the single-celled microorganisms that emerged approximately 4 billion years ago. Through the processes of mutation and natural selection, all forms of life developed, and this continuous lineage of life makes it difficult to say precisely when one species completely separates from another. In other words, scientists still debate when a human became a human rather than the ancestor species that came before. Among paleontologists, the question of human propensity for warfare in prehistoric eons has persisted. Primitive conflict that in time grew into a modern military phenomenon has become an increasing avenue of study. Scientists seek to ascertain whether the distant ancestral line of humans is genetically disposed toward the act of war, or whether social and geographical development have created a circumstantial environment for large-scale societal collisions.  Depictions of humans pierced with arrows began to appear in the Aurignacian-Périgordian eras (30,000 years ago), and in the early Magdalenian era (17,000 years ago). A work of Mesolithic art (20,000 to 10,000 years ago) shows an explicit battle between groups of archers, and in Valencia, a group of three archers are seen surrounded by four of the similarly armed enemy in the Cova del Roure la Vella in Castellón. In the Ares del Maestrat in Alcañiz of Aragon, another work depicts warriors fleeing a group of eight archers, while a similar work at Val del Charco del Agua in Aragon shows seven archers with plumed headgear. Other examples show warriors in lines and columns with a “distinctly garbed leader at the front.” In a sense, it’s entirely reasonable to believe that the earliest people were violent and engaged in warfare the same way people did throughout more recent eras. 

Charles River Editors (Author), Ryan Durham (Narrator)

Audiobook

Veinte mil leguas de viaje submarino

Este clásico escrito por el legendario Julio Verne y publicado en 1869 nos relata qué pasa cuando de forma inesperada varios buques en distintos mares empiezan a sufrir el ataque de una monstruosa criatura marina que los manda a pique, periódicos y científicos de todo el mundo debaten alarmados acerca de la naturaleza del misterioso animal y de las causas de su comportamiento. Finalmente se prepara una fragata para acabar con la amenaza de la bestia, y a la expedición es invitado como científico el profesor Pierre Aronnax. En el barco se halla también Ned Land, el ' rey de los arponeros ' . Sin embargo, ninguno de ellos sospecha que están a punto de encontrarse con una aventura más fantástica y llena de emociones de lo que puedan alcanzar a imaginar, así como con un personaje peculiar e inolvidable: el Capitán Nemo.

Julio Verne (Author), Armando Hernandez (Narrator)

Audiobook

Indigenous America

"A powerful series that fills in the cracks and illuminates the shadows of the past." -Sherri L. Smith, award-winning author of Flygirl   Introducing a new nonfiction series that uncovers hidden histories of the United States. The true story of the United States' Indigenous beginnings. American schoolchildren have long been taught that their country was "discovered" by Christopher Columbus in 1492. But the history of Native Americans in the United States goes back tens of tens of thousands of years prior to Columbus's and other colonizers' arrivals. So, what's the true history?  Indigenous America introduces and amplifies the oral and written histories that have long been left out of American history books.

Liam Mcdonald (Author), Darrell Dennis (Narrator)

Audiobook

Three Strike Summer

"Told in a voice that is so real it reeks of filched peaches, this book is a home run." —Amy Sarig King, Printz Award–winning author of Dig and The Year We Fell from Space Sandlot meets Esperanza Rising in this lyrical middle grade novel set in the 1930s about a strong-willed girl who finds her voice in a tale of moxie, peaches, and determination to thrive despite the odds. When the skies dried up, Gloria thought it was temporary. When the dust storms rolled in, she thought they would pass. But now the bank man's come to take the family farm, and Pa's decided to up and move to California in search of work. They'll pick fruit, he says, until they can save up enough money to buy land of their own again. There are only three rules at the Santa Ana Holdsten Peach Orchard: No stealing product. No drunkenness or gambling. And absolutely no organizing. Well, Gloria Mae Willard isn't about to organize any peaches, no ma'am. She's got more on her mind than that. Like the secret, all-boys baseball team she's desperate to play for, if only they'd give her a chance. Or the way that wages keep going down. The way their company lodgings are dirty and smelly, and everyone seems intent on leaving her out of everything. But Gloria has never been the type to wait around for permission. If the boys won't let her play, she'll find a way to make them. If the people around her are keeping secrets, then she'll keep a few of her own. And if the boss men at the Santa Ana Holdsten Peach Orchard say she can't organize peaches, then by golly she'll organize a whole ball game.

Skyler Schrempp (Author), Skyler Schrempp (Narrator)

Audiobook