Nonfiction World

Unlike other biographies, the Making of America series goes beyond individual narratives, linking influential figures to create an overarching story of America's growth that will deepen understanding of the country we live in today.

Unlike other biographies, the Making of America series goes beyond individual narratives linking influential figures to create an overarching story of America's growth that will deepen understanding of the country we live in today. This bundle featuring Alexander Hamilton, Abraham Lincoln, and Andrew Jackson tells the story of American constitutional history from the founding of the nation through the end of the Civil War.

Robert Stone was a singular American writer, a visionary whose award-winning novels - including Dog Soldiers, Outerbridge Reach, and Damascus Gate - earned him comparisons to literary lions ranging from Samuel Beckett to Ernest Hemingway to Graham Greene. Stone had an almost prophetic grasp of the spirit of his age, which he captured with crystalline clarity in each of his novels. Of course, he was also a sharp and brilliant observer of American life, and his nonfiction writing is revelatory.

From mammals with built-in armor to those with abilities that seem out of this world, this book uncovers the weirdest and most wonderful traits you never knew existed.

Fifteen thousand years before Europeans stepped foot in the Americas, people had already spread from tip to tip and coast to coast. Like all humans, these Native Americans sought to understand their place in the universe, the nature of their relationship with the divine, and the origin of the world into which their ancestors had emerged. The answers lay in their sacred stories. This collection of those stories - from nations and cultures across two continents, what the Aztecs called the Sea-Ringed World, from the edge of Argentina all the way up to Alaska - is a treasure.

The Involuntary American demonstrates how even indi­viduals of humble circumstances were swept into the mael­strom of the First Global Age. It expands our understanding of immigration to the colonies, colonial servitude, the link­ages and tensions between Europe, Massachusetts Bay, and America's northeastern frontier, and of New England socie­ty in the early colonial period.

In this young readers' edition of Thank You for Voting, debut author and journalist Erin Geiger Smith presents a fascinating look into America’s voting history and inspires young people to get involved! Voting is a privilege and a right, but it hasn’t always been for many people. From the founding fathers to Jim Crow to women's suffrage to gerrymandering - and everything in between - listeners will get a look at the complex history of voting and become empowered to ask big questions.

As World War II raged, millions of young Jewish people were caught up in the horrors of the Nazis' Final Solution. Many listeners know of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi state's genocidal campaign against European Jews and others of so-called "inferior" races. Yet so many of the individual stories remain buried in time. Of those who endured the Holocaust, some were caught by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps, some hid right under Hitler's nose, some were separated from their parents, some chose to fight back. Against all odds, some survived. They all have stories that must be told.

From a talented emerging writer comes a brave, honest, unforgettable memoir about mental illness, which breaks the silence and shatters the taboos to give hope to all those struggling to find their way through. One day Sophie Hardcastle realised the joy she’d always known had disappeared. She was constantly tired, with no energy, no motivation and no sense of enjoyment for surfing, friends, conversations, movies, parties, family - for anything. Her hours became empty.

Did you know that cotton candy was invented in Tennessee? Are you aware that about three million people visit the Dollywood theme park each year? Or that Tennessee was the site of the worst earthquake in the history of the continental United States? Including information on the region's Indigenous groups, this book explores Tennessee's rich history and culture, from the Parthenon museum to the state's more than 10,000 caves. With so many sights to explore above and below ground, Tennessee is more than meets the eye!

Did you know that Michigan has a floating post office? Are you aware that wolverines are exceedingly rare in Michigan, even though it's called the wolverine state? Or that over 40 percent of Michigan is covered in water? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Michigan's rich history and culture, from the popularity of college sports to the history of Motown Records. The only US state split in two, Michigan has double the fascinating facts!

Did you know that Blackbeard the pirate crashed his ship off of North Carolina in 1718? Are you aware that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America? Or that the Wright brothers' first flight in a powered aircraft took place in North Carolina, lasting only twelve seconds? Including information on the region's Indigenous groups, this book explores North Carolina's rich history and culture, from the incredible archaeological finds at the Hardaway Site to the legacy of Appalachian music.

Did you know that Arizona is where humans first discovered Pluto? Are you aware that Arizona produces more copper than any other state? Or that the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world—the only one in the United States? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Arizona's rich history and culture, from the cliff dwellings of Ancestral Puebloans to the legendary shootout at the OK Corral.

Did you know that Virginia is home to a world-famous herd of wild ponies? Are you aware that eight US presidents, including George Washington, were born there? Or that it is home to the oldest free Black community in the nation? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Virginia's rich history and culture, from celebrated Virginians like Booker T. Washington to famous places like the Pentagon.

Did you know that New Jersey has more diners than any other state? Or that more Revolutionary War battles were fought there than anywhere else? Are you aware that Cape May is the oldest beach resort in the United States? Including information on the region's Indigenous groups, this book explores New Jersey's rich history and culture, from industrial cities like Trenton to preserved ecosystems like the Pine Barrens.

Are you aware that Washington produces more apples than any other state in the nation? Did you know the rovers that first explored the moon were built in Washington state? Or that the city of Seattle is named after Chief Si'ahl, a leader of the Duwamish people and a six-tribe confederation in the Khwulch (Puget Sound)? This book explores Washington's rich history and culture, from the endangered Southern Resident orca whales to the majesty of North Cascades National Park.

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.

On remote Codfish Island off the southern coast of New Zealand live the last 91 kakapo parrots on earth. These trusting, flightless, and beautiful birds - the largest and most unusual parrots on earth - have suffered devastating population loss. Now, on an island refuge with the last of the species, New Zealand’s National Kakapo Recovery Team is working to restore the kakapo population. With the help of 14 humans who share a single hut and a passion for saving these odd ground-dwelling birds, the kakapo are making a comeback in New Zealand.

Soccer. No other sport in the world captivates a bigger audience - and no other competition electrifies its fans like the World Cup. Now, just in time for the next World Cup competition, comes a book just for kids, jam-packed with information about each and every World Cup ever played.

The fifth book in the Making of America series examines the life of America’s 32nd president: his birth into one of America’s elite families, his domineering mother, his marriage to Eleanor Roosevelt, his struggle with polio, and his political career. A Democrat, Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) won a record four presidential elections and is the longest-serving US president. During his time in office, he led the country through the Great Depression and World War II. He helped to redefine the role of the US government with the New Deal.