Browse audiobooks narrated by Channie Waites, listen to samples and when you're ready head over to Audiobooks.com where you can get 3 FREE audiobooks on us
Showing 48 of 52 audiobooks, 48 of them with the narrator named.
Twice Enslaved: Liberty and Justice for Henrietta Wood
"Here is the story of Henrietta Wood, who was enslaved twice—but who demanded justice and was awarded the largest reparations ever granted for enslavement. This nonfiction book for ages 9–12 puts a human face on the current issue of reparations. Henrietta Wood was born enslaved. As a teen she was ripped from her family and sold. Years later, a miracle happened, and she was given freedom papers. But Henrietta’s freedom was short-lived. She was tricked back into enslavement and sent to a Mississippi cotton plantation. On June 19, 1865—Juneteenth—she was emancipated. Finally free for good, Henrietta Wood sued the man who had kidnapped her back into enslavement—and she won! Henrietta was one of the few people in United States history to ever receive a reparation payment for slavery. Twice Enslaved is a true story of cruelty, resilience, and ultimately triumph, told lyrically for middle-grade readers by Selene Castrovilla. “Castrovilla’s efficient lines of verse make for a digestible, fast-paced account […] of a woman who endured injustice after injustice. Though readers will easily read this tale in a single sitting, its lessons will linger. A testament to the resilience of the human spirit.”—Kirkus Reviews"
Selene Castrovilla (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Windy Creek Stables: Natalie and the Summer of Surprises
"In Natalie and the Summer of Surprises, Natalie has to discover if she can become the horse girl her mom has always wanted her to be. Natalie is a city kid who loves indoor actives like reading and watching movies. So spending the summer stuck at her mom’s riding school in nowhere, Virginia, is the worst idea she’s ever heard. But twelve-year-olds don’t get to make the rules, which is why Natalie is at Windy Creek with a parent she barely knows and a bunch of horses she couldn’t care less about. Things go from bad to worse when Natalie realizes her mother actually expects her to ride. Windy Creek is full of horse-crazy kids Natalie has nothing in common with, and her mom clearly wishes she had one of them for a daughter instead. Natalie would give anything to get out of there and go back to the city, and even more than that, she wishes her mom didn’t expect her to be someone she’s clearly not. With no choice but to learn to ride, Natalie begrudgingly participates in Windy Creek's summer horse camp. Alongside her are pretty, stuck up Harper, who is a million times better with horses than Natalie is and won’t let her forget it, and energetic and fun Presley, who is at least happy to be Natalie's friend. Slowly, Natalie learns that a little perseverance and grit go a long way, and if she gives the riders (and horses) at Windy Creek a chance, they’ll give her one, too. Natalie and the Summer of Surprises is the third book in Kaitlyn Sage Patterson's engaging Windy Creek Stables series."
Kaitlyn Sage Patterson (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 3 hrs 7 mins
Mama's Chicken and Dumplings
"Growing up in segregated 1930’s Charlottesville, ten-year-old Allie is determined to find a man for her mama to marry—but not just any man will do! Allie’s life with Mama isn’t bad, but she knows it could be better if Mama would find someone to marry. Allie’s worst enemy, her NOT-friend Gwen, has a daddy, and Allie wants someone like that—someone to fix things when they break, someone who likes to sing, and has a kind-smile. So Allie makes a plan—her super secret Man-For-Mama plan. She has a list of candidates with a clear top choice: Mr. Johnson, who owns the antique store. Best of all, Mr. Johnson went to school with Mama, and he wants to get reacquainted! The battle’s half won, and Allie is sure that when he tries Mama’s yummy chicken and dumplings, he’ll be head over heels. But someone else is interested in Mama: Mr. Coles, Allie’s teacher, who’s also Gwen’s uncle! Mama can’t marry him—no way is Allie going to be related to Gwen. On top of it all, Allie’s best friend is moving to Chicago; Allie keeps getting in trouble; and everyone seems to think she’s jealous of Gwen, for some reason. Nothing is going how she planned, but Allie is determined to get things back on track toward the life she knows she and Mama both deserve … even if Mama doesn’t agree yet. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection • A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year • 2025 Children’s Book Council Favorite—Librarian Favorites, Grade 3–5 • BCALA Best of the Best 2024 Book List—5th–8th Grade • VLA 2025 Cardinal Cup Overfloweth Title • California Department of Education Recommended Literature “Mann delivers all the right ingredients—an original setting, fresh characters, one truly spunky girl—and serves them up with honesty and love. Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings is delicious!”—Kathryn Erskine, National Book Award Winner"
Dionna L. Mann (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 5 hrs 19 mins
I Am the River: Sarah E. Ray and the Bob-Lo Boat
"I am the river. Blue and green, fast and flowing, sweeping river grasses aside … moving between Lake Erie and Detroit. The Detroit River has long had a story to tell. It has seen a time before people. And it has seen many faces cross its waters, from Indigenous people guiding canoes to settlers on its banks and freedom seekers riding the underground railroad north toward liberty, with Bob-Lo Island at the river’s end, so close to Canada. At one time, a giant steamboat carried hundreds of excited children and adults to the amusement park that was built on Bob-Lo. But Sarah E. Ray discovered in 1945 that not all people were invited on this boat, to this island, once a symbol of the journey to freedom. It depended, she discovered, on the color of your skin. This is the dramatic story of how one young woman’s courage could create a dramatic turning point that would stand out proudly, and forevermore, in the history of a river older than the country called America."
Leah Henderson , Patricia Lee Gauch (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Windy Creek Stables: Presley and the Impossible Dream
"'A sure-fire hit for horse lovers!'—Kirkus Presley and the Impossible Dream is the first book in the middle grade Windy Creek Stables series set at a rural Virginia riding school—a 21st-century Saddle Club, full of authentic detail, realistic drama, and tons of heart. Presley's life is pretty great—she has a loving family, friends at school, and plenty of rambunctious rescue pets. There's just one little problem … She's never gotten to ride a horse. And her mom has banned her from ever, ever, ever getting on one. And sure, Presley knows riding can be a little dangerous, and a little expensive, but she’s loved horses for as long as she can remember. She’s read every book in the library about horses and horsemanship, she watches professional horse competitions on the internet, and she’s always dreamed about learning to ride. So when she gets the opportunity to tag along with her stepdad on a vet visit to Windy Creek Stables, she jumps at the chance. And even after a surprise run in with Harper, a popular girl who's never given Presley a second glance, Windy Creek is everything she thought it would be … except, well, maybe it's a little messy? Clean and dirty saddle pads are all jumbled together, and there’s a tangle of bridles hanging on a hook in the corner. Which gives Presley the perfect idea: In exchange for cleaning stalls and helping around the barn after school, Tracie, the stable owner, will give her lessons—if she can get her mom to agree to the deal."
Audiobook · 3 hrs 29 mins
Windy Creek Stables: Harper and the Horse Show Sabotage
"In Harper and the Horse Show Sabotage, the second book in the charming middle grade Windy Creek Stables series from author Kaitlyn Sage Patterson, Harper and Presley must uncover the mystery behind who is undermining the stables before it's too late! Every year, the team at Windy Creek Stables packs up the trailer and makes the trip to the famous Kentucky Horse Park for the best and biggest horse show of the year. Usually, the competition is Harper's favorite thing in the world, and she can't wait to show off for her new best friend, Presley, who is competing for the first time. This year, though, she's more than a little nervous. It's her first time competing against her old barn, Foxcroft Equestrian Center, and she isn't looking forward to seeing the mean girls who still ride there. Her anxiety only increases when she gets a midnight call that Isolde, her beautiful grey Andalusian mare, is sick. Luckily, Isolde recovers, but when another Windy Creek Stables horse starts to show signs of illness, Harper and Presley know something is up. One sick horse is just a sick horse, but two sick horses are a mystery. The girls must don their detective hats and figure out who's sabotaging the stables before anything else happens … and ace their competition as well, of course!"
Audiobook · 3 hrs 15 mins
Teaching for Change: How Septima Clark Led the Civil Rights Movement to Voting Justice
"This powerful picture book biography spotlights Septima Poinsette Clark, the civil rights leader who taught Black adults how to combat Jim Crow-era voting regulations. Written by Septima’s granddaughter, Yvonne Clark-Rhines, along with acclaimed author Monica Clark-Robinson, this is a must-have for readers who were moved by Hidden Figures, The Oldest Student, and I Am Ruby Bridges. Septima Clark was born poor, Black, and a girl. Being one of those things in 1898 was hard, but all three meant that access to education was going to be a fight. But with strong, hard-working women in her life, a determination to learn, and a passion for knowledge, Septima learned to read and write against all odds. With stunning art by debut illustrator Abigail Albano-Payton, this lyrical biography charts the monumental life of one tenacious woman—once referred to as The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—who made it her mission to bring equity to literacy. Thanks to her efforts, the Black community was able to rise up against oppressive Jim Crow laws that tried to stifle their votes. Septima persevered through adversity, discrimination, and even wrongful arrests to ensure that the road to liberation remained open for all people. This story is a testament to the power and importance of community-minded action. "
Monica Clark-Robinson , Yvonne Clark-Rhines (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
A Hug Like Michelle's, a Voice Like Beyoncé's: A Picture Book
"From Misty Copeland to Rosa Parks to Nina Simone, this companion to Hair Like Obama’s, Hands Like Lebron’s is a celebration of Black history and excellence from powerhouse author Carole Boston Weatherford With a voice as bold as Beyoncé’s, my vocals strike a chord. With vision as clear as Oprah’s, success is my reward. With arms as open as Michelle’s, I’m bringing others along. With the breath of my ancestors, I’m singing a new song. Inspired by photographs of Michelle Obama’s famously warm hugs, this is a delightful companion book to Hair Like Obama’s, Hands Like LeBron’s. Carole Boston Weatherford’s powerful text is an ode to the beauty, strength, resilience, and power that all children have within them. Young readers will learn about 17 inspiring female figures, gaining confidence in their own abilities and cultural legacy as they see themselves in each one. From ballerina Misty Copeland to NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson to Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, this is a celebration of Black history and excellence. Young readers will learn about the inspiring, strong female figures in Black history up to the present day, gaining confidence in their abilities and their cultural legacy as they learn. The back matter includes an author’s note and biographies of each of the featured figures: Simone Biles, Misty Copeland, Angela Davis, Kamala Harris, Iman, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Edna Lewis, Michelle Obama, Rosa Parks, Faith Ringgold, Nina Simone, Dawn Staley, Harriet Tubman, Kerry Washington, and Oprah Winfrey."
Carole Boston Weatherford (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins—The First Lady of Children's Music
"Once upon a time, children's music was just Mother Goose, nursery songs, and lullabies. And then came Ella Jenkins. Ella Jenkins is an American folk singer and living legend dubbed The First Lady of Children's Music. For nearly 70 years, she has been writing and performing music that has entertained and engaged generations of young listeners. In Make a Pretty Song, Ella's life and legacy are captured in vibrant sights, sounds, and stories that leap right off the page. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Chicago, Ella grew up loving music of all kinds—the call-and-response of Cab Calloway, the exciting rhythms of Moroccan and Indian records spun in a local record shop, the bluesy notes her uncle teased from his harmonica. She listened to music from around the world, and no matter what language it was in, she could feel what it meant—the bridge in understanding and feeling that music offers from one heart to another. When she began working with children, she knew just what to do. She knew music would offer children a kinetic learning experience that engaged them physically, verbally, and empathetically, creating community out of song. Soon, she was recording her own albums and became an international star. Ella's journey—from the gritty streets of Chicago to the classrooms where she found her calling to an opportunity to raise her voice for freedom alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., to the spotlight of the world's stage—is rhythmically, joyfully, brilliantly illuminated. For readers familiar with Ella Jenkins or new to her work, this nonfiction book offers a treasury of inspiration that touches on American history, civil rights, cultural awareness, and the incredible power of music."
Traci N. Todd (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
The Band in Our Basement
"The sounds downstairs are funky and we start to wiggle toes. We flip-flop and we giggle with sheets up to the nose. The rhythm’s steady, the trumpet’s sweet. Before too long, we’re on our feet! After hearing Daddy’s band practicing in the basement, a brother and sister can’t resist sneaking out of bed to watch them play. Careful, careful, can’t be caught. Tiptoe past the squeaky spot! They long to join in the fun, but can’t be seen out of bed—until the discovery of a surprise band member turns the jam session into a family affair. With an energetic, lyrical text from Kelly J. Baptist, The Band in Our Basement will have readers feeling the beat—right before settling back down for bedtime."
Kelly J. Baptist (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Bea Breaks Barriers!: How Florence Beatrice Price’s Music Triumphed Over Prejudice
"Florence Beatrice Price was always breaking barriers—especially when it came to music. Raised in the Deep South, Bea broke through the barriers of racism and prejudice to master the piano and excel at school. And when opportunity came to study at the New England Conservatory of Music, Bea traveled north, one of only two Black students to attend. Bea continued to break barriers when she returned to the South to teach and find inspiration for her music, drawing from many different genres. Bea fought hard to have her works played. One of her triumphs was being the first Black American woman composer whose symphony was performed by a major orchestra. But Bea’s music eventually became lost to time. When her musical scores were recently found in an abandoned house, Bea’s music was rediscovered—bursting forth for all to hear! “A touchingly narrated introduction to the life and music of Florence Beatrice Price. What a gift that young readers will be able to learn about this awe-inspiring composer and musician. Classical music has always been diverse and Caitlin DeLems’s compelling portrait of Bea will help make this known to new generations.”—Dr. Samantha Ege, music historian, pianist, and author of South Side Impresarios: How Race Women Transformed Chicago’s Classical Music Scene"
Caitlin Delems (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Fortunes & Frenemies
"EIGHTH GRADE IS COMPLICATED WHEN YOU’RE DEEP IN THAT #WITCHLIFE In the past year, Hasani has learned she’s a witch, been accepted by Les Belles Demoiselles, and formed her own coven—and her YouTube followers for her makeup channel are growing every day. Now that she’s in eighth grade, she’s ready to rule the school with all her witch powers and best friends by her side. But frenemy LaToya is still at Riverbend Middle causing trouble, both magically and socially. LaToya’s determined to befriend every single possible witch at school (and turn them against Hasani), and Hasani can’t help but wonder if she’s got another scheme going. Witches aren’t supposed to interfere in each other’s business—but what if LaToya is going to hurt someone? Or herself? Hasani and her friends Dee, Angelique, and Luz have to figure out for themselves when it’s right to let things lie—and when it’s their responsibility to stand up for their community."
Marti Dumas (Author), Channie Waites , Jasmin Walker (Narrator)
Audiobook · 9 hrs 37 mins
Alfie: The Turtle That Disappeared
"Nia loves Alfie, her pet turtle. But he’s not very soft, he doesn’t do tricks, and he’s pretty quiet. Sometimes she forgets he’s even there. That is, until the night before her seventh birthday, when … Alfie disappears! Where did he go? And why? Nia can’t say … but Alfie can. This is his story. From the author-illustrator of Fraidyzoo and The Bear Report comes a warm and funny tale that celebrates friendship, even when the friends see their relationship—and the world—very differently."
Thyra Heder (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
How to Catch a Fairy Godmother
"Being a godmother isn’t easy, but my magic makes it fun! To catch me is even harder. Are YOU ready? I’m starting to run!"
Alice Walstead (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
"Summer Sundays begin with picking. Rosy-ripe peaches dipping low to the ground, sun-warmed and soft like Grandma’s lap. Side by side with Daddy and Grandma, a young girl is determined to take part in her family’s tradition of baking the perfect peach cobbler—just like Mama used to. From picking peaches, to stirring and mixing, to kneading the dough, it’s a little bit messy. But with sure hands to guide her and her mother’s memory hanging sweet in the air, she has the recipe to make Mama proud. This warmhearted and hopeful picture book shows that with a house full of love, everything can feel peach-perfect."
Gabriele Davis (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Polly Diamond and the Topsy-Turvy Day
"One aspiring writer plus one magic book. It all adds up to a whole lot of trouble. Polly and her magic book, Spell, have all kinds of adventures together because whatever Polly writes in Spell comes true! But when they join forces to help get the best class pet ever, they get more than they bargained for. Can Polly come up with the right words to save the day? 'Think Gooney Bird and Judy Moody rolled into one.'—School Library Journal"
Alice Kuipers (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Polly Diamond and the Super Stunning Spectacular School Fair
"One aspiring writer plus one magic book. It all adds up to a whole lot of trouble. Polly and her magic book, Spell, have all kinds of adventures together because whatever Polly writes in Spell comes true! But when Polly and Spell join forces to make the school fair super spectacular, they quickly discover that what you write and what you mean are not always the same thing!"
Audiobook · 1 hr 1 min
Polly Diamond and the Magic Book
"One aspiring writer plus one magic book. It all adds up to a whole lot of trouble. Polly loves words. And she loves writing stories. So when a magic book that can make everything she writes happen in real life appears on her doorstep, Polly is certain all of her dreams are about to come true. But she soon learns that what you write and what you mean are not always the same thing! A Junior Library Guild selection 'An enchanting adventure of magic and mishaps.'—Kirkus Reviews"
"Eighth-grade aspiring journalist Indigo has a plan. She’s determined to win back her two best friends, Abbie and Manning, who drifted away from her as they got more popular. So now Indigo is going to become popular too—by breaking an important news story that gets everyone’s attention. Indigo’s reporting about an unfair school policy puts her in the spotlight, and her plan seems to work. Suddenly everyone thinks she’s cool. Including Abbie and Manning! At the same time, Indigo stumbles upon a book by journalist and activist Ida B. Wells—with private letters written by Ida tucked inside. Reading about Ida’s life and work prompts Indigo to keep investigating her school’s policies. She soon finds out that the rules aren’t enforced equally. In fact, the harshest punishments tend to fall on Black and brown students. When Indigo keeps reporting on this issue, her newfound popularity starts to slip away. Her friends tell her she’s overreacting. Classmates say she’s too aggressive, too negative, too annoying. But Ida gets it. Ida spent her whole life battling racism. And as Indigo reads more of Ida’s letters, she realizes she’ll have to choose between keeping quiet and fighting for justice."
Heather Murphy Capps (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 6 hrs 30 mins
Sugar Pie Lullaby: The Soul of Motown in a Song of Love
"You are the sunshine of my life. Morning, noon, and night … Inspired by the legendary music of the Motown era, award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford shares a heartwarming lullaby celebrating the powerful love families have for one another. Slip into this soulful dreamland filled with heart and a little musical history."
"After a summer of feeling out of place at a fancy witch school, Hasani can’t wait to get back to the peace and normalcy of Riverbend Middle, where she knows all the rules and is destined to be captain of the Mathletes. There are a few little hiccups to work out—like how she’s going to tell her best friend that she’s a witch—but even though the other two members of Hasani’s coven have joined her friend group and her school, there’s no reason to think that eighth grade won’t be smooth sailing … That is, until her former friend (and fellow witch) LaToya shows up. LaToya is obviously up to something—beyond just turning all of Hasani’s friends against her. Strange things begin happening around the school, and Hasani is sure that LaToya is to blame. However, when Miss Lafleur comes to investigate the magic, she isn’t convinced that LaToya could have caused all this chaos on her own—so Hasani sets out to prove it, and heads to the magic market, 3Thirteen, to find the tools she needs to do so. But with all her focus on proving she’s right and learning more about her magic, is Hasani losing sight of the people and things that are most important to her?"
Marti Dumas (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 9 hrs 44 mins
She Persisted: Ella Fitzgerald
"Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Ella Fitzgerald! Having lost her mother at a young age, Ella Fitzgerald struggled as a child, especially during the Great Depression. But after winning over the audience with her singing at an Amateur Night at the Apollo, Ella's career began, and she eventually went on to become a world-renowned singer known as the First Lady of Song. In this chapter book biography by award-winning and bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney, readers learn about the amazing life of Ella Fitzgerald--and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton and a list of ways that readers can follow in Ella Fitzgerald's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don't miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted!"
Andrea Davis Pinkney , Chelsea Clinton (Author), Channie Waites , Chelsea Clinton (Narrator)
The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism
"From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of This Book Is Anti-Racist, Tiffany Jewell, The Antiracist Kid is the essential guide to antiracism for empowering the young readers in your life! What is racism? What is antiracism? Why are both important to learn about? In this book, systemic racism and the antiracist tools to fight it are easily accessible to young readers. In three sections, this must-have guide explains: Identity: What it is and how it applies to you Justice: What it is, what racism has to do with it, and how to address injustice Activism: A how-to with resources to be the best antiracist kid you can be This book teaches young children the words, language, and methods to recognize racism and injustice—and what to do when they encounter it at home, at school, and in the media they watch, play, and read. Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook."
Tiffany Jewell (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 2 hrs 39 mins
Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion
"RUBY FINLEY IS A SCIENCE GENIUS. When eleven-year-old Ruby finds the weirdest bug she’s ever seen in her front yard, she does what any young entomologist would do: She quickly captures it for further study. But this insect is not your average bug. It doesn’t appear in any of Ruby’s reference books, and no online experts can identify it. Before Ruby can celebrate discovering a new species, the bug escapes. Soon, odd things go missing around town, and no one’s heard from the cranky old lady down the block for nearly a week. Where did this weird insect come from, where did it go, and why has everything gone sideways? If she wants answers, Ruby will have to use her best tools—her brain, the scientific method, and a crew of neighborhood friends—to catch the strange bug before the feds do. K. Tempest Bradford’s middle grade debut is an action-packed backyard mystery full of true friendship, strange adventure, and kids getting into the best kind of trouble."
K. Tempest Bradford (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 4 hrs 17 mins
Becoming Billie Holiday
"In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 7, 1915, Sadie Fagan gave birth to a daughter. She named her Eleanora. The world, however, would know her as Billie Holiday, possibly the greatest jazz singer of all time. Eleanora's journey into legend took her through pain, poverty, and run-ins with the law. By the time she was fifteen, she knew she possessed something that could possibly change her life—a voice. Eleanora could sing. That remarkable voice led her to Harlem nightclubs, the Apollo Theater, and a place in the spotlight with some of the era's hottest big bands. Billie Holiday sang from somewhere inside her that made it seem as if she had lived each lyric, and in many ways she had. This unique talent is what made Billie Holiday more than a singer. She was an artist. Through a sequence of raw and poignant poems that form the singer's fictional memoir, award-winning poet Carole Boston Weatherford chronicles Eleanora Fagan's metamorphosis into Billie Holiday. We hear the intimate voice of the artist as she examines her young life, her fight for survival, and the dream she pursued with passion."
Audiobook · 1 hr 38 mins
"A fun middle-grade contemporary fantasy with an all-BIPOC cast, about a social-media-loving tween who gets sent to an ultra-private witch camp Hasani’s post-seventh-grade summer to-do list is pretty simple: get a bigger following for her makeup YouTube channel and figure out how to get her parents back together. What she does NOT expect is that an emotional outburst will spark a latent magical ability in her. Or that the magic will be strong enough to attract the attention of witches. Or that before she can say #BlackGirlMagic, she’ll be shipped off on a scholarship to a fancy finishing school for talented young ladies. Les Belles Demoiselles is a literal charm school. Here, generations of young ladies from old-money witch families have learned to harness their magic, and alumnae grow to become some of the most powerful women across industries, including politicians, philanthropists, CEOs, entrepreneurs—and yes, even social media influencers. Needless to say, admission to the school is highly coveted, very exclusive...and Hasani sticks out like a weed in a rose bouquet. While the other girls have always known they were destined to be witches, Hasani is a Wildseed—a stray witch from a family of non-witches, with no background knowledge, no way to control her magic, and a lot to catch up on. 'Wildseed' may be an insult that the other girls throw at her, but Wildseeds are more powerful than they know. And Hasani will learn that there are ways to use magic and thrive that can never be taught in a classroom."
Audiobook · 8 hrs 54 mins
When the World Turned Upside Down
"A heartwarming, feel-good story of friendship and overcoming adversity in a time of COVID, this is a book about community, givingback, and understanding the world around us through the power of generosity from debut author K. Ibura. With one little announcement from their fourth-grade teacher, Shayla, Liam, Ben, and Ai's world turned upside down. Now, withschool on hold due to a strange virus that they don't quite understand, the only semblance of safety they feel is knowing that theyhave one another in their apartment complex.But as each of them head home and experience their own version of confinement, it becomes very real. And as their individualstruggles grow, they need each other now more than ever. Very soon, they discover that they're not the only ones who need alittle help.Banded together, the friends find ways to help others struggling in their building. And one by one, they do their part in making theirneighbors feel just a little bit safer. As the world becomes more complex, as protests take the streets, Shayla, Liam, Ben, and Aido everything they can to better understand the world around them and the people around them in order to discover the powerand comfort that understanding and generosity can bring."
K. Ibura (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 5 hrs 52 mins
Emilie and the Sky World
"When Emilie and Daniel arrive in Silk Harbor, Professor Abindon, an old colleague of the Marlendes, warns them that she’s observed something strange and potentially deadly in the sky, a disruption in an upper air aether current. But as the Marlendes investigate further, they realize it’s a ship from another aetheric plane. It may be just a friendly explorer, or something far more sinister, but they will have to take an airship into the dangerous air currents to find out. Emilie joins the expedition and finds herself deep in personal entanglements, with an angry uncle, an interfering brother, and an estranged mother to worry about—not to mention a lost family of explorers, the strange landscapes of the upper air, and the deadly menace that inhabits the sky world."
Martha Wells (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
You Truly Assumed: A Gripping YA Contemporary Novel About Risking Everything to be Heard
"'You Truly Assumed is a beautiful portrayal of the multitude of ways to be Black and Muslim while navigating our contemporary world. A must-read for everyone.'—Adiba Jaigirdar, author of The Henna Wars In this compelling and thought-provoking debut novel, after a terrorist attack rocks the country and anti-Islamic sentiment stirs, three Black Muslim girls create a space where they can shatter assumptions and share truths. Sabriya has her whole summer planned out in color-coded glory, but those plans go out the window after a terrorist attack near her home. When the terrorist is assumed to be Muslim and Islamophobia grows, Sabriya turns to her online journal for comfort. You Truly Assumed was never meant to be anything more than an outlet, but the blog goes viral as fellow Muslim teens around the country flock to it and find solace and a sense of community. Soon two more teens, Zakat and Farah, join Bri to run You Truly Assumed and the three quickly form a strong friendship. But as the blog’s popularity grows, so do the pushback and hateful comments. When one of them is threatened, the search to find out who is behind it all begins, and their friendship is put to the test when all three must decide whether to shut down the blog and lose what they’ve worked for … or take a stand and risk everything to make their voices heard. “I reached the ending with tears in my eyes—tears cued not by sadness but hope and elation.”—S. K. Ali, New York Times bestselling author of The Proudest Blue and Love from A to Z"
Laila Sabreen (Author), Channie Waites , Lynnette R. Freeman , Tamika Katon-Donegal (Narrator)
Audiobook · 9 hrs 49 mins
Emilie and the Hollow World
"While running away from home for reasons that are eminently defensible, Emilie’s plans to stow away on the steamship Merry Bell and reach her cousin in the big city go awry, landing her on the wrong ship and at the beginning of a fantastic adventure. Taken under the protection of Lady Marlende, Emilie learns that the crew hopes to use the aether currents and an experimental engine, and with the assistance of Lord Engal, journey to the interior of the planet in search of Marlende’s missing father. With the ship damaged on arrival, they attempt to traverse the strange lands on their quest. But when evidence points to sabotage and they encounter the treacherous Lord Ivers, along with the strange race of the sea-lands, Emilie has to make some challenging decisions and take daring action if they are ever to reach the surface world again."
Audiobook · 8 hrs 28 mins
"It was because of the Alzheimer’s, which is like a big bully that takes stuff that doesn’t belong to them and won’t give it back. Georgie has no idea what to expect when she, Mama, and Peaches are plopped down in the middle of small-town USA—aka Bogalusa, Louisiana—where Mama grew up and Great-aunt Vie needs constant care. Georgie wants to help out at the once-famous family diner that served celebrities like the Jackson 5 and the Supremes, but everyone is too busy to show her the ropes, and Mama is treating her like a baby, not letting her leave her sight. When she finally gets permission to leave on her own, Georgie makes friends with Markie—a foster kid who’d been under Aunt Elvie’s care—who has a limb difference and a huge attitude. Then Markie asks Georgie to help her find her mom, and suddenly the summer has a real purpose. As Georgie’s and Markie’s histories begin to entwine, Georgie becomes more desperate to find the truth, and she may even find a way to right past wrongs and help Aunt Vie and Markie out after all. From the critically acclaimed author of Love Like Sky comes a novel about holding on to family identity, and memories in post-Katrina Louisiana."
Leslie C. Youngblood (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 9 hrs 7 mins
Up All Night: 13 Stories between Sunset and Sunrise
"When everyone else goes to bed, the ones who stay up feel like they're the only people in the world. As the hours tick by deeper into the night, the familiar drops away and the unfamiliar beckons. Adults are asleep, and a hush falls over the hum of daily life. Anything is possible. It's a time for romance and adventure. For prom night and ghost hunts. It's a time for breaking up, for falling in love-for finding yourself. Stay up all night with these thirteen short stories from bestselling and award-winning YA authors like Karen McManus, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nina LaCour, and Brandy Colbert, as they take readers deep into these rarely seen, magical hours. Full contributor list: Brandy Colbert, Kathleen Glasgow, Maurene Goo, Tiffany D. Jackson, Amanda Joy, Nina LaCour, Karen M. McManus, Anna Meriano, Marieke Nijkamp, Laura Silverman, Kayla Whaley, Julian Winters, Francesca Zappia"
Laura Silverman (Author), Channie Waites , Imani Parks , Taylor Meskimen (Narrator)
Audiobook · 10 hrs 51 mins
Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World
"What does it take to be a STEM genius? Check out these exciting, highly readable profiles of a dozen contemporary women who are on the cutting edge of scientific research. Searching the cosmos for a new Earth. Using math to fight human trafficking. Designing invisible (and safer) cars. Unlocking climate-change secrets. All of this groundbreaking science, and much more, is happening right now, spearheaded by the diverse female scientists and engineers profiled in this book. Meet award-winning aerospace engineer Tiera Fletcher and twelve other science superstars and hear them tell in their own words not only about their fascinating work, but also about their childhoods and the paths they traveled to get where they are—paths that often involved failures and unexpected changes in direction, but also persistence, serendipity, and brilliant insights. Their careers range from computer scientist to microbiologist to unique specialties that didn’t exist before some amazing women profiled here created them. Here is a book to surprise and inspire not only die-hard science fans, but also those who don’t (yet!) think of themselves as scientists. Back matter includes reading suggestions, an index, a glossary, and some surprising ideas for how to get involved in the world of STEM."
Ginger Rue , Tiera Fletcher (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 5 hrs 25 mins
"We know there’s a lot of people out there who think our school is a dead end. And that all the kids inside it are dead ends, too. … But they’ve got it all wrong. Just you wait and see! James, Rhondell, Sharice, and Marcel are four inner-city students on a quest to build the world’s largest tetrahedron with their math teacher, Mr. Collins. If they succeed, maybe Rhondell will make new friends, Sharice’s foster mother may start to care, James will discover something he’s good at, and Marcel’s dad will finally see that there is more to life than barbecue. Maybe they’ll even end up in the Guinness Book of World Records! Weaving together the stories of the kids, their teacher, and the community that surrounds them, award-winning author Shelley Pearsall has written a vividly engaging story about math, life, and the importance of friendship."
Shelley Pearsall (Author), Channie Waites , Chris Henry Coffey , Corey Allen , Karen Chilton , Kevin R. Free , Lynnette R. Freeman (Narrator)
Audiobook · 3 hrs 48 mins
"Wherefore art—WAIT, WHAT?! JERZIE JHAMES—do not get her started on what is in a name!—is up for the lead role in the hottest new show heading to Broadway, Roman and Jewel, a Romeo and Juliet–inspired hip-hopera featuring a diverse cast and modern twists on the play. But her hopes are crushed when she learns that R & B megastar Cinny won the lead … and Jerzie is cast as her understudy. Falling for male lead Zeppelin Reid is a terrible idea—especially once Jerzie learns Cinny wants him for herself. Star-crossed love always ends badly. But when a video of Jerzie and Zepp practicing goes viral and the entire world weighs in on who should play Jewel, Jerzie learns that while the price of fame is high, friendship, family, and love are priceless and worth risking it all."
Dana L. Davis (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 10 hrs 54 mins
Twintuition: Double Cross
"From TV stars Tia and Tamera Mowry comes the thrilling conclusion to their middle grade series, Twintuition! In this fourth and final book, tween twins Cassie and Caitlyn Waters are excited to be returning to their hometown, San Antonio, on a class trip. But as they reach their destination, trouble finds them as quickly as a vision, and one of their friends soon disappears. Using their Sight and their street smarts to try and save the day, the twins also begin to see things they didn’t expect—a man in captivity who looks exactly like their father’s pictures. Could he really be alive? And can they use the clues they see to save him before it’s too late?"
Tamera Mowry , Tia Mowry (Author), Channie Waites , Lisa Reneé Pitts (Narrator)
Audiobook · 4 hrs 30 mins
Zora and Me: The Summoner
"In the finale to the acclaimed trilogy, upheaval in Zora Neale Hurston’s family and hometown persuade her to leave childhood behind and find her destiny beyond Eatonville. For Carrie and her best friend, Zora, Eatonville—America’s first incorporated Black township—has been an idyllic place to live out their childhoods. But when a lynch mob crosses the town’s border to pursue a fugitive and a grave robbery resuscitates the ugly sins of the past, the safe ground beneath them seems to shift. Not only has Zora’s own father—the showboating preacher John Hurston—decided to run against the town’s trusted mayor, but there are other unsettling things afoot, including a heartbreaking family loss, a friend’s sudden illness, and the suggestion of voodoo and zombie-ism in the air, which a curious and grieving Zora becomes all too willing to entertain. In this fictionalized tale, award-winning author Victoria Bond explores the end of childhood and the bittersweet goodbye to Eatonville by preeminent author Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960). In so doing, she brings to a satisfying conclusion the story begun in the award-winning Zora and Me and its sequel, Zora and Me: The Cursed Ground, sparking inquisitive readers to explore Hurston’s own seminal work."
Victoria Bond (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 6 hrs 11 mins
Twintuition: Double Dare
"From TV stars Tia and Tamera Mowry comes Double Dare, the third book in their popular Twintuition series about the super-special—and sometimes supernatural—bond between sisters! Identical twins Cassie and Caitlyn Waters may be able to see into the future, but with a teacher who suspects they have powers waiting to catch them midvision and the grandmother they just met in town to teach them how to better control what they foresee, the last thing they need is more trouble. Luckily, a class-wide game of Truth or Dare has begun and the twins are having fun competing. When a vision shows the girls’ friend getting hurt, Cassie and Caitlyn know that they’re the only ones who can prevent it."
Audiobook · 4 hrs 24 mins
"Magdalys's connection with the dinosaurs has led the US Army to some important victories, but the Civil War's not over yet and the squad members find themselves fighting deep in the Louisiana bayou. Then General Ulysses S. Grant himself entrusts Magdalys with a top secret mission—one that the very success of the Union depends on. Because as the friends will soon find out, the United States has more than one enemy. Imperial troops are gathering along the Mexican border, forming an alliance with the Confederates in pursuit of spreading slavery, and suddenly the Union is facing battles on two fronts. But they are barely holding their own against one army—how can they possibly defeat two? As New Orleans is surrounded and desperate battle plans laid, Magdalys and her friends set off to disrupt a scheme that would destroy everything she cares about. But to do it, she'll have to push her dinowrangling skills further than she's ever been able to before. Can Magdalys defeat the fiercest rival she's ever faced and save the fractured nation?"
Daniel Jose Older (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 8 hrs 10 mins
Twintuition: Double Trouble
"From actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry comes the second book in their delightful Twintuition series about the superspecial—and sometimes supernatural—bond between sisters! In Double Trouble, identical twins Cassie and Caitlyn Waters have adjusted to small-town life in Aura, Texas, but they’re still not used to seeing visions of the future. And their Sight is only getting stronger as their twelfth birthday nears! But even with this new gift, neither girl could have predicted what the mysterious package they received would contain—a connection to the father they know nothing about and the grandmother they never knew they had. As the twins struggle to discover more about their own history, they distract themselves by planning a birthday bash with their new friends. But when the visions of the upcoming party show it will be more of a catastrophe than a celebration, the girls work together to keep it fiasco-free. "
Audiobook · 3 hrs 54 mins
Twintuition: Double Vision
"From actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry comes the story of tween twins Cassie and Caitlyn and their discovery that they have the ability to see things before they occur! This is the first book in the popular Twintuition series. When their mother’s new job forces them to move from bustling San Antonio to middle-of-nowhere Aura, Texas, Caitlyn tries to stay positive, focusing on meeting new people and having new adventures. Cassie, on the other hand, is convinced that it’s only a matter of time until they’ll be sick of Aura and ready to move back to the big city. But being the new kids isn’t their only challenge. The girls start experiencing strange visions, and they must work together to change the future before it can happen."
Audiobook · 4 hrs 23 mins
Say Her Name: Poems to Empower
"From award-winning author Zetta Elliott comes a stirring and powerful poetry collection that reveals the beauty, danger, and magic found at the intersection of race and gender. Inspired by the #SayHerName campaign launched by the African American Policy Forum, these poems pay tribute to victims of police brutality as well as the activists insisting that Black Lives Matter. Elliott engages poets from the past two centuries to create a chorus of voices celebrating the creativity, resilience, and courage of Black women and girls. This collection features forty-nine powerful poems, four of which are tribute poems inspired by the works of Lucille Clifton, Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, and Phillis Wheatley. This provocative collection will move every reader to reflect, respond—and act."
Zetta Elliott (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 1 hr 26 mins
I'm Not Dying with You Tonight
"'An absolute page turner, I’m Not Dying with You Tonight is a compelling and powerful novel that is sure to make an impact.'—Angie Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give An NAACP Image Award Nominee, I’m Not Dying with You Tonight follows two teen girls—one black, one white—who have to confront their own assumptions about racial inequality as they rely on each other to get through the violent race riot that has set their city on fire with civil unrest. Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she’s going to make it big. Campbell, on the other hand, is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school. When both girls attend the Friday-night football game, what neither expects is for everything to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together. They aren’t friends. They hardly understand the other’s point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they only have each other to rely on if they’re going to survive the night."
Gilly Segal , Kimberly Jones (Author), Brittany Pressley , Channie Waites (Narrator)
Audiobook · 5 hrs 20 mins
"Magdalys and the squad are flying south on pteroback. South to rescue her older brother. South to war. The squad links up with the dino-mounted troops of the Louisiana Native Guard, an all-black regiment in the Union Army fighting to free their people. They're led by General Sheridan, surrounded by enemy forces in Tennessee and desperate for any edge to sway the tide of battle. Magdalys's burgeoning powers might be the Union's last hope. But she doesn't want to abandon the search for her brother. And she might not be the only one with a mysterious connection to dinosaurs. With the Civil War raging around her and the Union on the brink of collapse, how can Magdalys choose between the army that needs her help to survive and the brother she risked everything to save?"
"'Love ain't like that.' 'How is it then?' Peaches asked, turning on her stomach to face me. 'It's like sky. If you keep driving and driving, gas will run out, right?' 'That's why we gotta go to the gas station.' 'Yep. But have you ever seen the sky run out? No matter how far we go?' 'No, when we look up, there it is.' 'Well that's the kind of love Daddy and Mama got for us, Peaches--love like sky.' 'It never ends?' 'Never.' G-baby and her younger sister, Peaches, are still getting used to their 'blended-up' family. They live with Mama and Frank out in the suburbs, and they haven't seen their real daddy much since he married Millicent. G-baby misses her best friend back in Atlanta, and is crushed that her glamorous new stepsister, Tangie, wants nothing to do with her. G-baby is so preoccupied with earning Tangie's approval that she isn't there for her own little sister when she needs her most. Peaches gets sick-really sick. Suddenly, Mama and Daddy are arguing like they did before the divorce, and even the doctors at the hospital don't know how to help Peaches get better. It's up to G-baby to put things right. She knows Peaches can be strong again if she can only see that their family's love for her really is like sky."
Audiobook · 8 hrs 46 mins
Zora and Me: The Cursed Ground
"A 2019 Edgar Award Finalist for Best Juvenile work and one of YALSA's 2019 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults A powerful fictionalized account of Zora Neale Hurston’s childhood adventures explores the idea of collective memory and the lingering effects of slavery. “History ain’t in a book, especially when it comes to folks like us. History is in the lives we lived and the stories we tell each other about those lives.” When Zora Neale Hurston and her best friend, Carrie Brown, discover that the town mute can speak after all, they think they’ve uncovered a big secret. But Mr. Polk’s silence is just one piece of a larger puzzle that stretches back half a century to the tragic story of an enslaved girl named Lucia. As Zora’s curiosity leads a reluctant Carrie deeper into the mystery, the story unfolds through alternating narratives. Lucia’s struggle for freedom resonates through the years, threatening the future of America’s first incorporated black township — the hometown of author Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960). In a riveting coming-of-age tale, award-winning author T. R. Simon champions the strength of a people to stand up for justice."
T. R. Simon (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
"It's 1863 and dinosaurs roam the streets of New York as the Civil War rages between raptor-mounted armies down South. Magdalys Roca and her friends from the Colored Orphan Asylum are on a field trip when the Draft Riots break out, and a number of their fellow orphans are kidnapped by an evil magistrate, Richard Riker. Magdalys and her friends flee to Brooklyn and settle in the Dactyl Hill neighborhood, where black and brown New Yorkers have set up an independent community—a safe haven from the threats of Manhattan. Together with the Vigilance Committee, they train to fly on dactylback, discover new friends and amazing dinosaurs, and plot to take down Riker. Can Magdalys and the squad rescue the rest of their friends before it's too late?"
Audiobook · 6 hrs 43 mins
So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth's Long Walk Toward Freedom
"Sojourner Truth was born into slavery but possessed a mind and a vision that knew no bounds. So Tall Within traces her life from her painful childhood through her remarkable emancipation to her incredible leadership in the movement for rights for both women and African Americans. Her story is told with lyricism and pathos by Gary D. Schmidt, one of the most celebrated writers for children in the twenty-first century, and brought to life by award winning and fine artist Daniel Minter. This combination of talent is just right for introducing this legendary figure to a new generation of children."
Gary D. Schmidt (Author), Channie Waites (Narrator)
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