Biographies
Amazing Lives, Amazing Stories
Barnes & Noble Best Seller
2016 YALSA Nonfiction Finalist
Symphony for the City of the Dead by M.T. Anderson
Dmitri Shosatakovich was a brilliant Russian composer who wrote the Leningrad Symphony during one of the most destructive sieges in Western history: the Siege of Leningrad. Shosatakovich was never fully silenced by the opposition, rather he continued to write and inspire others, ensuring that they were not forgotten.
2011 YALSA Nonfiction Winner
Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel
This books serves as an intimate look into the life of Janis Joplin, famed 1960's rock singer who died at age 27. This book contains photographs, letters, and stories from the people who knew Joplin, providing unknown glimpses into her personal and private life.
2013 YALSA Nonfiction Finalist
Steve Jobs: The Man who Thought Different: A Biography
Steve Jobs lived an extraordinary life. He created Apple with his friend Steve Wozniack and created pioneering technology that defied expectations and set the standard for innovation. This book traces Job's high and low points to show a complete picture of a man who changed the world.
1988 Newberry Award Winner
Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman
This title covers three different eras of Lincoln's life with photographs, prints and personal writings of Lincoln. The first section focuses on Lincoln's early years, including his career as a country lawyer. The second section focuses on Lincoln's years in the White House, leading a divided United States during the Civil War. The third section hones in on Lincoln's final moments at Ford Theatre in 1865
2008 Printz Honor Book
Your Own Sylvia: A Verse Portrait of Sylvia Plath by Stephanie Hemphill
A set of poems examine different events in Sylvia's life from the point of view of family members, friends, doctors, and fellow writers. Biographical notes provide context for each poem.
2016 YALSA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults
Unbroken: [an Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive[ by Lauren Hillenbrand
Former Olympian Louis Zamperini became an airman during WWII. In May 1943, his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared. After the crash, he was left stranded on a raft and forced to fend for himself and find a way home against sharks and enemy warcrafts . This audiobook is narrated by Edward Hermann.
2012 YALSA Nonfiction Nominee
The Many Faces of George Washington: Remaking of a Presidential Icon by Carla Killough McClafferty
The life of George Washington is explored via chronicling the intricate process of creating life-sized statues of Washington at three different ages: 19 as a surveyor, 45 as General of the Continental Army, and 57 when he took he oath of office as President of United States.
2006 Printz Honor Book
John Lennon: All I want is the Truth: A Photographic Biography by Elizabeth Partridge
A complete look into the life of John Lennon. From his birth during a 1940 air raid, to his death in 1980 by David Chapman. This book celebrates his successes pre and post Beatles, paying tribute t one of rock's biggest legends.
2012 YALSA Nonfiction Nominee
This Strange Wilderness : the Life and Art of John James Audubon by Nancy Plain
John James Audubon is a famous painter, and naturalist who has studied the birds of North America for thirty years. Known as the founder of ornithology, he shed light on nature and its wonders through his paintings and notes. This book explores and celebrates his career and he impact he has made on nature.
2012 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Winner
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery by Steven Sheinkin
Explore two different sides of Benedict Arnold: his success as a Revolutionary War hero and his choice to turn back to Britain that labelled him a traitor to Americans.
2010 ALA Notable Children's Recording
Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson
Narrated by Will Patton, this book gives a day by day account of the twelve day race to find Abraham Lincoln's killer, John Wilkes Booth and the people who assisted him in the murder.