Attention all “Hamilnerds” who have listened to the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat hundreds of times: Listening Library has TWO NEW Hamilton-related listens to add to the mix. These fall ’16 drop-ins allow famous historical figures to tell their stories, bringing this fascinating period in American history to life—a perfect choice for classrooms!
Fans of the smash-hit Broadway rap-musical Hamilton: An American Musical, winner of 11 Tony Awards, and young history buffs alike will be captivated by these stories that put listeners back in the narrative in a new way. Plus, we offer many more audiobooks on the Nerdy Book Club’s Hamilton list—and a few more of our own picks we’ve added here. So give young fans a front row seat to great storytelling—without a hefty price tag and epic wait.
To see the full list from The Nerdy Book Club of the Top Ten Books for Hamilnerds (which is actually more than ten but in their words “we didn’t want to throw away our shot to share something awesome”) click here. And to see more audiobooks for Hamilton fans, view our collection here.
Oh, can I show you something else we’re proud of? Broadway’s original (and Tony Award-winning) Aaron Burr is also an amazing narrator. Check out Leslie Odom Jr. reading here.
THE DUEL by Judith St. GeorgeRead by John H. Mayer
On Sale October 4, 2016
Judith St. George’s lively biography, told in alternating chapters, brings to life two complex men who played major roles in the formation of the United States.
“equally intriguing and approachable”—School Library Journal
“St. George employs the dual biography format with facility and flair, bringing these two historical figures to life, along with their unceasingly fascinating feud.”—The Horn Book
ALEXANDER HAMILTON: THE OUTSIDER by Jean FritzRead by Arthur Morey
On Sale October 4, 2016
Acclaimed biographer Fritz’s talent for bringing historical figures to life is at its best as she shares her fascination with this man of action who was honorable, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to his adopted country.
“This lively biography sheds light on Hamilton’s character and his place at the nation’s beginnings.”—Booklist, starred review
“For teachers looking for an independent read that supports curriculum, the book provides a richly detailed and eye-opening account of this important American’s personal history.”
—School Library Journal
ALEXANDER HAMILTON by Ron ChernowRead by Scott Brick
On Sale Now
The book that inspired the musical (Ron Chernow was an advisor to the production) is available as 29 CDs read by acclaimed narrator Scott Brick! Read our blog post to see Lin-Manuel Miranda read the first few paragraphs. It will leave you wanting to hear more!
“Scott Brick delivers a highly professional, straightforward narration…His voice and evident interest are fresh throughout.”—AudioFile
“Brick is an ideal reader: he is sufficiently dramatic and engages listeners when speaking of historical events…Brick projects a deep sympathy with Chernow’s impassioned, partisan, and admiring prose. For both high-school students and history buffs.”—Booklist
Life of Octavian Nothing seriesBy M.T. Anderson
Read by Peter Francis James
On Sale Now
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
According to The Nerdy Book Club, “This series is perfect for YA readers who want to know more about the Revolutionary War time period in New England.” And with the phenomenal Peter Francis James behind the mic, listeners are in for a treat.
“James’ deeply resonant tones are marked by clarity and precision…”—Booklist, starred review (The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation; v.1: The Pox Party)
“James seamlessly shifts between accents. The audio may be accessible to teens who don’t want to tackle the lengthy book, filled with eighteenth-century prose.”—Booklist
(The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation; v.2: The Kingdom on the Waves)
“Narrator James brings great warmth and accessibility to Octavian’s continued odyssey.”
—The Horn Book
(The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation; v.2: The Kingdom on the Waves)
JEFFERSON’S SONS by Kimberly Brubaker BradleyRead by Adenrele Ojo
On Sale Now
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s most recent title, The War That Saved My Life, was the 2016 Odyssey Award Winner. But this ALSC Notable Children’s Recording is an important addition to history collections, shedding more light on Thomas Jefferson and tackling the challenging and perhaps lesser-known subject matter in children’s literature that he was a slave master to his own children.
“A final note regarding the fates of major characters offers some comfort in this excellent audio production.”—Booklist, starred review
“As the story moves through the viewpoints of several characters associated with Jefferson’s plantation, Ojo develops and distinguishes each one while maintaining the flow.”—AudioFile
SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR by Matthew QuickRead by Cynthia Holloway
On Sale Now
This one was selected by the Nerdy Book Club for Hamilnerds because it “brings to the table a different representation of determination to ‘rise up’ out of poverty.” As the famous lyrics from “My Shot” say, “Rise up! When you’re living on your knees, you rise up.” So encourage YA listeners to find inspiration in this awesome audiobook that was beloved by reviewers.
“Cynthia Holloway’s narration is superb. She rocks as Amber and brings subtle differences to the eclectic cast of characters. A must-have audiobook.”—School Library Journal, starred review
“Cynthia Holloway shines as Amber, embodying a young woman full of hope, humor, and hubris.”—AudioFile
ALEXANDER HAMILTON’S GUIDE TO LIFE by Jeff WilserRead by Johnathan McClain
On Sale September 20, 2016
An entertaining look at the life and wisdom of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who mastered the arts of war, wealth, wit, and women, long before becoming the subject of the runaway Broadway hit. This audiobook unlocks his core principles—intended for anyone interested in success, romance, money, or dueling. They include:
· Speak with Authority Even If You Have None (Career)
· Seduce with Your Strengths (Romance)
· Find Time for the Quills and the Bills (Money)
· Put the Father in Founding Father (Friends & Family)
· Being Right Trumps Being Popular (Leadership)
“If they would have assigned this baby, I would have been a much better student. I feel robbed, in a way. The book is more exciting than any fiction, and Jeff Wilser does an absolutely fantastic job putting the book together. I will not only recommend this book, I will be quoting it.”
—romancingmyself blog
THE QUARTET by Joseph J. EllisRead by Robertson Dean
On Sale Now
From Pulitzer Prize–winning American historian Joseph J. Ellis, the unexpected story of why the thirteen colonies, having just fought off the imposition of a distant centralized governing power, would decide to subordinate themselves anew. Meet the men most responsible—George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison.
“Listen and marvel as we learn more about the genius of Washington, Hamilton, Madison, and John Jay. Robertson Dean’s deliberate, authoritative voice lends this work an air of importance that is both compelling and accessible…It’s good history at its best.”—AudioFile
FOUNDING BROTHERS by Joseph J. EllisRead by Bob Walter
On Sale Now
An illuminating study of the intertwined lives of the founders of the American republic—John Adams, Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington. This book was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for History in 2001 but this new recording was released in July 2016. What better way to catch up with past Pulitzer winners than by trying the audio?
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