Showing results by narrator "Dan Schoeneberg" in All Categories

Confederate Major Absalom Grimes carried letters between Civil War soldiers and their families, and became an expert prison escape artist in the process. Hear about Grimes' amazing life of adventure in this historical nonfiction story.

In a planned conspiracy to burn down major buildings in New York City during the Civil War, eight men of the Confederacy committed acts of terrorism. They attempted to destroy the city and claim it for the South by building a "Greek fire," which is stronger than regular fire because it is caused by chemical reactions.

In this adventurous tale of historical fiction, Edward Whymper's struggle to scale the Matterhorn results in triumph and loss, and inspires courage in a young blind friend. As an old man, Emile Favre tells how this famous mountain climber's quest led him to dream beyond his small village in Italy.

Native Americans like Squanto provided good fortune for the Pilgrims of colonial America. During this period, tensions were high between Europeans and the Native Americans in present-day Massachusetts. Squanto, Samoset, and Hobbamock served as interpreters and ambassadors, establishing peaceful alliances between these two groups.

During the Civil War, the lines between Union and Confederate forces were impassable for everyone, even pacifist Mennonites—unless you were sly like a fox. In this adventurous story of historical fiction, discover how a courageous boy finds a way to help his community while respecting his beliefs.

Many immigrants of various cultures have passed through the port city of Philadelphia before they adapted to the New World. William Penn guaranteed religious freedom to newcomers, which brought many persecuted peoples, such as Quakers, Mennonites, and refugees to the area, and that's only a smart part of the story of Philadelphia.

Move America's capital to another city? To Alexander Robey Shepherd, the solution to Washington, DC's problems was clear: modernization. Shepherd took on the monumental task of improving roadways and drinking water, adding street gaslights, and planting trees.

America's path to revolution was paved by the great discussions of the Continental Congress, which gathered to address grievances against Great Britain. Adamant that the Colonies remain under British rule, King George III fueled the flames of American independence.

Union Colonel Thomas E. Rose was captured in a Civil War battle and thrown in the brutal and secure Libby Prison. He quickly realizes that tunneling out is the only way to escape and joins forces with Major A. G. Hamilton to begin digging to freedom.

Injured by a cannonball, James Edward Hanger was the first amputee of the Civil War. Determined to find a better solution than a peg leg, he worked to develop his own artificial limb company. He even continued working past retirement, providing Hanger Limbs for victims of World War I.

Do you know the Confederacy had a navy during the Civil War? The CSS Shenandoah plundered Union ships in order to disrupt their commerce. Because they were out at sea, though, they never heard that the Confederates had surrendered, and they continued to fight! Learn about how these sailors were the last Confederate force to surrender.

Back in the days of the first oil wells, the oilmen passed the time by spinning tall tales. One of their favorite storytellers was Gib Morgan, whose adventures became legend! Find out about the man behind his tales and hear a tale or two from the oil fields.

Benjamin Franklin was often curious about the world around him. Utilizing observation and testing of the scientific method, he was able to invent many new items that improved the world for others. These inventions include his famous bifocal glasses, lightning rod, and even a long extension arm.

This funny story investigates the mystery of the step pyramid of Djoser in Egypt. But beware: a pharaoh's tomb built in the desert millennia ago can still trap a clumsy explorer! If you were stuck in the dark with scorpions and snakes for company, what would you do?

Did you know that spiders are not insects? Insects have only six legs but spiders have eight. Unlike insects, spiders do not have antennae. Tarantulas may look terrifying, but they are relatively harmless to humans.

Did you know you can explore space and visit the stars from right here on planet Earth? Follow along with Max and Kate as they visit a science museum and learn about the night sky.

The Bakeys company uses a simple recipe to make edible spoons in the hopes of cutting down on plastic trash.