Southern Nonfiction

The term “serial killer” was first introduced in the 1970s by FBI Agent Robert Ressler. Shortly after joining the FBI in 1970, he was recruited to join the newly developed Behavioral Science Unit where he became fascinated with the psychology behind violent offenders. He wanted to better understand the motive behind a murder – what caused the person to act out in such a way, and what similarities these individuals shared. Ressler recognized that most offenders knew their victims, but there was a certain type of killer that picked their victims at random, and often killed multiple ...

The house is dark, quiet, and empty as Frank Wilcox makes a promise to his daddy, Tom. One day, Frank promises, he will tell the stories—the adventures and misadventures—of life on the family hog farm in north Georgia. The farm is the home where Frank and his brothers, Jack and Wayne, learn life lessons about family and faith. That’s the backdrop of Brookwood Road, a novel inspired by author Scott Douglas Vaughan’s childhood. Vaughan turns those memories into rich stories centered around Frank, the thoughtful and protective oldest brother of the bunch, and his life growing up on the...

The sprawling highways and quiet small towns of Texas hide a dark and brutal history. Beyond the headlines and whispered local legends lie the definitive, blood-curdling stories of the state's most horrifying crimes. True Crime - Gore in Texas is not for the faint of heart. This meticulously researched anthology rips open the case files on the Lone Star State's most infamous and psychologically disturbing criminals. From the sadistic "Candy Man" Dean Corll to the shocking acts of family annihilators and the cold, calculated slayings of cartel hitmen, these accounts detail the manhunts that ...

From the beloved, best-selling author of All over but the Shoutin', a delectable, rollicking food memoir, cookbook, and loving tribute to a region, a vanishing history, a family, and, especially, his mother. In The Best Cook in the World, Rick Bragg finally preserves his heritage by telling the stories that framed his mother's cooking and education, from childhood into old age. Because good food always has a good story.

They’ve just achieved statehood. Has the wilderness of this new wife’s childhood been completely tamed, or are there deadly threats on the horizon? Florida, 1844. Mary Adeline Walker brims with optimism. After three years of marriage, she’s still head-over-heels in love with her refined gentleman of a husband and delights in their blended family of five children. But it’s hard to remain at peace as outlaw gangs constantly crop up and news of war with Mexico brings a spark to her spouse’s eyes. Relieved as the conflict sweeps by without harming her household, Mary steadfastly keeps...

A historical non-fiction book set in various regions of ancient North and South America during the pre-Columbian era. Unearth the forgotten legacy of the Mound-Builders—an advanced civilization that flourished across North America long before European contact. This compelling narrative dives deep into the rich history of these remarkable ancient peoples, exploring their impressive earthen mounds, complex social structures, and the tragic tales of knowledge lost to time and conquest. Their story is one of ingenuity, resilience, and ultimately, a poignant reminder of what was lost in the ...

Step into the heart of Indian Territory in 1863, where one of the most strategically significant — yet often overlooked — battles of the American Civil War unfolded. Tactics in the Heartland offers a vivid, in-depth exploration of the Battle of Honey Springs, shedding light on the military decisions, terrain challenges, and pivotal leadership moments that shaped this critical Union victory. Author and historian Terry Sloan uncovers the layered complexities behind the confrontation: the role of Native American regiments, the logistical ingenuity of Union forces, and the Confederate ...

Coffee and brightly painted oxcarts. Quetzals, coastlines, and the Montverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Learn the ABCs of Costa Rica in this exotic, colorful tour of the small but treasure-filled Central American country.

After decades of war, South Sudan became an independent country in 2011. Though its people face struggles as they build their new nation, they do have reason for national pride. Their country contains Bandingilo National Park, which hosts one of the largest annual animal migrations. This title describes the birth of South Sudan and its efforts to create a national identity.

She’s the ordinary daughter of a low-country cattleman. Trapped in the heart of a brutal wilderness, will she sow the seeds of a lasting legacy? South Carolina, 1827. Mary Adeline Walker is scared. Happy living in the middle of a big extended family, the sharp-eared seven-year-old can’t understand why her father and uncles are discussing moving to the dangerous Florida Territory. But though the independent girl is a quick learner, she worries the proposed fresh start won’t survive the treacherous trip to America’s newest land. Arriving in Jefferson County during 1829’s harsh ...

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest and most populated country in the world. The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil has the greatest biological diversity of any ecosystem on the planet. Students will learn all about Brazilian culture and get a glimpse into what kids do for fun in Brazil, especially discovering the country’s love for soccer.

Toucans fill the rain forests with chatter. Learn all about these colorful birds and their habitats in Toucans.

What would it be like to live in Ecuador? How is Ecuador's culture unique? Explore the sights, traditions, and daily lives of Ecuadorians!

Chile is a long, narrow country that stretches along the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of South America. It has many different landscapes, including the Atacama, the driest desert in the world! Young listeners will explore Chile’s landscapes, discovering the famous Easter Island statues, the diverse wildlife, and the people that call the country home.

A stolen bucket. Two proud cities. One of history’s most peculiar wars. In the annals of medieval conflict, few tales are as bizarre—and as revealing—as the War of the Bucket. What began as a petty provocation between the rival Italian city-states of Modena and Bologna erupted into a bloody clash that claimed hundreds of lives, all over a wooden bucket taken from a city well. In The War of the Bucket: A Deep Dive into the 1325 Conflict, author Terry Sloan unpacks the absurdity and the gravity of this infamous episode. With rich detail and a sharp narrative voice, Sloan explores the ...

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated Central American country. Because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it must endure volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Hurricanes also sweep in from the Caribbean. However, El Salvadorians don’t let these events quiet their vibrant culture. This book introduces El Salvador’s landscape, cuisine, wildlife, heritage, and much more!

Welcome to Peru! Hike through the clouds to ancient cities of the Andes Mountains. Hear the calls of birds in the Amazon rain forest. Learn about the people, places, and traditions of this beautiful South American country.

Costa Rica, which means “Rich Coast,” is aptly named. Its long coastlines, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, have some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Young listeners will learn about Costa Rica’s booming ecotourism, the daily life and cuisine, and the peaceful, laid-back nature of its people.

Welcome to Ecuador! See the sites. Enjoy the food. Hear the language. Discover this country's land, people, and traditions.

Giant anteaters spend their day sniffing the ground. Learn all about these bug catchers and their habitats in Giant Anteaters.