The Woman Who Heard the Sun and Other..., Amisha Padnani
The Woman Who Heard the Sun and Other..., Amisha Padnani
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The Woman Who Heard the Sun and Other True Stories Overlooked by History

Author: Amisha Padnani, New York Times

Narrator: Isuri Wijesundara, Amisha Padnani

Unabridged: 1 hr 37 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/06/2026


Synopsis

Based on the acclaimed New York Times project, this engaging and dynamic audiobook shares the true stories of remarkable people too often overlooked by history—an inspiring, eye-opening collection that empowers kids to see themselves as changemakers.

This is a celebration of extraordinary individuals whose contributions have been left out of traditional accounts of history. While textbooks and obituaries have too often highlighted powerful, wealthy white men, this collection brings forward the women, people of color, LGBTQ+ pioneers, and people with disabilities whose courage, creativity, and curiosity transformed the world.

Through 18 riveting narratives, listeners will meet hidden heroes like Miki Gorman, the marathon champion who defied expectations; Sarah E. Ray, who challenged segregation years before Rosa Parks; Ralph Lazo, who voluntarily joined Japanese Americans at Manzanar to protest internment; and Regina Jonas, the world’s first woman rabbi—among many others. Written in vivid yet accessible prose, these powerful accounts invite young listeners to rethink whose voices belong in history and to imagine their own potential to make change.

This is a history book that resonates long after the final word.

About The Author

Amisha Padnani is an award-winning staff editor at The New York Times and a keynote speaker on topics such as diversity, where she often highlights people who are underrepresented in society. She has been interviewed on NPR, Democracy Now, CBC, CBS, and the BBC. Porter Magazine named her Incredible Woman of the Year.


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Quotes

“[Overlooked] provides the foundation for this striking volume, in which the author chronicles lesser-known 19th- and 20th-century figures, some of whom achieved astonishing feats or proved indispensable in expanding civil rights. . . . By highlighting artists, athletes, engineers, performers, and more, this timely survey broadens the scope of whose voices and accomplishments matter beyond dominant, white male–centered narratives.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Lively writing (the first Niagara-in-a-barrel survivor was ‘tossed about like a sock in a washing machine’) will keep readers absorbed, as will the photos and sidebars. Well-deserved recognition for the unsung that also encourages persistence against the odds.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“This book collects the biographical information of some of the people featured in The New York Times’ Overlooked project, which spotlights obituaries from a more diverse range of influential people than are usually featured in the paper. . . . This fascinating collection for readers wanting to explore history beyond the classroom will very likely have appeal outside its target audience, given its presentation and wide-ranging subjects.”—Booklist