Top Picks: Bonobo's 'Migration,' the film 'Queen of Katwe,' and more

The Galileo Offline Maps app provides web-free guidance, the LibriVox AudioBooks app brings audio versions of books that are in the public domain straight to your ears, and more top picks.

Emotive electronica

British producer and DJ Simon Green creates beautiful, emotive electronic instrumental landscapes as Bonobo. His sixth studio album is called Migration, and its gentle, hypnotic electronic tones over minor key melodies and downtempo rhythms reflect the tragic diaspora of the project’s title. Guest vocalists Nicole Miglis and Nick Murphy should boost the music’s appeal far beyond the borders of electronica fans.

Off-line guidance

When you’re traveling, you don’t want to be caught somewhere without internet access when you need a map. The Galileo Offline Maps appprovides web-free guidance; it’s free for iOS and Android.

Chess champion

In Queen of Katwe, Madina Nalwanga portrays Phiona Mutesi, a young Ugandan girl who becomes skilled at chess. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o portrays Phiona’s mother, who is doubtful about whether Phiona should pursue her talent. Monitor film critic Peter Rainer says Nyong’o’s “range here is even more extensive than it was in [‘12 Years a Slave’].” “Queen of Katwe” is available on DVD and Blu-ray.

Audio options

Looking for a great book for your next trip? The LibriVox Audio Books app brings audio versions of books that are in the public domain straight to your ears. Try anything from “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” to “Sherlock Holmes” stories the next time you’re craving an audio experience. The app is free for iOS and Android.  

Real-life mathematician

The movie “Hidden Figures,” which tells the story of African-American women whose math work helped launch John Glenn into space, has become a box-office hit and an awards season favorite. Look back at how the story started with an interview with Katherine Johnson, on whom actress Taraji P. Henson’s character was based, in which she discusses her time at NASA. The interview, which was conducted by the nonprofit organization the National Visionary Leadership Project, can be found at http://bit.ly/kjohnsoninterview.