Finding Community at a Book Festival
Author Raj Tawney (“Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience,” “All Mixed Up”) finds new friends and community amongst his peers at the 2025 Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge.
Booklist Reader: Elementary-School Biographies of Native Women
Native women have been leaders throughout history. From ballerinas to congresswomen and from tribal leaders to scientists, these strong role models have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. The following picture books and early-reader chapter books compiled by ALA’s Booklist offer a glimpse into the strength, courage, tenacity, and fierce compassion embodied by this broad range of people.
‘How I Library’ Episode 25: Jerry Drake
In a special Halloween episode of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with Jerry Drake, author of “Hazel Was a Good Girl: Solving the Murder that Inspired Twin Peaks.”
‘How I Library’ Episode 24: Joe Hill
In episode 24 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with one of today’s leading creators of scary literature, author Joe Hill—just in time for Halloween! Hill joins the show to discuss his first novel in nine years, the scary epic “King Sorrow.”
Booklist Reader: True-Crime Spree
Our friends at Booklist have compiled a list of true-crime chronicles that portray courageous crime-fighters and illuminate crimes that vary from murder to art-world scandals, stoking our endless curiosity, horror, schadenfreude, and compassion.
Booklist Reader: Caregiving and Self-Care
Caring for loved ones struggling with disease, advanced age, or both takes a toll, as do so many aspects of life. These candid, informative, practical, and inspiring memoirs and guides address the demands on caregivers and the need for self-care for everyone.
‘How I Library’ Episode 21: Brian Selznick
In episode 21 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with award-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick (“The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” “Wonderstruck”). Selznick joins the show to discuss his new YA novel, “Run Away with Me,” the importance of creating stories that depict the LGBTQ+ experience, book repair, Italian art and architecture, and, of course, how he libraries.
Ohio Man Leaves Behind the Reading List of a Lifetime
When Dan Pelzer died last month at the age of 92, he left his family and friends an incredible gift: a 109-page handwritten list of all the books he’d read since 1962. And now it can be viewed by the world.
‘How I Library’ Episode 20: Penn Jillette
In episode 20 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with magician, actor, and author Penn Jillette from the Emmy Award-winning magic and comedy duo, Penn and Teller. Jillette joins the show to discuss his new novel, “Felony Juggler,” and its influences, magic and skepticism, the importance of libraries in his life growing up, book bans and information access, and of course, how he libraries.
Booklist Reader Listen-alikes: YA Odyssey
“How the Boogeyman Became a Poet,” written by Tony Keith Jr., is a coming-of-age memoir in verse. Teen listeners seeking similar vulnerability and authenticity in poetic form will love these audiobook picks from Booklist Reader.
