NPR Topics: Book News & Features

The 11 most challenged books of 2025, according to the American Library Association

Anastasia Tsioulcas — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:33:50 -0400

Sold by Patricia McCormick, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer: A Memoir.'/>

The ALA says 4,235 titles were challenged at U.S. libraries — the second-highest year on record. Forty percent of the challenged works involved LGBTQ+ subjects or the experiences of people of color.

(Image credit: American Library Association)

Whiting Foundation names its 10 emerging authors of 2026

Ivy Buck — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0400

The annual Whiting Award for Emerging Writers comes with $50,000 to support each winner's work. It's one of the largest prizes granted to promising new authors.

6 books named finalists for the 2026 International Booker Prize

Anastasia Tsioulcas — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:31 -0400

The shortlisted titles include novels and novellas from authors and translators spanning four continents, with stories that range from Japanese-controlled 1930s Taiwan to the streets of Tehran in 1979.

You already know the song — now, 'The One About the Blackbird' is also a picture book

Samantha Balaban — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

In The One About the Blackbird, a young boy learns to play guitar from his grandfather. And there's one song in particular that they love…

'Fireworks' wins Caldecott, Newbery is awarded to 'All the Blues in the Sky'

Ivy Buck — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:30:48 -0500

Fireworks, by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Cátia Chien has won the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children, and All the Blues in the Sky, written by Renée Watson has been awarded the Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature.'/>

The best books for children and young adults were awarded the country's top honors by the American Library Association on Monday.

A 200-year-old book distributor is closing. Here's what that means for public libraries

Alina Edwards — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:46:06 -0500

Baker & Taylor is one of very few companies that handle book distribution for libraries — getting books from publishers into borrowers hands. But a few months ago, the company abruptly announced it was shutting down.

Genre fiction and female authors top U.S. libraries' most-borrowed lists in 2025

Neda Ulaby — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

All of the top 10 books borrowed through the public library app Libby were written by women. And Kristin Hannah's The Women was the top checkout in many library systems around the country.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle)

Mass-market books are disappearing from grocery store racks

Daniel Estrin — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 08:00:58 -0500

NPR's Daniel Estrin talks with publisher Esther Margolis about the end of the era of mass market paperbacks. These inexpensively made books were once staples in most grocery and drug stores.

When a loved one dies, where do they go? A new kids' book suggests 'They Walk On'

Samantha Balaban — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

After his mom died, Fry Bread author Kevin Maillard found himself wondering, "but where did she go?" So he wrote about it. His new kids' book is And They Walk On, illustrated by Rafael López.

Mahmood Mamdani on how Uganda's history shaped his belonging — and his son's moment

Adriana Gallardo — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Professor Mahmood Mamdani about his new book, "Slow Poison." The book is a firsthand report on the tragic unraveling of Uganda's struggle for independence.