A new play about a boy with craniofacial differences opened in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The actors playing the boy also have similar facial differences.

Here are recommended reads about the United States — perfect for the history buff on your gift list, or anyone looking to learn more about how the U.S got to where it is today.

A northern English town loses its best choral singers to fighting in World War I but finds new hope in a time of loss through music in Nicholas Hytner's new film "The Choral," featuring Ralph Fiennes.

Rosemary Westwood from member station WWNO asked a few of New Orlean's favorite musicians about the songs they like to listen to around Christmas.

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.

When temperatures drop, why do many listeners find themselves gravitating toward more introspective, emotionally resonant songs?

NPR Staff recommends several non-fiction titles from Books We Love: "Good Movies As Old Books," "Pakistan," "Baldwin: A Love Story," and "One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This."

Drew Daywalt is well known for his title “The Day the Crayons Quit,” and his latest is called “Goodnight Crayons.”

More than 400 recipes are packed into the book, which also serves to educate on the science and history of the world of mixed drinks.

The late, great Fela Kuti is known as the "Black President" for his role as both a musical and a political leader. Now he has become the first African artist to get this Grammy honor.