Acclaimed artist and activist Ai Weiwei has often encountered censorship and surveillance throughout his career.

David S. Reynolds' book examines the twin legacies of the Mayflower, which carried the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620, and the White Lion, which brought the first enslaved Africans to Virginia in 1619.

Saachi, 12, is a head-strong, confident 6th grader when the book opens, but soon she finds herself increasingly frustrated as the social dynamics of elementary school seem to unravel before her eyes.

The romance books Ryan read growing up rarely included characters who looked like her. Now she deliberately centers people the genre has left out, including Black, Indigenous and queer women.

"London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth," centers around the enigmatic life and death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler.

In the 1980s, a brand of "heartland rock" by artists like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp took over American pop culture.

As the year reaches its mid-point, we have answers to a question more pressing than what to wear to the cookout or how early should we arrive at the fireworks show: What should I listen to?

The singer, songwriter and former guitarist for The War on Drugs talks about his latest album, Philadelphia's Been Good to Me.

As he marches on, his flag blows back into his face, leaving him unaware he is only a step away from a perilous fall. As usual with Banksy's art, the statue presents a sharp critique of society.

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with acclaimed television showrunner and writer Mara Brock Akil about her debut novel, "The Revelation of Dionne Daphne."