Books

ALA: Number of unique book titles challenged jumped nearly 40% in 2022

4:14pm April 24, 2023

by Meghan Collins Sullivan

The number of reported challenges and attempted bans to books doubled in 2022 according to data released by the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom Monday.

Maia Kobabe's graphic memoir Gender Queer was the most "challenged" book of 2022, the second consecutive year it has topped the list compiled by the American Library Association.

Graphic memoir 'Gender Queer' tops U.S. library group's list of most challenged books

7:57am April 24, 2023

by The Associated Press

LGBTQ+-themed books remain the most likely targets of bans at public schools and libraries, the American Library Association says. Maia Kobabe's memoir topped the list for the second year in a row.

Books

Stephen Buoro on his comic novel 'The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa'

8:15am April 23, 2023

by Camila Domonoske

A Nigerian teen obsessed with the West comes of age in a dangerous country. NPR's Camila Domonoske talks with Stephen Buoro about his comic novel, "The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa."

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Books

Danny Trejo on his new book, 'Trejo's Cantina'

5:18pm April 22, 2023

NPR's Adrian Florido speaks with Danny Trejo about his new cookbook, Trejo's Cantina: Cocktails, Snacks & Amazing Non-Alcoholic Drinks from the Heart of Hollywood.

Brownsville gets a bookstore

5:18pm April 22, 2023

by Gaige Davila

Brownsville is one of the largest cities in Texas — and for more than a decade, it hasn't had a single bookstore. That's about to change, and residents are rejoicing.

Books

Dennis Lehane on his new novel 'Small Mercies'

8:01am April 22, 2023

by Scott Simon

NPR Scott Simon talks with author Dennis Lehane about his new novel, "Small Mercies." It's set in 1974 Boston, during the protests over court-mandated desegregation of public schools there.

Books

Ramona Ausubel on her novel 'The Last Animal'

8:01am April 22, 2023

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon interviews author Ramona Ausubel about her novel, "The Last Animal," about a family finding solace, after tragedy, in a scientific expedition to the Arctic.

Judy Blume, author of "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," poses for a portrait at Books and Books, her non-profit bookstore in Key West, Florida.

Arts
Books

Judy Blume has never been afraid to speak her mind

5:00pm April 21, 2023

by Manuela López Restrepo

The iconic children's author has been tackling criticism and censorship long before the current trend sweeping American libraries.

Books
Arts

Remembering Michael Denneny, an editor who championed LGBTQ voices

2:55pm April 21, 2023

by Terry Gross

One of the first openly gay editors working at a major publishing house, Denneny launched the Stonewall Inn Editions imprint. He died April 12. Originally broadcast in 1987 and 1994.

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Books
Arts

Remembering historical crime novelist Anne Perry

1:55pm April 21, 2023

by Terry Gross

For decades, Perry, who died April 10, kept secret the fact that she was one of the teenage girls involved in the murder depicted in the 1994 film Heavenly Creatures. Originally broadcast in 1994.

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