School book bans show no signs of slowing, new PEN America report finds
The number of bans and restrictions in the U.S. rose 33% in the last school year, according the the report. Florida had more bans than any other state.
Books
There have been attempts to censor more than 1,900 library book titles so far in 2023
Most of the scrutinized books were written by or contained subject matter about people of color or members of the LGBTQ+ community, according to research by the American Library Association.
'Wellness' is a perfect novel for our age, its profound sadness tempered with humor
Nathan Hill's stunning new novel about the stories we tell about our lives and our loves, and how we sustain relationships throughout time, is both funny and heartbreaking, sometimes on the same page.
'Swingtime for Hitler' explores the Nazis use of jazz as a propaganda tool
Hitler's Germany banned jazz, which was deemed degenerate music made by Jews and Black people. But NPR host Scott Simon says the Nazis repurposed jazz abroad to weaken British and American resolve.
'North Woods' is the story of a place and its inhabitants over centuries
Daniel Mason's gorgeous fifth novel tells of a yellow house deep in the woods of western Massachusetts — and its motley succession of occupants who leave their mark on the property.
Comic Aparna Nancherla uses humor to confront self doubt and anxiety
Nancherla's starred in TV shows like BoJack Horseman and Master of None, and written for Late Night with Seth Meyers. She recounts her struggle with depression in the memoir, Unreliable Narrator.
Love, identity and ambition take center stage in 'Roaming'
Roaming, spanning five days as old friends Dani and Zoe reunite on their first break from college, is the first adult graphic novel from Caldecott-winning cousins Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki.
'The Care and Keeping of You,' American Girl's guide to puberty, turns 25
The Care and Keeping of You from American Girl eased the adolescent anxieties of the millennial and Gen Z girls who read it. Now the book is marking its 25th anniversary.
Rachel Harrison on her new horror novel 'Black Sheep'
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with Rachel Harrison about her new horror novel, "Black Sheep," which asks what must be sacrificed in order to go home again.
Snow, scorpions, Dr. Seuss: What Kenyan kids talked about with top U.S. kids' authors
Newbery prize winners Kwame Alexander, a poet, and Jerry Craft, an author and illustrator, went on a mission to Kenya to encourage reading. The kids learned a lot. So did the authors.