Every year, a list of books representing the literary heritage of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Marianas is distributed by the Library of Congress Center for the Book during the National Book Festival Roadmap to Reading. Great Reads books may be written by authors from the state/territory, take place in the state/territory, or celebrate the culture and heritage of the state/territory.
The National Book Festival, held annually in Washington, DC, celebrates books and reading and brings together bestselling authors and thousands of book fans for author talks, panel discussions, book signings and other activities. Great Reads books represent the literary landscape of the states and territories.
Until 2022, most Great Reads books selected were for children and young readers. In 2022 states were given the option to select two books: a Great Read for Youth, and a Great Read for Adults. The Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library selects the Great Reads books to represent the state of Arkansas.
Full title lists from all states and territories are available for download from the Library of Congress.
The 2024 Arkansas Center for the Book Great Reads selections are:
- 2024 Great Read for Youth: Cypress Knees and Tupelo Trees: Discovering Plants and Animals of the Swamp by Cathy Melvin (Et Alia Press, 2023)
- 2024 Great Read for Adults: Ozark Dogs by Eli Cranor (Soho Crime, 2023)
The National Book Festival Roadmap to Reading is made possible by the generous support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.
For more information, contact:
- Karen O’Connell
- Coordinator, Arkansas Center for the Book
- karen.oconnell@ade.arkansas.gov or (501) 682-2874
