What We're Reading

Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa reviews new books by Melanie Florence, Deborah Underwood, Joslin Brorsen, and Aaron Starmer.

Writer Sarah L. Kaufman’s “Verb Your Enthusiasm” is an elegant guide to the promise, power and poetry of the underrated verb.

"What We're Reading" producer and host Tammy Bobrowsky celebrates KAXE's 50 years with a look back into the archives. Favorites include John Green, Jess Lourey, Byron Graves and more.

Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa reviews new books by Steph Lau, Felicita Sala, Tracey Baptiste and Sara Pennypacker.

Science journalist and writer Annalee Newitz’s “Automatic Noodle” features a group of robots who open a Biangbiang noodle restaurant. Will they be crushed by bad reviews?

Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa reviews new books from Drew Beckmeyer, Mary Logue, and Chanel Miller.

In “Sea of Grass,” Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty dig into the history, science and future of the North American Prairie — painting a vivid portrait of this diverse, but disappearing ecosystem.

"To Kill a Cook" features a food critic who finds the severed head of a famed French chef in a mold of aspic in this enjoyable romp through the '70s New York restaurant scene.

In the new picture book “The Blue House I Loved” Minnesota author Kao Kalia Yang shares vivid memories of childhood and place. Illustrated by artist and architect Jen Shin.

Minnesota writer David Hakensen takes a deep dive into the life of Helen Hoover, nature writer who lived and wrote in her cabin on Gunflint Lake, in "Her Place in the Woods: The Life of Helen Hoover."

Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa recaps the winners of the 2026 Youth Media Awards celebrating contributions to children's literature. Renée Watson's "All the Blues in the Sky" was this year's Newbery winner.

Children's librarian Tracy Kampa recommends new books from Beth Ferry, Daniel Miyares and Katherine Applegate. Plus, her recap of possible 2026 Newbery Medal contenders.

“The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World” focuses on grief and perseverance, drawing on Greek mythology to create a contemporary fantasy on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago.

Grand Rapids Area Library children's librarian Tracy Kampa recommends new books by Maddie Frost, Megan Clendenan, Dan Gutman, and K. Woodman-Maynard.

English writer Katherine Rundell continues to weave dazzling stories in "The Poisoned King," book 2 in the Impossible Creatures series. With castles, dragons, and revenge, this is a thrilling and enjoyable read for ages 10 and up.

Chris Kraus’s new novel “The Four Spent the Day Together” is a novel in three parts highlighting addiction and the ever-widening gulf between the rich and poor. It includes a fictionalized retelling of a 2019 kidnapping and murder in Hibbing, Minnesota.

Cameron Crowe’s new memoir “The Uncool” is a backstage pass to a bygone era of music. The writer/director shares his amazing beginnings as music journalist in this entertaining and touching book.

Bemidji writer Mike Herbert’s new book “They Answered the Call” tells the often-overlooked histories of 102 brave and determined women from Beltrami County who served in the U.S. military in WWII.

Grand Rapids Area Library children's librarian Tracy Kampa shares her recommendations on new children’s books by Indigenous authors including Jen Moudahi, Maria DesJarlait, Michaela Goade, and more. Also, new books by Kate DiCamillo and Kate Messner.

Minnesota novelist Will Weaver reunites us with the Haugen family in his new book, the sequel to his 2023 novel "Power & Light." This compelling and satisfying novel follows the family through a span of 40 years on the prairies of North Dakota and Minnesota.

Tracy Kampa, children's librarian at the Grand Rapids Area Library recommends new books from Jashar Awan, Megan Maynor, Tiffany D. Jackson and Maryrose Wood. Plus a surprise collaboration between Stephen King and Maurice Sendak.