PBS Books

the year of the buttered cat is based on the real-life story of Lexi Haas. In the spirit of “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio and “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper, the year of the buttered cat offers powerful messages of friendship, family, loss and the art of redefining ourselves.

In partnership with PBS SoCal and other local PBS stations, PBS Books presents a conversation hosted by PBS SoCal’s Maria Hall-Brown with author Max Greenfield to discuss his latest book “Good Night Thoughts”. What do we do when we can’t fall asleep? The child in this story has racing thoughts–funny, silly, and scary–that are running on a cycle they can’t stop.

Celebrate the 40 year anniversary of “The House on Mango Street”, one of the most cherished novels of the last 50 years. Readers from all walks of life have fallen for the voice of Esperanza Cordero, growing up in Chicago and inventing for herself who and what she will become. “In English my name means hope,” she says. “In Spanish it means too many letters. It means sadness, it means waiting.”

Lisa takes us on a road trip through time with Giselle (artist), Jackie (internet tech expert) & Ellen (activist), three lifelong friends whose lives as children growing up in the 80s shaped their prospects as adults at the turn of the millennia.

National Director of PBS Books, Heather-Marie Montilla and Ada Limón discuss her recently published anthology You Are Here: Poetry In The Natural World, a collection of fifty poems that reflect on our relationship to the natural world by contemporary writers. Collaboratively published by Milkweed Editions and the Library of Congress, this anthology depicts the ever-changing poetic landscape.

As part of its Wright Conversations series, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History presents Nikki Giovanni, one of this country’s most widely read poets and one of America’s most renowned poets worldwide. Her poem, “Knoxville, Tennessee,” is arguably the single literary work most often associated with that city.

Explore the legacy of one of Hollywood’s icons—Hattie McDaniel—through Tate's historical fiction novel, “The Queen of Sugar Hill.” Discover more about this icon of the silver screen and how the story of her roles on and off the screen still resonates today. With no shortage of triumphs, tragedies, severe setbacks, and controversy; ReShonda Tate brings the powerful story of Hattie McDaniel to life.

Celebrate Social and Emotional Learning Day by joining us for a fantastic conversation with author and illustrator Tracy Subisak, discussing her book "Sorry, Snail". This heartfelt children’s book showcases that everyone has feelings and helps to teach the importance of empathy. Join us for a fun conversation about a super-sweet book. No apology required.

In "Housewife: Why Women Still Do It All and What To Do Instead", Lisa tackles the “myth” of the divide between breadwinners and homemakers. Examining working-women throughout history, Lisa provides the roadmap for women to be empowered to choose the best path for themselves as they navigate balance in modern-day society.

Join us as Cheryl reflects on her inspiration and motivation behind this stunning portrayal of these legendary women, with powerful accounts of their resilience and strength in their words. We’ll explore the books’ gorgeous photographs of these dynamic women, which capture their importance and prominence, and hear more about the stories behind these icons of the gospel.

PBS Books sits down with Author Yolanda Renee King and Illustrator Nicole Tadgell to discuss Miss King’s debut book Carrying the Light from My Grandparents Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King: We Dream a World. In We Dream A World, Yolanda Renee King discusses her family legacy and her vision for the future of young change-makers.

If you are struggling to find that next great read, then this episode of PBS Books is just for you. Sit down with Booklist Reader experts to explore some of the not to miss books of 2024!