PBS Books

Jim Ogsbury, Executive Director of the Western Governors’ Association (WGLI) sits down with Current WGLI Delegate, Isaiah Torres, New Mexico and former WGLI delegate, David C. Saavedra, to understand the reluctance of the next generations to devote their lives to public service, new ways people are choosing to consume information, and the hopes for change in the future.

Former Gov. Brian Sandoval (R), Nevada & Former Gov. Bob Miller (D), Nevada, talk on the importance of fostering the next generation of leaders regardless of party affiliation and why it is crucial that leaders offer support and guidance for a better future.

Former Gov. Matt Mead (R), Wyoming and Former Gov. Steve Bullock (D), Montana, discuss the importance of leading by example to ensure bipartisanship solutions are fostered without compromising the morals, ethics, or values that are the foundational rights of the citizens of our nation.

Former Governor Gary Herbert (R), Utah, discusses the importance for the next generation to get involved in public service and why they are the key for lasting bipartisanship change for the future.

Former Governors Butch Otter (R), Idaho & David Ige (D), Hawaii, discuss the importance for the next generation to get involved in public service and why they are the key for lasting bipartisanship change for the future.

Governor Mark Gordon (R), Wyoming & WGA 2023-24 Chair and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), New Mexico & WGA 2024-25 Chair to discuss the paths that led them to a life in public service, the role respect plays in the political landscape, and the important role civil discourse needs to play in our political future.

The Western Governors’ Leadership Institute hosted a form featuring 8 panelists: Jack Waldorf (Ex. Dir., WGA), David Ige (D), Matt Mead (R), Bian Sandoval (R), Judy Woodruff (PBS Newshour), Butch Otter (R), Steve Bullock (D) & Gary Herbert (R), to provide a diverse perspective on choosing a career in public service and lessons learned along the way.

A compelling and growing body of research has shown music and arts therapies to be effective tools for addressing a widening array of conditions, including providing pain relief, alleviating anxiety and depression, regaining speech after stroke or traumatic brain injury, and improving mobility for people with disorders that include Parkinson’s disease and MS.

With her characteristic tenderness and imaginative genius, Miles explores beyond the stock historical grid to weave Harriet Tubman’s life into the fabric of her world. Tubman traversed many boundaries, and thanks to Miles, she becomes an even clearer and sharper signal from the past, one that can help us to find a more just and sustainable path.

With VPM and other local PBS stations, PBS Books presents a conversation hosted by VPM’s Keyris Manzanares with author Abby Jimenez to discuss her latest book at the 2024 Library of Congress National Book Festival. Are things too good to be true when a Reddit thread post leads to an intentional quick fling? It’s not long before this couple is suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected.

Heather-Marie Montilla is joined by author James McBride to discuss his latest book “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” as the 2024 Library of Congress National Book Festival author featured this week by PBS Books. Bringing his masterly storytelling skills and his deep faith in humanity to his book, McBride shows us that even in dark times, it is love and community—heaven and earth—that sustain us

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.