by Shonda Buchanan This powerful, deeply personal narrative explores Buchanan’s complex identity. She reflects on the trauma, resilience, and strength passed down through generations, as well as the tensions and misunderstandings she encountered due to her mixed heritage. Throughout, she weaves in stories of her ancestors, shedding light on the hidden and painful history of…
by Javier Zamora This poignant memoir recalls Zamora's harrowing journey from El Salvador to the United States, making the dangerous trek alone at nine years old. Zamora reflects on the emotional toll of being separated from his family as well as fear of the unknown. Solito is a raw and powerful exploration of the immigrant…
by TJ Klune This heartwarming fantasy novel follows Linus Baker, a government worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Linus is tasked with a special assignment to visit a mysterious orphanage on a secluded island, where six magical children—each with unique and dangerous abilities—are cared for by their enigmatic guardian, Arthur Parnassus. Linus…
by Elisa Gabbert Every life is a unique experience but what commonalities unite us? How can our personal stories be relatable? Books, music, art—we may view these differently, yet we relate to common themes. Gabbert considers how these perceptions influence our understanding in regard to artforms. These 16 essays look at who we are when…
by Jennifer Murphy At 15 years old, Blue is ready to leave a life spent on the run with her eccentric artist mother, Scarlet. For too long, Blue and Scarlet have been hiding from HIM, a shadow man Blue has never actually seen. Landing in South Haven, Michigan, they find a welcoming community, but Scarlet’s…
by Nell Painter About this book: Celebrated historian Dr. Nell Painter shares her story of returning to art school at the age of 64. Painter illustrates her unique perspective by offering insights on the intersection of art and sexism, ageism, and racism throughout her personal journey to earning a BFA and MFA. This memoir will…
by Sarah B. Hart About the Book: Dr. Sarah Hart argues that literature and mathematics complement each other in illustrating humanity’s journey. Books like Moby Dick, Alice in Wonderland, and Jurassic Park feature mathematical ideas that deepen their meaning. Through humor and insight, this exploration reveals how recognizing math in literature can enrich our appreciation…
by Imani Perry About the Book: Imani Perry explores the deep cultural and emotional ties between the history of Black people and the color blue. From indigo cloths traded during slavery to blues music’s blend of sorrow and resilience, Perry weaves personal narrative, history, and art into a powerful meditation on race. Drawing on symbols…
by Sanaka Hiiragi About the Book: The Lantern of Lost Memories tells the story of Mr. Hirasaki’s magical photo studio, a gateway to the afterlife where the departed revisit their memories through a “spinning lantern.” Guests—including a kind yakuza, a devoted teacher, and a young girl—relive their past and choose one cherished moment to photograph.…
Reginald Dwayne Betts tackles the complexities of life after incarceration through powerful poetry. Navigating themes of redemption, fatherhood, and identity, his poems offer a deeply personal reflection on justice, hope, and the long road to healing. This collection informs Betts's solo show Felon: An American Washi Tale in which Betts collaborated with artist Kyoko Ibe…
This biography of Japanese American artist Ruth Asawa traces her journey from internment camps during WWII to becoming a renowned sculptor. The book explores her resilience, innovative wire sculptures, and dedications to arts education. Through personal stories, Chase illuminates how Asawa's identity, experiences, and vision helped her transform prejudice and hardship into creativity and public…
Aspiring artist Louisa becomes enchanted by three figures nestled in the corner of a famous painting. Intrigued, she embarks on a cross-country journey to uncover their story. Twenty-five years earlier, in a coastal town, four teenagers--misfits with bruised pasts--bonded over summer days on an abandoned pier, forging fierce loyalty and creative escape. Their friendship inspired…