Michigan prisons ban Spanish and Swahili dictionaries to prevent inmate disruptions
Spanish and Swahili dictionaries are banned in Michigan prisons. An official says the ban is to prevent prisoners from being disruptive.
Books
5 books that try to help explain the unexplainable: the U.S. gun violence epidemic
The problem of American gun violence is persistent and solutions are hard to come by. But here are 5 books that help put a face to the victims, explain how we got here and how we might get out.
Here are 100+ books to learn about all 50 states (and then some)
Planning a summer trip and want to learn more about your destination? We have a list of more than 100 book recommendations for all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Margarita Engle explores what it's like to be an outsider in 'Singing with Elephants'
NPR's A Martinez speaks with Cuban-American author Margarita Engle about her novel: Singing with Elephants.
For 50 years, Alexander's been having terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days
Judith Viorst's best-selling kids' book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day was published 50 years ago. At 91, Viorst reflects on the book's legacy with the real Alexander.
Short-term profits and long-term consequences — did Jack Welch break capitalism?
The General Electric CEO wowed investors and mingled with celebrities. But New York Times correspondent David Gelles says Welch's aggressive tactics also caused irreparable harm to American industry.
Traveling this summer? Here are book picks for all 50 states (and then some)
Poets laureate and other literary luminaries from all 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico recommend quintessential reads that illuminate where they live.
What book best represents your state? We want to know
NPR Books asked state poets laureate, librarians and bookstore owners to recommend books they love about their states. Now, it's your turn.
New graphic memoir shows how punk rock helped a young Black man find his identity
James Spooner's graphic memoir is The High Desert. It tells the story of how he discovered punk rock, and how it helped him find belonging and identity.
In 'Happy-Go-Lucky,' David Sedaris reflects on his fraught relationship with his dad
Happy-Go-Lucky is more somber than David Sedaris' usual fare, but there are some fresh, funny bits wedged between the weighty boulders.