Pennsylvania Center for the Book
LightNews LightNews
banner
pacftb.bsky.social
Pennsylvania Center for the Book
@pacftb.bsky.social
220 followers 230 following 210 posts
Celebrating all things literary in Pennsylvania!
Posts Replies Media Videos
pacftb.bsky.social
📣 New from Pennsylvania author Jim Daniels!

📖 Late Invocation for Magic

In his new poetry collection, Daniels focuses on issues of class, race, and justice in Rust Belt cities. He examines cultural and economic divides, often focusing on those who can’t afford or have access to “magic.”
Graphic with a light blue background and the text "New from Pennsylvania Authors” at the top. The cover of Late Invocation for Magic by Jim Daniels is included with the book's publication information (book title, author, and publisher). The black Pennsylvania Center for the Book logo is included in the bottom right-hand corner.
January 6, 2026 at 6:47 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📚 Last month, we hosted our first jury meeting for the 2026 Baker’s Dozen: 13 Best Books for Family Literacy booklist! Jurors reviewed an initial 250 children's books published in 2025.

The 2026 booklist will be available this spring!
Close-up photo of children's book spines with the "Baker's Dozen: 13 Best Family Literacy Books" seal superimposed over the image with the year 2026. Blurry photo looking over the shoulder of a woman with braids holding a picture book. Photo of two older women sitting down and reading picture books. Blurry photo looking over the shoulder of a person in a pink sweater. The person is holding a picture book open to a page with a butterfly illustration.
January 4, 2026 at 7:35 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
👽 Celebrate National Science Fiction Day with one of these sci-fi books from Pennsylvania authors:

📘 The Star of Moon Village by @jenniferannrichter.bsky.social

📘 The Mighty Odds by Amy Ignatow

📘 Proxy by @alexlondon.bsky.social

📘 Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
Dark blue graphic with light blue lines and the text "Science Fiction Books from Pennsylvania Authors." The white version of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book's logo is included in the bottom right corner. Dark blue graphic with light blue lines and the text "Middle Grade." Two book covers, The Star of Moon Village by Jennifer Ann Richter and The Mighty Odds by Amy Ignatow, are featured. Dark blue graphic with light blue lines and the text "Young Adult." Two book covers, Proxy by Alex London and Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore, are featured.
January 2, 2026 at 8:24 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📣 New from Pennsylvania author Quiara Alegría Hudes!

📖 The White Hot

April finds herself spiraling one day and decides to walk away from her family. In The White Hot, a letter from April to her daughter, she explains why she left, but does not apologize.
Graphic with a light blue background and the text "New from Pennsylvania Authors” at the top. The cover of The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes is included with the book's publication information (book title, author, and publisher). The black Pennsylvania Center for the Book logo is included in the bottom right-hand corner.
December 30, 2025 at 5:56 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📖 We are currently searching for books to represent Pennsylvania in the Library of Congress' 2026 Great Reads from Great Places program!

The books must have some relevancy to Pennsylvania and be published in either 2024 or 2025.

Submit your nomination to pacftb@psu.edu by Wednesday!
Graphic with a light blue background with the text "Nominate a book for the Pennsylvania Great Reads 2026." Part of a single bookshelf is visible on the right-hand side with books spine of different colors. The logos of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Endowment for the Humanities, Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, and Pennsylvania Center for the Book are at the bottom.
December 29, 2025 at 5:52 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
🎉 We are celebrating Kwanzaa with A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook by Jessica B. Harris from @scribnerbooks.bsky.social!

A Kwanzaa Keepsake provides a themed feast for all seven days of Kwanzaa that reflects the principle of each day.

Happy Kwanzaa!
Photograph of a hand holding the cookbook A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook in front of blurry bookshelves.
December 26, 2025 at 6:12 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
🎄 We are celebrating Christmas with An Anishinaabe Christmas by Wab Kinew and illustrated by Erin Hill!

This festive picture book explores both Christmas traditions and Anishinaabe culture.

Merry Christmas!
Photograph of a hand holding the picture book An Anishinaabe Christmas in front of blurry bookshelves.
December 25, 2025 at 4:23 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📣 New from Pennsylvania author Stewart O’Nan!

📖 Evensong from @groveatlantic.bsky.social

The novel follows members of the Humpty Dumpty Club, a group of older women living in Pittsburgh, as they support one another through life's challenges.
Graphic with a light blue background and the text "New from Pennsylvania Authors” at the top. The cover of Evensong by Stewart O'Nan is included with the book's publication information (book title, author, and publisher). The black Pennsylvania Center for the Book logo is included in the bottom right-hand corner.
December 23, 2025 at 6:54 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
❄️ Celebrate the start of winter with one of these winter inspired books from Pennsylvania authors:

📘 A Snow Day for Plum! by Matt Phelan
📘 The Haunting of Bellington Cottage by @lauraparnum.bsky.social
📘 The Judgment of Yoyo Gold by Isaac Blum
📘 It's a Love/Skate Relationship by @icarli.bsky.social
Blue and white polka dot graphic with the text "Winter Reads from Pennsylvania Authors" along with the black version of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book's logo. Blue and white polka dot graphic with the text "Middle Grade." Two book covers, A Snow Day for Plum! by Matt Phelan and The Haunting of Bellington Cottage by Laura Parnum, are featured. Blue and white polka dot graphic with the text "Young Adult." Two book covers, The Judgment of Yoyo Gold by Isaac Blum and It's a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson, are featured.
December 21, 2025 at 6:23 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📚 We asked our staff for their favorite books of 2025!

Our director Ellysa's picks were:

📗 Sandwich by Catherine Newman
📗 The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
📗 Tender by Beth Hetland
📗 Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

What were your favorite books of 2025?
Photo of a smiling woman outside with the text "Ellysa Cahoy, Director." The book covers of Sandwich by Catherine Newman, The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, Tender by Beth Hetland, and Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner are included.
December 19, 2025 at 3:06 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
🦁 The New York Public Library announced their best books of 2025! Their teen list includes the following books from Pennsylvania authors:

📙 They Bloom at Night by @nvtran.bsky.social

📙 Ban This! by Christina Ellis et al.

📙 Fight AIDS! by Michael G. Long

📙 Loudmouth by @dheiligman.bsky.social
Tan graphic with drawn lion heads and green leaves in the background. The text "New York Public Library's Best Books of 2025 from Pennsylvania Authors: Young Adult Selections" is included along with the white version of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book's logo. Tan graphic with drawn lion heads and green leaves in the background. Two book covers, They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran and Ban This! by Christina Ellis, Renee Ellis, Edha Gupta, Ben Hodge, Patricia Jackson, and Olivia Pituch from, are featured. Tan graphic with drawn lion heads and green leaves in the background. Two book covers, Fight AIDS! by Michael G. Long and Loudmouth by Deborah Heiligman, are featured.
December 18, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Center for the Book
libbyapp.com
See more ways libraries made our lives better in 2025 🩵 https://bit.ly/4sjygrE

#Bookish #LibraryLove #LibraryLife #CheckOutYourLibrary #LibbyApp #Booksky
December 18, 2025 at 5:06 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📣 New from Pennsylvania author Ally Russell!

📖 Down Came the Spiders

🕷️ Twelve-year-old Andi loves everything about spiders! She is super excited to find a new spider species until they begin acting strange. It is up to Andi and her friends to take on the spiders before it's too late!
Graphic with a light blue background and the text "New from Pennsylvania Authors” at the top. The cover of Down Came the Spiders by Ally Russell is included with the book's publication information (book title, author, and publisher). The black Pennsylvania Center for the Book logo is included in the bottom right-hand corner.
December 16, 2025 at 9:35 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
🕎 We are celebrating Hanukkah with You're My Little Latke by Nicola Edwards and illustrated by Natalie Marshall!

Part of the You’re My Little series, this festive board book allows children to interact with the story and join the Hanukkah celebration.

Happy Hanukkah!
Photograph of a hand holding the board book You’re My Little Latke in front of blurry bookshelves.
December 14, 2025 at 8:21 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📚 We asked our staff for their favorite books of 2025!

Our intern Erin's picks were:

📕 The Spellshop by @sarahbethdurst.bsky.social
📕 A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
📕 The Thursday Murder Club by @richardosman1.bsky.social

What were your favorite books of 2025?
Photo of a laughing woman outside in the snow with the text "Erin O'Connell, Intern." The book covers of The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, and The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman are included.
December 12, 2025 at 7:07 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📚 TIME recently announced their 100 Must-Read Books of 2025! The list includes the following books from Pennsylvania authors:

📕 Black in Blues by @imaniperry.bsky.social

📕 Strangers in the Land by @michaelluo.bsky.social

📕 Stay Dead by Natalie Shapero
Red graphic with a white rectangle in the middle with the text "TIME 100 Must-Read Books of 2025 from Pennsylvania Authors." The white version of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book's logo is in the lower right-hand corner. Red graphic with a white rectangle at the top with the text "Imani Perry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania." It also includes the cover of Imani Perry's book Black in Blues and a quote from Erin McMullen for TIME about the book. Red graphic with a white rectangle at the top with the text "Michael Luo, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania." It also includes the cover of Michael Luo's book Strangers in the Land and a quote from Hamilton Cain for TIME about the book. Red graphic with a white rectangle at the top with the text "Natalie Shapero, Chester, Pennsylvania." It also includes the cover of Natalie Shapero's book Stay Dead and a quote from Rebecca Schneid for TIME about the book.
December 11, 2025 at 3:07 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📣 New from Pennsylvania author @jewellparkerrhodes.bsky.social!

📖 Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel (illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey) from @littlebrownyr.bsky.social

The New York Times bestselling novel Ghost Boys is now a graphic novel!
Graphic with a light blue background and the text "New from Pennsylvania Authors” at the top. The cover of Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel by Jewell Parker Rhodes and illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey is included with the book's publication information (book title, author, and publisher). The black Pennsylvania Center for the Book logo is included in the bottom right-hand corner.
December 9, 2025 at 4:49 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📖 We are currently searching for books to represent Pennsylvania in the Library of Congress' 2026 Great Reads from Great Places program!

The books must have some relevancy to Pennsylvania and be published in either 2024 or 2025.

Submit your nomination to pacftb@psu.edu by Wednesday, December 31st!
Graphic with a light blue background with the text "Nominate a book for the Pennsylvania Great Reads 2026." Part of a single bookshelf is visible on the right-hand side with books spine of different colors. The logos of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Endowment for the Humanities, Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, and Pennsylvania Center for the Book are at the bottom.
December 7, 2025 at 4:25 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
🦁 The New York Public Library announced their best books of 2025! Their adult list includes these books from Pennsylvania authors:

📙 Fresh, Green Life by Sebastian Castillo

📙 Heartwood by Amity Gaige

📙 The Afterlife of Malcolm X by Mark Whitaker

📙 Black Arms to Hold You Up by Ben Passmore
Tan graphic with drawn lion heads and green leaves in the background. The text "New York Public Library's Best Books of 2025 from Pennsylvania Authors: Adult Selections" is included along with the white version of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book's logo. Tan graphic with drawn lion heads and green leaves in the background. Two book covers, Fresh, Green Life by Sebastian Castillo and Heartwood by Amity Gaige, are featured. Tan graphic with drawn lion heads and green leaves in the background. Two book covers, The Afterlife of Malcolm X by Mark Whitaker and Black Arms to Hold You Up by Ben Passmore, are featured.
December 5, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Center for the Book
libbyapp.com
#Booksy #Bookish #LibraryLove #LibraryLife #LibbyApp #CheckOutYourLibrary
December 4, 2025 at 5:13 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
🎉 Happy book birthday to BLACKPINK: A Little Golden Book Biography by @jessyoonwrites.bsky.social and illustrated by @honeej.bsky.social!

Since their debut in 2016, BLACKPINK has taken the world by storm! This Little Golden Book provides biographies for each member and is perfect for all ages.
Graphic with a light blue background and the text "New from Pennsylvania Authors” at the top. The cover of BLACKPINK by Jessica Yoon and illustrated by Honee Jang is included with the book's publication information (book title, author, and publisher). The black Pennsylvania Center for the Book logo is included in the bottom right-hand corner.
December 2, 2025 at 11:23 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
🕯️On World AIDS Day, we remember the more than 32 million people who have died from AIDS-related illness and the continued fight against HIV.

We are commemorating the day with Fight AIDS! by Pennsylvania author Michael G. Long. Fight AIDS! is designed to introduce the AIDS crisis to young readers.
Hardcover copy of Michael G. Long's Fight AIDS! sitting on a wooden table with blurry bookshelves in the background.
December 1, 2025 at 9:56 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
📚 Celebrate Nonfiction November with one of these memoirs written by a Pennsylvania author:

📖 Sink by Joseph Earl Thomas

📖 Sign, Gone by Phuc Tran

📖 The Shoemaker by Mark Saba

📖 Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns
Brown background with book spines in different colors visible on four shelves. The text "Nonfiction Reads from Pennsylvania" is included along with the white version of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book's logo. Brown background with book spines in different colors visible on four shelves. Two book covers, Sink by Joseph Earl Thomas and Sign, Gone by Phuc Tran, are featured with "Philadelphia, PA" under Thomas' book cover and "Carlisle, PA" under Tran's book cover. Brown background with book spines in different colors visible on four shelves. Two book covers, The Shoemaker by Mark Saba and Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns, are featured with "Pittsburgh, PA" under Saba's book cover and "Mercury, PA" under Burns' book cover.
November 29, 2025 at 8:21 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
🦃 We are celebrating Turkey Day by reading Two-List Thanksgiving by Christine Whan and illustrated by Sienna Youngsun Kim from @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Photograph of a hand holding a copy of Two-List Thanksgiving by Christine Whan and illustrated by Sienna Youngsun Kim in front of blurry bookshelves.
November 27, 2025 at 4:34 PM
pacftb.bsky.social
🥺 Our Social Media Manager is currently away for Thanksgiving.

Please make her happy and read some Pennsylvania books!
Graphic with a white background and a poorly drawn outline of the state of Pennsylvania, glasses, and a book. The text on the graphic reads "Our Social Media Manger is away at a conference... Read PA Books PLZ."
November 26, 2025 at 9:12 PM