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The Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas, has selected one youth book and one adult book to represent the state at the 2022 National Book Festival. The youth book chosen is A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor by Karen M. Greenwald, illustrated by Sian James. The book chosen for adults is The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia.
Both titles will be part of the National Center for the Book’s Great Reads from Great Places program. Great Reads from Great Places features books and authors representing the literary heritage of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Marianas.
A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor
Written by Karen M. Greenwald
Illustrated by Sian James
Published by Albert Whitman & Co.
In 1887 the state of Kansas gave women the right to vote in municipal elections. But some men in the city of Argonia, Kansas didn’t think women should have a say in choosing their next mayor, so they put a woman on the ballot—as a joke. That woman was Susanna Salter and soon the men would find the joke was on them! Narrated by a grandmother who remembered what happened on that election day, this is the true story of a woman who stood up for her right to vote and accomplished so much more.
A Vote for Susanna was named by the State Library to the 2022 Kansas Notable Books list.
The Chicken Sisters
Written by KJ Dell’Antonia
Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Three generations. Two chicken shacks. One recipe for disaster. In tiny Merinac, Kansas, Chicken Mimi’s and Chicken Frannie’s have spent a century vying to serve up the best fried chicken in the state- and the legendary feud between their respective owners has lasted just as long. When family secrets become public knowledge on Food Wars, the reality TV competition that promises $100,00 to the winner, the sisters must choose: Will they fight each other, or fight for their heritage?
“The Chicken Sisters” was named by the State Library to the 2021 Kansas Notable Books list.
To view previous selections, visit the Library of Congress website. You can click on the interactive map to see Kansas lists or explore other states as well.