USA TODAY • 24th November 2024

Feeling dystopian? Read these 10 books similar to '1984' by George Orwell.

Remember high school English class reading assignments? Sometimes those dense classics were even enough to make the booklovers in the classroom groan. But every now and then, an assigned reading would come along and truly stick with us. For many, “1984” by George Orwell is one of those books. Its impact on science-fiction and pop culture is far-reaching. “Big Brother,” “Thought Police” and even “Orwellian” are household terms because of “1984.” And in 2017, sales of the book skyrocketed after Do...

USA TODAY • 21st November 2024

Percival Everett, Barbara Kingsolver wow at National Book Awards: ‘Truth is like gravity’

Hundreds attended the 2024 National Book Awards, but despite the tuxedos, gowns and lofty gilded ceilings, the 75th annual ceremony felt more intimate than stuffy. Booklovers and publishers sang in unison to performer Jon Batiste, clinking their glasses as the Grammy-winning musician tickled the ivories.

Literature’s biggest night was celebrated appropriately – the Empire State Building lit up in National Book Foundation blue while attendees dressed in their finest to carry drinks and hardcover...

USA TODAY • 27th September 2024

People are supporting 'book sanctuaries' despite politics: 'No one wants to be censored'

More than 10,000 books were banned in public schools during the 2023-2024 academic year, according to a new PEN America report. American Library Association data shows that while the country saw a decrease in the first eight months of 2024, the number of bans and challenges still exceeds that of 2020, when the increase started.Book banning, which the ALA defines as restricting access to material by removing temporarily or indefinitely, has been the subject of fiery debate in courts and classroom...

USA TODAY • 24th September 2024

Most banned books in America and how publishers are pushing back

Freedom is among the central tenets of American life or, at the very least, of our marketing strategy. Patriotic phrases, songs and imagery revolve around freedom, free people and freedoms that can't be taken away.

But how far does that freedom extend? Banned Books Week poses that question as parents' rights groups, politicians, librarians and publishers are increasingly at odds over which books are suitable for young people to read.

Across several polls, most Americans don’t agree with book b...

USA TODAY • 29th June 2024

'Youth are our future'? Think again. LGBTQ+ youth activism is already making an impact.

'Youth are our future'? Think again. LGBTQ+ youth activism is already making an impact.

At Pride parades and protests, adults often voice a sentiment of hope for young generations: “The youth are the future.”

Forget about the future, Alyssa Wainaina would tell you – young people are doing the work right now. The 24-year-old community organizer with the nonprofit Advocates for Youth has been in activism for 10 years, securing gender-neutral bathrooms in Idaho public schools, attending protests

USA TODAY • 22nd June 2024

Bisexuals: You’re valid members of the LGBTQ+ community no matter who you’re dating

You don’t have to scroll too far before you find the comments.

“Bisexual girls just want attention.” “Why I would never date a bisexual man.” “You're not really bi.”

Biphobia is common and casual online, especially during Pride Month. Bisexuals make up the largest part of the LGBTQ+ community – just over 57%, according to a recent Gallup poll – but are far less likely to come out than gay and lesbian peers. Many point to biphobia to explain this. When you’re faced with discrimination and stere

USA TODAY • 14th June 2024

Amazon reveals the best books of 2024 (so far): The No. 1 pick 'transcends its own genre'

Amazon reveals the best books of 2024 (so far): The No. 1 pick 'transcends its own genre'

When it comes to reading taste, sometimes we have to agree to disagree. Your favorite book may be a measly one-star review to someone else.

But now and then, a story becomes so universally beloved it breaks the mold.

Amazon's “Best Books of the Year So Far” list is here, and the No. 1 choice, "James" by Percival Everett, is a unanimous winner. What lands a book on the coveted list is one that “transcends

USA TODAY • 11th June 2024

Queer and compelling: 11 LGBTQ+ books for Pride you should be reading right now

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to celebrate Pride Month. While many don rainbow gear and wave pride flags at parades or events, there are plenty of ways to educate yourself and celebrate Pride on a more individual level.

For many LGBTQ+ folks, reading provides comfort and representation that may be missing otherwise. It may even serve as an important catalyst for coming out to loved ones. Still, these titles continue to end up on banned books lists – seven of the top 10 most challenged books

USA TODAY • 6th June 2024

All the pride flags and their meanings: Your visual guide for June

Pride Month is here. It's a time to celebrate the diversity and joy within the LGBTQ+ community, a time for parades, parties, activism and learning.

Pride flags are as numerous as the identities encompassed in the LGBTQ+ acronym. Some represent different sexualities, others are for gender identity and some are updates to the original rainbow design meant to add more inclusive elements or honor marginalized communities.

Whether you’re an ally or a member of the community, here’s your guide to p

USA TODAY • 24th May 2024

What is the 'best' children's book? Kids, parents and authors on why some rise to the top

What is the 'best' children's book? Kids, parents and authors on why some rise to the top

What was your favorite book as a kid?

That question makes for a surprisingly effective icebreaker. You can tell a lot about someone from the books they read as a child. Case in point: I’m a journalist, a talker, a storyteller. Many of my childhood favorites had equally yappy and imaginative characters – “Junie B. Jones” by Barbara Park, “Olivia” by Ian Falconer, “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” by Kevin Hen