The Idaho Center for the Book announced its 2022 Great Reads from Great Places. The youth selection is “The Stories Behind the Stories” by Danielle Higley and “Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doerr is the adult selection that are representing Idaho at the 2022 National Book Festival.
Special Collections and Archives at Albertsons Library became the home of the Idaho Center for the Book in 2020. The Center was originally established in 1993 by Tom Trusky. Trusky taught English at Boise State for nearly 40 years, and served as director until his death in 2009. Stephanie Bacon, professor of art oversaw the Center until 2020.
The Library of Congress established the nationwide Center for the Book to promote books, reading, libraries and literacy. The National Book Festival takes place each September in Washington, D.C.
Idahoan Anthony Doerr is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “All the Light we Cannot See”. His follow up book, Cloud Cuckoo Land, is a 2021 National Book Award Finalist and a New York Times Notable Book of 2021.
Danielle Higley studied English literature at the College of Idaho and worked as an editor in children’s publishing before writing her first book, “The Stories Behind the Stories: The Remarkable True Tales Behind Your Favorite Children’s Books.” Her debut features vivid artwork by David Miles, and summarizes the inspiration for 29 classic children’s books. The book has enthusiastic reviews from the Idaho Press, Goodreads, the Baby Bookworm blog and others.
Higley will visit Albertsons Library this fall to discuss her book, children’s literature, and careers in writing, editing and publishing.