The Library of Congress National Book Festival is an annual literary event that brings together best-selling authors and thousands of book fans for author talks, panel discussions, book signings and other activities. The Library of Congress National Book Festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary ” in 2025, featuring the creativity and inspiration of some of the nation’s most gifted authors on September 6th. The event showcases the importance of books and reading. Every year, the Library of Congress asks each state Center for the Book to select a title that represents the state’s literary landscape to highlight at the National Book Festival, these titles are part of the Great Reads From Great Places Initiative.
Congratulations to Riss Neilson and Kelly Murphy! A Love Like the Sun and Together We Build are the 2026 Rhode Island Great Reads books and our submissions for the National Book Festival in Washington, DC on August 22nd, 2026. A Love Like the Sun is our adult selection and Together We Build is our kids selection.
Past Selections
2025: The Wedding People by Alison Espach and The Book of Whys by Gianni Rodari.
2024: Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough by Hayley Rocco and John Roccoand and Blood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie
2023: The Quickening by Elizabeth Rush and Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
2022: Wherever I go by Mary Wagley Copp
2021: Layla’s Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie
2020: The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
2019: Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora
2018: Paddington Storybook Collection illustrated by R.W. Alley
2017: Jabari Jumps written and illustrated by Gaia Cornwall
2016: The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau
2015: Joe and Sparky Go to School by Jamie Michalak
2014: Swim that Rock by John Rocco and Jay Primiano