By Payton Tholstrup
Every year, Kansas Notable Books recognizes 15 books written by Kansans, or about a Kansas-related topic. The goal is to encourage readers to read the work of local authors, as well as highlight the writing community.
The committee is made up of librarians, library staff, scholars, and authors. They review titles that were published the previous year. Then, the State Librarian selects the final 15 books.
Authors and their books will be honored with a medal reception at the Kansas Book Festival, which will take place on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, from 9 am – 4 pm in Topeka, Kansas.
The State Library of Kansas offers a non-competitive grant opportunity for Kansas libraries to purchase this year’s Kansas Notable Books. Libraries, independent bookstores, and literary events are encouraged to promote these books as well.
2025 Kansas Notable Books
Coco, Snow! by Julie Mosiman, illustrated by Ellen Youngman
Publisher: Author
Dress Me Like a Prizefighter by Catherine Strayhall
Publisher: Spartan Press
From the Reservation to Washington: The Rise of Charles Curtis by Debra Goodrich, Publisher: TwoDot
In True Face: A woman’s Life in the CIA, Unmasked by Jonna Mendez
Publisher: Public Affairs
Las Madres: Latinas in the Heartland Who Led Their Family to Success by Dennis Raphael Garcia
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
The Last Rancher by Robert Rebein
Publisher: Meadowlark Press
The Lies We Conjure by Sarah Henning
Publisher: Tor Teen
No Bullet Got Me Yet: The Relentless Faith of Father Kapaun by John Stansifer
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Not the Worst Friend in the World by Anne Rellihan
Publisher: Holiday House
Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm by Lindsay H. Metcalf, illustrated by Xin Li
Publisher: Astra Young Readers
Remnants of a Scarlet Flame by Cindy L. Sell
Publisher: Aether and Ash Press
The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg
Publisher: History Through Fiction
The Switch Point by A. D. Childers
Publisher: Next Chapter
Treehouse Town by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Kansan, Charlie Mylie
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Wichita Blues: Music in the African American Community by Patrick Joseph O’Connor
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
