Search results for

The winners of the most prestigious awards in children's literature have been announced. The Caldecott Medal is awarded to the best picture book, and the Newbery to the best children's book. Before the awards, were announced, one Illinois school held its own mock competition.

There are many choices this holiday season for those in the market to give, or receive, video games. Game editor Brian Ekberg talks with NPR's Renee Montagne about new -- and nonviolent -- games.

Richard Marinick used a 10-year prison sentence to develop his writing skills. His novel Boyos portrays life among mobsters in the working class neighborhoods of South Boston. Marinick tells NPR's Scott Simon about the book.

Biographer Peter Guralnick's new book is Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke. Guralnick follows the life of rhythm and blues legend Sam Cooke from his roots in gospel music through his legendary career as a singer and songwriter whose hits include "You Send Me," "Only Sixteen" and many others.

Kayla Williams is a former U.S. Army soldier who served in the Middle East as an Arabic interpreter. She recounts her decision to enlist and her experiences during the Iraq war in a new memoir.

DJ Kool Herc is known as the father of the DJ breakbeat, part of the foundation of modern hip-hop. He also wrote the introduction to the recent history of hip-hop, Can't Stop Won't Stop. Kool Herc kicks off Fresh Air's Hip-Hop Week. (This interview originally aired March 30, 2005.)

In December, New York Times and Eric Lichtblau broke the news that the Bush administration had authorized a domestic eavesdropping program. Risen's new book is State of War: The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration.

George McKee Elsey quietly witnessed and participated in the making of American history as an aide to two presidents — Roosevelt and Truman. Now 88, he tells his story in An Unplanned Life.

The Kite Runner, the debut novel by Afghani-born physician and author Khaled Hosseini, has been on best-seller and book club lists for nearly a year. Writer Isabel Allende says the book — about a young man who returns to Afghanistan after a long absence — is "one of those unforgettable stories that stays with you for years."

For writer Anne Dimock, the iconic pie is much more than a dessert. She says a hearty, homemade pie can hold a family together through even the most difficult times. Her new book is called Humble Pie: Musings on What Lies Beneath the Crust.