Per Aspera:

Kansans that Persevered

Easy Beauty by Chloé Cooper Jones
Easy Beauty is a powerful memoir that blends personal experience, travel, and philosophy as she confronts pain, prejudice, and beauty while reclaiming her place in the world.
Without Warning by Jim Minick
Without Warning tells the story of the 1955 F5 tornado that devastated Udall, Kansas, through survivors’ voices, highlighting loss, resilience, and the lasting impact of weather.
White Hot Hate by Dick Lehr
White Hot Hate tells the true story of a foiled 2016 Kansas militia plot to bomb a mosque, uncovered by an FBI informant, exposing the dangers of extremist violence and racist fear in America.
Words Is a Powerful Thing by Brian Daldorph
Words Is a Powerful Thing shares Kansas author Brian Daldorph’s two decades teaching writing at the Douglas County Jail, showing how poetry and storytelling gave inmates resilience, connection, and hope.
Running Out by Lucas Bessire
Running Out is Kansas-born anthropologist Lucas Bessire’s personal account of the Ogallala Aquifer’s depletion, weaving family history with an urgent call for a sustainable future on the High Plains.

Dust Bowl, The: An Illustrated History, Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns
Grief Said "Have a Seat", Amanda G. Elsbury
I’ve Been Fighting This War Within Myself, Antonio Sanchez-Day and edited by Brian Daldorph
No Bullet Got Me Yet: The Relentless Faith of Father Kapaun, John Stansifer

Justa's Escape by Justina D. Neufeld; Russell Binkley;
Justa’s Journey recounts the harrowing story of thirteen-year-old Justa and her Mennonite family fleeing Stalinist Ukraine during WWII, facing danger, separation, and survival amidst advancing German and Russian armies.

Visit Your Public Library
Provides a directory of Kansas public libraries where you can find titles from this month's reading list or request a book through interlibrary loan.

registration will open nearer to event

Kansas Reads to Preschoolers
Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is an annual event, since 2005, that promotes reading to all Kansas children from birth through age five. Through the statewide program, parents, librarians and caregivers are encouraged to read the chosen title during the month of November. Check with your local library for an event near you.

As Kansas and America 250 events, exhibits and ideas grow, this page will as well.