Kansas Notable Books

Kansas Notable Books recognizes 15 outstanding titles written by Kansans or about a Kansas-related topic. Kansas Notable Books highlight our contemporary writing community and encourages readers to enjoy some of the best writing of authors among us.

A committee of librarians, library staff, scholars and authors identify and review titles from those published the previous year for selection. The State Librarian selects the final 15 books. Authors and their books are honored with a medal reception in conjunction with the Kansas Book Festival.

The State Library of Kansas offers a non-competitive grant opportunity for Kansas libraries to purchase some or all the current year’s Kansas Notable Books. Throughout the award year, literary events, libraries and local, independent booksellers are encouraged to promote all current Kansas Notable Books.

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