Library of Michigan Announces 2024 Michigan Notable Books
Michigan Department of Education Press Release LANSING – The Library of Michigan is pleased to announce the 2024 Michigan Notable Book list. This year’s list of 20 titles reflects the rich stories and culture of our state.
The celebrated books encompass the entire Great Lakes basin, to take readers from Sugar Island near the Soo to the cherry orchards of Traverse City, and across the vibrant communities of Metro Detroit.
Each year, the Michigan Notable Books (MNB) list features 20 books, published during the previous calendar year, which are about the Great Lakes, or set in Michigan or the Great Lakes, or written by a Michigan author. Selections include a variety of genres, both fiction and nonfiction, that appeal to many audiences and explore topics and issues close to the hearts of Michigan residents. This latest list continues that tradition with exploring the fascinating lives of historic women leaders on Mackinac Island; examining the struggle for self-identity and acceptance; celebrating the creativity of Michigan artists across diverse mediums; and more.
MNB began as part of the 1991 Michigan Week celebration, designed to pay tribute and draw attention to the many people, places, and things that identify Michigan life as unique and vibrant.
"Michigan truly is a mosaic of inspiration for writers," said State Librarian Randy Riley. "Each MNB selection offers a unique touchpoint into the rich stories and beautiful landscape of our great state. Everyone will find something of interest that speaks to the voices and experiences of what it means to be a Michigander."
Michigan’s State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said: “We grow in our lives when we open our eyes and minds to the rich experiences of others through fiction and nonfiction. This year’s Michigan Notable Books provide opportunity for young and old alike to bring knowledge and perspective into their lives about what others have seen and lived. Books should be mirrors that reflect our own lives, as well as windows for us to see others.”
This year’s MNB selection committee includes representatives from the Library of Michigan; Bath Township Public Library; Clinton-Macomb District Library; Capital Area District Libraries; Detroit Public Library; Lansing City Pulse newspaper; Library of Michigan Foundation; Michigan Center for the Book; Michigan Department of Education; Michigan Humanities; University of Michigan Library; and Wayne State University.
The 2024 MNB books and authors will be honored at the annual Night for Notables reception on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Library of Michigan, with two-time Michigan Notable Books honoree Stephen Mack Jones presenting as the keynote speaker. Participating authors will travel to libraries across the state on the Michigan Notable Books authors tour, to share their experiences and engage with local communities. Many also engage in the Authors Conversations video series, in which viewers can explore the backgrounds of the authors, uncover authors’ creative processes, and hear readings from book selections.
The Michigan Notable Books program is sponsored in part by the Library of Michigan Foundation and Michigan Humanities.
For more information or questions, visit Michigan Notable Books program, contact the Library of Michigan, call 517-335-1477 or email Michigan-Notable-Books@michigan.gov.
