Kentucky Center for the Book Announces Choices for 2025 Great Reads from Great Places Program
In the upcoming 2025 Great Reads from Great Places initiative, Kentucky is set to showcase its rich literary talent on a national stage. The Kentucky Center for the Book, a part of Kentucky Humanities, will be participating in this prestigious event.
Two titles have been chosen to represent Kentucky: "Under Anna's Umbrella" by Amanda Driscoll for the Young Readers Title, and "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow for the Adult Readers Title.
"Under Anna's Umbrella" is a heartfelt picture book that uses the metaphor of an umbrella to explore themes of grief, healing, and friendship. The book, intended for young readers, emphasises emotional growth and support in the face of loss. Author-illustrator Amanda Driscoll, who resides outside of Louisville with her family, has crafted a poignant narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
Luisa Uribe, the Colombian illustrator of "Under Anna's Umbrella", brings her unique artistic vision to the book, creating vivid and evocative illustrations that complement the story beautifully.
"Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow, the Adult Readers Title, is a haunting, modern gothic fantasy set in fictional Eden, Kentucky. This richly imagined novel delves into buried secrets, family legacies, and the power of place. Alix E. Harrow, a Hugo Award-winning author and a Berea College alumna, is celebrated for her fresh takes on folklore and fairy tales.
Bill Goodman, Executive Director of Kentucky Humanities, stated that the selections beautifully represent Kentucky's literary voice. He expressed his excitement for the opportunity to showcase these talented authors and their thought-provoking works to a wider audience.
The selected books will be featured during the Roadmap to Reading at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., which takes place on Saturday, September 6 at the Washington Convention Center. Kentucky Humanities invites everyone to visit the Kentucky table in the pavilion to learn more about the authors and discover how Kentucky's stories are shaping the literary landscape.
The Great Reads from Great Places program began selecting titles for both young and adult readers in 2022. For 2025, this initiative continues to highlight both personal emotional journeys and broader explorations of place and legacy within Kentucky’s cultural and literary heritage.
- The Kentucky Center for the Book, a part of Kentucky Humanities, is eager to showcase Kentucky's rich literary talent during the 2025 Great Reads from Great Places initiative, particularly the heartfelt picture book "Under Anna's Umbrella" by Amanda Driscoll, which explores themes of grief, healing, and friendship.
- The upcoming election of Kentucky's Representative for Literary Excellence may see Alix E. Harrow, the Colombian-American author of "Starling House", as a strong contender for her notable contributions to Kentucky's cultural and literary lifestyle, demonstrated through her haunting, modern gothic fantasy set in Eden, Kentucky.
- As the 2025 Great Reads from Great Places initiative kicks off, Kentucky book lovers can also enjoy various entertainment options, such as panel discussions, author meet-and-greets, or even book-inspired performances, all aimed at enhancing the overall book-reading experience in Kentucky.
