Books

Soman Chainani’s best-selling “The School for Good and Evil” series was adapted into a Netflix movie in 2022. His debut graphic novel, “Coven,” marks the return of a trio of witches from the successful series.

A Pulitzer-prize winning play, trendy fantasy series, a whistleblower memoir and more were picked by Up To Date's panel of book lovers as their current favorites. Find recommendations from local booksellers and librarians, as well as suggestions from our listeners.

El Distrito Escolar de Lee's Summit dijo que los padres siempre han tenido la opción de pedir a los bibliotecarios escolares que impidieran que sus hijos sacaran ciertos títulos. Pero a partir de este mes, pueden hacer una listade hasta 20 títulos que su hijo no podrá sacar de la biblioteca escolar.

The Lee's Summit School District said parents have always had the option to ask school librarians to keep certain titles from their student. But starting this month, they can list up to 20 titles that their child won't be able to check out from their school library.

The Kansas City Fire Department has responded to all kinds of emergencies since 1868, but some firefighters who died doing this dangerous work have been forgotten. Ray Elder is making certain all of them are remembered, and their names added to the Firefighters Fountain and Memorial.

Joel Goldberg, the in-game reporter fans see throughout the season on Kansas City Royals television broadcasts, is out with a new book, titled "Small Ball Big Dreams."

Kansas City’s fencing scene boasts elite coaches and athletes from around the world — a community that traces back to school desegregation efforts. Plus, how a Wichita book collector is keeping the state’s ‘firsthand history’ alive.

"Mapping the Heavens: Art, Astronomy and Exchange Between the Islamic Lands and Europe" features paintings from the collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, rare books from the Linda Hall Library and other sources to tell the story of how scientists across time, place and religion expanded early knowledge of astronomy.

Christian County Library District executive director Renee Brumett said she is leaving next month. It is the latest shakeup in district leadership following years of calls to label and or remove some library materials as "inappropriate."

The complaint against "Lily and Dunkin" came from one Johnson County parent who has repeatedly challenged books she finds objectionable. A special committee overwhelmingly recommended to keep the book in circulation, but the school board voted this week to remove it anyway.

Schuyler Bailar became the first openly trans person to compete for a men's D1 team in the NCAA. He'll speak at the Kansas City Public Library on Thursday about his recent book "He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters."

Up To Date's book experts revisited classics and devoured new releases, too. Check out their recommendations from several Kansas City bookstore owners and more to add to your to-be-read list, or to gift this holiday season.