Thank you, friends, for watching and working for North Dakota Today. It was a gorgeous day to talk about the books up for vote to represent North Dakota, as well some helpful hands (and pumpkins) in Jamestown.

As noted, for 2027, North Dakota State Library is conducting public voting to chose which books will make to the National Book Festival. Voting opened September 1^st and closes December 31^st. North Dakota residents can cast their votes through their local libraries (if their libraries are keeping tally), by emailing Tammy Kruger at tlkruger at nd.gov or through the Microsoft voting form found on North Dakota State Library’s website by clicking here.

The adult nominees are:

Brothers No More:  A Vietnam Odyssey by Lee Rebsom

Brothers No More:  A Vietnam Odyssey is a historical fiction novel based on the experiences of Lee Rebsom, a Vietnam veteran. Lee served two tours in Vietnam. He wants Brothers No More to portray why soldiers volunteered to serve, as well as the effects of the Vietnam War — and war, in general — on the families left back home. This tale follows three brothers as they grow up on a North Dakotan ranch and serve as soldiers in the Vietnam War. 

Little Sister: A Family Memoir by Gayle Larson Schuck

Little Sister: A Family Memoir is a story about growing up in the 1950s in rural North Dakota. As the youngest sibling, Gayle Larson Schuck struggled to find her role within the family as they faced many crisis. She also recorded the tales of her sisters and brothers who grew up in the 1930s and 1940s. Finding all their stories linked to other generations, the narrative begins in the early 1900s and wraps up in the present.

Tough but Fair:  Reformation of a Prison, Memoir of a Warden by Winston E. Satran

Tough but Fair  Reformation of a Prison, Memoir of a Warden originated from Winston E. Satran’s 7 years as Deputy Warden and 7 years as Warden at the North Dakota State Penitentiary and 11 years at Home on the Range Childcare Facility for Troubled Youth. After a presentation to the Bismarck Historical Society, Winston was approached to write about his experiences, resulting in Tough but Fair. In this memoir, Winston describes the challenges and triumphs of life inside prison walls.

And the youth nominees are:

The Girl in Lime Green Jeans by Lindsey Miller

The Girl in Lime Green Jeans is based on Lindsey Miller’s journey of being a rodeo queen. The girl in lime green jeans never quite fit in…that is until she discovered her heart for rodeo! This is a story of gaining confidence and fearlessly chasing your passion in life.

Oliver the Owl:  The Culinary Pro by Rayna Jo Zest

Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro pays homage to the author’s father who, alongside her mother, owned and ran the White House Cafeteria in Bismarck. In this book, Oliver takes readers through the creation and yummy cooking of the Twinkling Treehouse Cafe.

Sofia’s Monster by Daniel Wolfe

In Sofia’s Monster, Sofia really wants to play outside, but Daddy wants to stay in. When a monster suddenly stomps into their apartment, Daddy and Sofia must figure out the type of monster and what they’re going to do about it! It’s a story celebrating the power of imagination, creativity, and togetherness.

I’m not sure if this week’s segment was captured online. If it is, I’ll post it below as soon as it’s available. In the meantime, enjoy last week’s segment. Have a great week!