Books

In this photo provided by The Federation Council of The Federal Assembly of The Russian Federation Press Service, lawmakers of Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation listen to the national anthem at a session in Moscow, Russi

In Russia, a novel about a summer romance between two men sparks outrage

Novels about queer topics have been pulled from bookstores in Russia under a recent law that bans all mention of LGBTQ life in popular culture. It's part of a regional crackdown against novelists and poets.

In Russia, a novel about a summer romance between two men sparks outrage
Residents listen from a bench, background, as Percibald García reads children's books aloud outside the high-rise buildings in the Tlatelolco housing complex, in Mexico City, on July 18, 2020.

This Mexico City architect transformed an empty public square into a storytelling stage

This Mexico City architect transformed an empty public square into a storytelling stage
(L) The cover of "American Dirt" and (R) author Jeanine Cummins.

'American Dirt' reveals identity bias in publishing industry, critics say

'American Dirt' reveals identity bias in publishing industry, critics say
a teacher reads a book to a group of student.

The life and inspiration of Dr. Seuss

The life and inspiration of Dr. Seuss
A painted portrait of Christopher Columbus' son, Hernando Colón,

Christopher Columbus’ son’s universal library is newly rediscovered in this lost tome

Christopher Columbus’ son’s universal library is newly rediscovered in this lost tome
Reading about science isn't just for grown-ups: There are many excellent science-related children's books, too.

The year's best science books for kids have something for everyone

Science Friday’s Xochitl Garcia rounded up the coolest books for young scientists ages 0 to 11.

The year's best science books for kids have something for everyone
Art Wolfe penguins

40 years of documenting Earth's beauty

Photographer Art Wolfe has spent 40 years documents the natural world and some of the world's oldest cultures.

40 years of documenting Earth's beauty
The World

A new novel imagines a partially submerged New York City in the year 2140

Hurricane Sandy gave New Yorkers a taste of a city under water. A new novel imagines a future in which this is the new normal.

A new novel imagines a partially submerged New York City in the year 2140
Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman

Amanda f---ing Palmer puts it all out there with courage and humor

From the Dresden Dolls to ukulele covers of Radiohead to becoming a parent, art and life for this performer are inseparable — and public.

Amanda f---ing Palmer puts it all out there with courage and humor
Nadja Spiegelman

'The past is malleable': A memoir about mothers and daughters examines reinvention

Nadja Spiegelman comes from a long line of strong, self-made women. Her memoir "I'm Supposed to Protect You From All This" is the story of four generations of mothers and daughters.

'The past is malleable': A memoir about mothers and daughters examines reinvention
Girl reading a book under a tree

The best science fiction books for your summer reading list

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on your reading — maybe while you're lounging on the beach or waiting in those long TSA lines. PRI’s Science Friday has suggestions for great summer science fiction books to help you escape — and maybe even get you thinking.

The best science fiction books for your summer reading list
Dolphin

Why are we fascinated with dolphins?

Humans and dolphins have a long connection. Myth and literature abound with tales of dolphins rescuing hapless sailors or travelers who have been washed overboard. Dolphins even had a temple in ancient Greece named for them — Delphi. Now they’re the subject of a new book, Susan Casey’s ‘Voices in the Ocean.’

Why are we fascinated with dolphins?
Children reading

A new study gives parents another reason to read to their kids

Research has shown that reading books aloud to children helps them become better readers and maybe even better learners. A close look at the text of children's books offers a possible explanation why.

A new study gives parents another reason to read to their kids
Geek road map

Are you ready for the ultimate geek road trip? 12 suggestions.

Who needs Disney World when you could visit museums dedicated to locks, magnets, Titan missiles, an experimental nuclear reactor or a Carl Sagan-inspired celestial "walk." Or the place where they confirmed the Big Bang? Here are 12 geek travel suggestions.

Are you ready for the ultimate geek road trip? 12 suggestions.
Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space

Here are five books that might get your kids excited about science

Authors Deborah Blum and Annalee Newitz help us put together a list of five of the best science books of the year for kids.

Here are five books that might get your kids excited about science