Boise State University
08/11/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/11/2026 12:57
Idaho Center for the Book selects two ‘Great Reads’ for 2026 National Book Festival
The Idaho Center for the Book announced the two Great Reads books that will represent Idaho at the 2026 Library of Congress National Book Festival: "Wild and Distant Seas" by Tara Karr Roberts (Adult Selection) and "Incredible Idaho Women: 43 Inspiring Stories for All Ages" created by Kara Jackson (Youth Selection). The books will be celebrated along with Great Reads selections from across the country on Saturday, August 22 in Washington, D.C.
Save the Dates: Idaho Great Reads author events in Boise
In partnership with Rediscovered Books and Boise Public Library, Idaho Center for the Book will host two local events with the authors of the 2026 Idaho Great Reads:
Tuesday, September 8, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Join "Wild and Distant Seas" author Tara Karr Roberts at Rediscovered Books for a lively discussion led by Steven Olsen-Smith, Professor Emeritus of English at Boise State University. The conversation will include a Q&A with the audience, followed by a book signing.
Tuesday, September 29, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Meet the creative team behind "Incredible Idaho Women" at the Hillcrest branch of Boise Public Library in this family program for all ages. The book's creator, Kara Jackson of BoiseDev, will read selections and share stories about the women featured in the book. The event includes hands-on activities for the participants of all ages to celebrate the incredible people in their own lives.
"Incredible Idaho Women" will be available for purchase.
About the 2026 Idaho Great Reads
Author Tara Karr Roberts
"Wild and Distant Seas" is the brilliant debut novel by Moscow, Idaho based author Tara Karr Roberts. Inspired by "Moby-Dick," Roberts spins a spellbinding epic all her own based on a minor character in Melville's classic work. On a journey that crosses continents and eventually leads to Idaho, this gorgeous work of historical fiction follows four generations of women as they navigate memory, motherhood, and the power to chart their own futures. "Wild and Distant Seas" earned awards in 2025 from the Idaho Library Association and the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association.
From rocket scientists and gold medalists to historic trailblazers, "Incredible Idaho Women" is a beautiful and engaging collection of stories celebrating the accomplishments of 43 remarkable Idahoans. The featured women represent all corners of the state and span historical time periods from Sacajawea to today. Created by BoiseDev Managing Partner Kara Jackson and written by a team of BoiseDev journalists, these inspiring stories remind readers of all ages that everyone has a unique gift. Each biography features an accompanying custom portrait by an Idaho artist. For every copy sold, another is donated to an Idaho school, library or child.
BoiseDev Managing Partner Kara Jackson
About Idaho Center for the Book
The Idaho Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress, is dedicated to fostering reading, writing and the appreciation of books. Established in 1993 by Boise State English Professor Tom Trusky, the center promotes Idaho's rich literary and bibliophilic heritage through various programs and collaborations with local, state and national organizations. The center is housed within Special Collections and Archives at Albertsons Library.
The Great Reads from Great Places program is made possible by the generous support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with additional support from the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.
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