Best Wgbh Educational Foundation Podcasts (2025)

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Dual exhibits showcase the myriad work and passion of Boston artist, Allan Rohan Crite

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1d ago

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His admirers and supporters have long thought his artistry has been overlooked. Now, 18 years after his death, Boston artist Allan Rohan Crite is finally receiving the recognition many fans and critics agree is well-deserved, with two decades-spanning exhibitions on display. We speak about Crite's work and legacy with exhibit co-curator Ted Landsma…

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The Genius Next Door: Ieva Jusionyte uses ‘deep hanging out’ to research border communities 25:11

1d ago25:11

25:11

She’s travelled the globe studying the hidden politics of borders. Recently, she’s turned her focus to the U.S.-Mexico border, attempting to peel back the animosity toward migrants, and why the gun and drug trade is able to skirt regulation. Cultural anthropologist Ieva Jusionyte is one of four local 2025 MacArthur “Genius” Fellows. She joins us as…

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Encore: The Most Valuable Reindeer of All 38:50

1d ago38:50

38:50

Can you put a price on Christmas? Years after a visit to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow, Santa and Rudolph original puppets from the beloved 1964 stop-motion-animation holiday special Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer made their way to the auction block. Join host Adam Monahan as he uncovers the story of the puppet’s discovery and restoration, the bidding su…

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ENCORE: Can a healthy diet treat disease? Why some argue food is medicine 32:44

8d ago32:44

32:44

From heart disease to diabetes, chronic illness is the leading cause of death in the United States, and chronic disease is a major reason why the nation spends more than $4 trillion on health care every year. But a growing movement believes reexamining our relationship with food is key to both improving our health and saving money. *This segment or…

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ENCORE: Offering free food and shade, 'food forests' are sprouting up in Boston 25:16

8d ago25:16

25:16

Cities across the country are dotted with vacant lots — often overgrown with weeds, full of trash or surrounded by dilapidated buildings. The unused spaces are at best an eyesore. But some community groups see those empty spaces as an opportunity for food forests: vibrant, public spaces that can also feed their community. We speak with two local ex…

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Can an overhaul of the Cannabis Control Commission ease its ongoing woes? 34:37

15d ago34:37

34:37

Despite more houses being built around Greater Boston, prospective homeowners can’t find affordable housing. Will the restructuring of the Cannabis Control Commission correct its troubles? And the Michelin Guide awards its first Boston star. It’s our local news roundtable!By GBH

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Food and wine: Eat, drink and gift these local treats this holiday season 23:22

15d ago23:22

23:22

Temperatures are dipping, but kitchens are heating up as we kick off the season for serious project baking and cooking for a crowd. Will you be adding Albariño -- or pumpkin spice Chardonnay -- to your Thanksgiving table? Plus, local artisan food favorites get Yankee Magazine’s seal of approval as perfect stocking stuffers for any foodie. It's our …

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Encore: A Soldier for Sale 31:54

15d ago31:54

31:54

The legendary comedic duo Laurel & Hardy have a very dedicated fanbase. But will a relic toy soldier from their 1934 film, Babes in Toyland, have the owner laughing all the way to the bank? We follow one soldier’s march from appraisal to the auction block, to find out what it’s really worth. Along the way Adam crashes a meeting of the international…

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New research shows there’s no affordable municipalities left in Rhode Island 30:33

22d ago30:33

30:33

A new report shows that NO cities in Rhode Island contain affordable housing for people living on the median income of the state. More Cape Cod and Island towns are pushing for a “seasonal communities” designation. And how a man in Vermont ended up with Jeffrey Epstein’s address book – yes, THAT Jeffrey Epstein. It’s our regional news roundtable!…

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Unbound Pages: Banned-book clubs connect freedom-to-read activists of all ages 27:25

22d ago27:25

27:25

A list of banned books may signal what to keep out of classrooms, libraries, and their own bookshelves. But for founders of banned-book clubs, it’s the perfect place to find next month’s read. We speak with three people, including MS NOW'S Ali Velshi, who founded their own banned-book clubs as part of Unbound Pages, our year-long series on the anti…

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The Gold Season 1, Postscript | MASTERPIECE Studio 14:02

26d ago14:02

14:02

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1 of The Gold. In preparation for Season 2 of The Gold, coming to MASTERPIECE in 2026, we wanted to wrap up Season 1 with this special postscript episode. You’ll hear first from The Gold writer and executive producer Neil Forsyth about a few final details of the real-life story, followed by actor H…

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Study: Anti-LGBTQ+ laws driving surge in youth mental health struggles 36:12

29d ago36:12

36:12

It’s been 10 years since Obergefell vs. Hodges led to same-sex marriage becoming law throughout the United States. Now, the Supreme Court may hear a case that could overturn that decision. A new study confirms higher rates of depression and anxiety in LGBTQ+ youth. And this year’s Sexiest Man Alive is breaking the internet … and breaking barriers. …

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‘The Wilderness’ centers often-overlooked joys and struggles of Black millennial women 21:47

29d ago21:47

21:47

In Angela Flournoy's new novel, "The Wilderness," four friends navigate pivotal life passages through their decades-long relationships – their bonds both sustained and tested against the backdrop of modern social and cultural events. Flournoy’s intimate storytelling adds dimension to the story of these female friendships. “The Wilderness” is our No…

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Benjamin Wainwright, Maigret Season 1 | MASTERPIECE Studio 32:11

29d ago32:11

32:11

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Maigret. Actor Benjamin Wainwright is no stranger to MASTERPIECE audiences, having appeared in Endeavour, World on Fire, and Unforgotten. Today, he joins the podcast to talk about his latest MASTERPIECE role as the lead actor in a new production of Maigret. In this conversation, we discuss stepping into t…

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Encore: David and the Two Lamps 25:50

29d ago25:50

25:50

A pair of Tiffany lamps go missing years after appearing on GBH’s Antiques Roadshow. Just how far would someone go to get their hands on these lamps? And just how far would someone else go to get them back? DETOURS host Adam Monahan talks to those close to the story including the private investigator who ultimately cracked the case.…

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Promises kept? How Trump is reshaping America one year after his 2024 election win 58:00

1M ago58:00

58:00

Nearly one year ago, voters sent President Donald Trump back to the White House. Since taking office in January, President Trump and his administration have moved rapidly to enact many of his campaign promises. So what comes next? It’s an hour of political analysis with the Mass Politics Profs!By GBH

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Hugh Bonneville, The Gold Season 1 | MASTERPIECE Studio 29:21

1M ago29:21

29:21

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1, Episode 5 of The Gold. Actor Hugh Bonneville is a familiar face here at MASTERPIECE, having appeared in Downton Abbey, Miss Austen Regrets, The Cazalets, and more. Today, Hugh joins us to talk about The Gold and playing the ethical, determined, and legendary DCI Brian Boyce. Hugh shares what he …

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Folk horror closes in on humanity’s greatest fear: itself 22:53

1M ago22:53

22:53

Spooky cinema is at an all-time commercial peak, and in recent years, folk horror -- a subgenre of horror focusing on nature, isolation and paranoia -- has taken over the mainstream. Its frights are derived from the scariest villain of all: ourselves. But the genre isn’t new. So why are these stories resonating with so many horror fans right now?…

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Beyond the bus: Uncovering the real story of Rosa Parks 35:07

1M ago35:07

35:07

She’s known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted over a year and inspired other nonviolent resistance. Her name – along with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – is the most recognizable of the civil rights icons. Yet, on this 2…

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Stefanie Martini, Maigret | MASTERPIECE Studio 22:00

1M ago22:00

22:00

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 4 of Maigret. Actor Stefanie Martini’s Louise Maigret may just be the most patient woman in Paris, forever adjusting to her husband Jules Maigret’s demanding work schedule. But she’s a professional in her own right, working as a psychiatric nurse helping those in need. In this conversation, Stefan…

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Encore: That Time the FBI Called 24:40

1M ago24:40

24:40

Photographs of Edgar Allan Poe are incredibly rare. The famed writer sat for portraits only a few times, resulting in eight unique images, known as daguerreotypes. When one appeared on the TV show in Omaha, NE it seemed too good to be true. Then the FBI called. It’s a tale never shared before on TV. And but for this podcast may be shared nevermore.…

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District 7 needs a new City Councilor. Who can take on its longtime challenges? 32:38

2M ago32:38

32:38

District 7, one of Boston’s 9 city districts, was the most competitive race in September’s preliminary election. Eleven candidates fought to represent the district and to replace former District 7 City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, who resigned after pleading guilty to federal corruption charges. One of the two candidates hoping to win the jo…

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The Genius Next Door: Meet theoretical mathematician Lauren K. Williams 25:20

2M ago25:20

25:20

She’s uncovered unexpected connections between her field of algebraic combinatorics and other areas in math and physics, making significant contributions to numerous mathematical fields and forging groundbreaking, cross-disciplinary collaborations. Theoretical mathematician Lauren K. Williams is one of four local 2025 MacArthur “Genius” Fellows. We…

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Stefanie Martini, The Gold Season 1 | MASTERPIECE Studio 23:54

2M ago23:54

23:54

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 3 of The Gold S1. For actor Stefanie Martini, getting into character to play Marnie Palmer involved doing away with her drama school style of speaking, and pulling out her native Bristolian accent. Today, Stefanie talks about portraying the real life Marnie Palmer, and what it was like to be stuck…

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ENCORE: Newly published Cabo Verdean Creole dictionary formalizes the ‘people’s language’ 18:27

2M ago18:27

18:27

Thousands of Cabo Verdeans Americans have made their home in Greater Boston bringing with them the indigenous language of their ancestral homeland. Now through the efforts of a local retired teacher and writer, Cabo Verdean Creole has been captured in a dictionary – the formalization of a language that has been passed down primarily orally. In hono…

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LGBTQ+ seniors at the heart of ‘Living In Pryde’ documentary 39:32

2M ago39:32

39:32

For the generation that weathered the AIDS epidemic and fought for same-sex marriage, finding community still poses a challenge. But in Boston, LGBTQ+ seniors have the Pryde — New England’s first affordable senior living community geared toward LGBTQ+ elders. A new GBH News documentary follows some of the Pryde’s first residents through the facilit…

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Patrick Harbinson, Maigret | MASTERPIECE Studio 30:28

2M ago30:28

30:28

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 2 of Maigret When adapting Georges Simenon’s Maigret for the screen, lead writer, director, and executive producer Patrick Harbinson wanted to bring the classic character into the modern day. In this conversation, Patrick talks about the decisions he made to showcase Maigret as a younger detective…

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Encore: The King of Fakes Gets Faked 33:40

2M ago33:40

33:40

In 2013, GBH’s Antiques Roadshow appraiser John Buxton met a guest claiming to have an ancient Mayan carving. Buxton’s gut said this was a fake but the guest had paperwork proving otherwise. Is it possible Buxton’s instinct was right all along? DETOURS host Adam dives into the deceitful world of forged artifacts, following a story that still eludes…

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Elements of the Heist, The Gold, Season 1 | MASTERPIECE Studio 20:14

2M ago20:14

20:14

The Gold writer and creator Neil Forsyth returns to the podcast in this special episode for an in-depth discussion on details of the larger-than-life heist. He explains the massive social transformation in 1980s Britain, why three tons of gold was at the Brink’s-Mat warehouse, the rumors of police corruption, and more. After this conversation, we g…

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New novel details life in the 1970's on the U.S.-Mexico border 23:29

2M ago23:29

23:29

Ramon Lopez grew up on the U.S. border between Texas and Mexico, in a family of tireless working immigrants scraping to get by. Could young Ramon’s talents help change the future for himself and his family? In his new coming-of-age novel, “The Border Between Us,” author Rudy Ruiz chronicles Ramon’s story of heart and hope. It’s our October selectio…

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Unbound Pages: 'The Librarians' spotlights leaders in the anti-book-banning movement 34:30

2M ago34:30

34:30

Sunday, October 5, marks the start of this year's Banned Books Week – an annual commemoration in support of free and open access to information. It’s a week celebrated by authors, publishers, teachers and book lovers across the country, including librarians, many of whom are under attack as they fight for the freedom to read. That fight is the subj…

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Neil Forsyth, The Gold Episode 1 Season 1| MASTERPIECE Studio 27:00

2M ago27:00

27:00

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of The Gold. Writer and executive producer Neil Forsyth had his work cut out for him when adapting the larger-than-life true story of the Brink’s-Mat robbery. Too big for a single film adaptation, Neil decided this vast web of characters, plot, and conspiracy would be best told as a drama series…

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Familial trauma and joy come together in "The Ceremony" 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

Few traditions are more sacred than marriage, but when complicated legacies are involved, few traditions are more stressful. “The Ceremony,” celebrated playwright Mfoniso Udofia’s sixth entry in the generation-spanning Ufot Family Cycle of nine plays, finds that complicated connection in the engagement between Nigerian-American Ekong Ufot and Nepal…

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Amid ICE fears, is Hispanic Heritage Month canceled? 33:01

2M ago33:01

33:01

Festivals around the country are holding off on annual celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month due to the looming threat of ICE. Plus, a new poll shows President Donald Trump’s favorability is slipping with Latino voters. And Bad Bunny wraps up his epic Puerto Rico residency -- it's our Latinx news roundtable!…

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Jo Martin, The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 | MASTERPIECE Studio 29:55

2M ago29:55

29:55

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 2 of The Marlow Murder Club. For actor Jo Martin, returning to Marlow for a second season of The Marlow Murder Club felt like returning to a new family. And for her character, dog walker turned sleuth Suzie Harris, a new family is being forged with her friends Judith and Becks. In this conversation…

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Encore: Skippy the Hero Dog 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

Calling all dog lovers and true-crime aficionados! In 2022 Linda brought a chipped, cracked, and stained ceramic plate featuring the portrait of a long-ago dog to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in Santa Fe, NM. But why would the story around this unassuming item soon ignite controversy among appraisers as to the plate’s true worth? Join host Adam Monahan …

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What will help America's lagging literacy rates? Plus, a peek into this year's CineFest Latino Boston Film Festival 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

Recent findings show that one-third of American high school seniors lack basic reading skills -- the lowest numbers in more than three decades. Could a shift to a more linguistics-centered educational approach help turn those numbers around? Plus, it’s Hispanic Heritage Month, which means it’s time again for the annual CineFest Latino Boston Film F…

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Our first Massachusetts news roundtable! Plus, a new exhibit features David Driskell's work alongside his collection 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

We’re exploring the latest headlines from Western, Central, and Eastern Massachusetts in our first Massachusetts news roundtable, including the latest in the off-shore-wind saga, consolidated high school football teams in the Berkshires and Holyoke as a non-sanctuary city. Then, Callie heads to Portland, Maine, to check out the Portland Museum of A…

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Encore: Six Touchdowns and a Song 22:07

3M ago22:07

22:07

In 1965, Gale Sayers was the first-round draft pick for the Chicago Bears, kicking off a history-making NFL career. 41 years later, a bloody, torn up jersey worn by Sayers appears on GBH’s Antiques Roadshow after narrowly being saved from a fate as a cleaning rag. What follows is an epic TV appraisal that leads to a surprise at the auction block. J…

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Joy Behar's new play "My First Ex-Husband." Plus, our September book-club pick! 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes … divorce? Award-winning television host, actress and playwright Joy Behar goes from screen to stage in her new play, “My First Ex-Husband," premiering at the Huntington on September 12. We speak with Joy Behar and fellow iconic funny lady and cast member Jackie Hoffman about the show. Then, Olivia …

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Celebrate summer with two of our favorite seaside stories! 59:09

3M ago59:09

59:09

Summer may be winding down, but we’re not ready to say goodbye just yet! This week, we go back to Cape Cod and the Islands for an encore of two of our favorite seaside segments. First, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movie “Jaws" through analyzing its iconic score with two music professors, including a John Williams expert. Then, we meet a…

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Robert Thorogood Episode 2, The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 | MASTERPIECE Studio 22:05

3M ago22:05

22:05

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Two of The Marlow Murder Club Season 2. Author Robert Thorogood returns to the podcast to discuss writing the first two episodes of The Marlow Murder Club Season Two, based on his novel, Death Comes to Marlow. Robert shares his thoughts on locked room mysteries, the importance of humor, and what’s…

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On Top of the World 22:59

3M ago22:59

22:59

Maps show us the world. These wayfinding wonders show us how people think about the world, and sometimes they make us think about the world differently. When a map from 1700 worth thousands of dollars and showing a very different world view came to ANTIQUES ROADSHOW’s 2023 event in Sturbridge, MA, it raised the question – on modern maps, why is nor…

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Amid growing disapproval ratings, President Trump tries to appeal to his base. Will it work? 58:00

4M ago58:00

58:00

We’ve just passed the half year mark into the second Donald Trump presidency. This month, President Trump called for the end of mail-in ballots. What could that mean for future elections? States are pushing back against White House policies, and California Governor Gavin Newsom is taking a very public – and very snarky – approach. And early voting …

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Robert Thorogood Episode 1, The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 | MASTERPIECE Studio 23:24

4M ago23:24

23:24

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode One of The Marlow Murder Club Season 2. Author Robert Thorogood fell in love with murder mysteries at a young age when he stumbled across an Agatha Christie novel at his great aunt’s house. Since then, he’s been determined to write his own golden age style murder mysteries. In this conversation, w…

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Efforts to reduce food waste in Massachusetts inspire innovation and community action 30:22

4M ago30:22

30:22

Massachusetts is a leader in the nationwide effort to reduce food waste, setting statewide standards on food scraps, supporting community-led efforts for food recovery, and ramping up assistance to schools and businesses. With fresh new insights and creative solutions, the fight against food waste is drawing new enthusiasts to an old environmental …

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Low-waste chefs craft exciting new recipes as readers grow hungry for change 27:37

4M ago27:37

27:37

Don’t throw out your leftovers; they might be the best part of your next meal! Repurposing leftovers and using food scraps in recipes is part of the movement to reduce food waste. Cookbook authors Tamar Adler and Anne-Marie Bonneau join Callie Crossley to make the case for low and zero-waste tasty recipes that’ll save home chefs time and money whil…

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Standing the Test of Time 26:02

4M ago26:02

26:02

When a large equine statue first appeared at ANTIQUES ROADSHOW in 1997, Asian Arts expert Lark Mason was suspicious if it was truly an authentic relic from China’s Tang Dynasty or if he was dealing with a horse of a different color. There was only one way to know for sure if this U.S. Air Force pilot's 1950 purchase was authentic. Would the piece p…

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Asian-led media in 2025 is breaking box-office records and topping best-of lists 57:59

4M ago57:59

57:59

In the past few years, Asian directors, actors, cast and crew have dominated award seasons – from “Parasite” to “Shogun” to “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” And culturally relevant Asian stories in film, on TV, and on streaming platforms continue to resonate with audiences – and bring in big bucks – around the world. So what Asian-led movies an…

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Meet three authors who wrote some of the most banned books in America 58:01

4M ago58:01

58:01

A novel about a fictional school shooting, which captures the perspectives of all involved. A memoir which begins with a young person’s complicated journey questioning their sexual identity. And a novella detailing a year in the life of a young Latina living in Chicago as she approaches adolescence. In many cities and states, these storylines are a…