The Texas Center for the Book at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission has announced its Texas Great Read titles for 2024. The Center has chosen The Mystery of the Monarchs, written by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Erika Meza, as the 2024 Texas Great Read Youth Selection and The Which Way Tree by Elizabeth Crook as the 2024 Texas Great Read Adult Selection.

Many libraries across Texas carry copies of The Which Way Tree and The Mystery of the Monarchs; we encourage you to check them out! Talking Book Program patrons may request the The Which Way Tree now (DB 90644) ,  and The Mystery of the Monarchs will be available soon! In addition, both books are available through E-Read Texas, TSLAC’s statewide program that provides e-books to small and medium-sized public libraries statewide; if your local library is part of this network, you can access the books this way, too.

Every year, the Library of Congress asks each state Center for the Book to select titles that represent the state’s literary landscape to highlight at the National Book Festival, an event showcasing the importance of books and reading. This year’s festival will be held August 24 in Washington, DC, and online. Check out the Library of Congress website for details.

This summer, TSLAC will hold two video webinars, one for each book, including a video interview with each author and the opportunity for readers to ask questions. Stay tuned for registration. These events will be free and available on TSLAC’s YouTube channel after airing.

The Texas Center for the Book invites Texans to read The Mystery of the Monarchs and The Which Way Tree. For more information on the 2024 Texas Great Read Program, including synopses of the books, information about the authors and illustrator, and upcoming events, visit www.tsl.texas.gov/greatreadtexas.