Thank Goodness the Winter Reading Challenge Is Here!

I am so glad that it’s 2021! Who isn’t happy to see the back of 2020? I know that a lot of us are longing for normalcy, and perhaps it’s just over the horizon! Okay, maybe that is wishful thinking, but I’m trying to be optimistic! One thing that is normal is Mid-Continent Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge! As always, the Challenge will kick off on January 15 and run through March 15, encouraging adults to read five books during this time.

Additionally, did you know that this year is Missouri’s bicentennial? I admit; I was not aware of this! Even though I’ve lived in Missouri for 22 years, there is still a lot that I don’t know about the state. With this year’s Winter Reading Challenge theme being “Celebrate Missouri” in recognition of the bicentennial, maybe this is the time for me to take a dive into the 24th state’s history.

I’ve been looking for some books that might help me do this and found some interesting titles:

• It Happened in Missouri by Sean McLachlan – All things Missouri for the ultimate history buff
• Missouri Myths and Legends by Josh Young – Legends are what make each state unique.
• Backroads and Byways of Missouri by Archie Satterfield – The best way to learn about a state? A road trip!
• The Enemy Among Us by David Fiedler – Did you know Missouri housed POWs during WWII?
• Missouri Outlaws by Paul Kirkman – I definitely need to learn about some Missouri criminals!
• The Other Missouri History: Populists, Prostitutes, and Regular Folk by Thomas Spencer – The people the history books usually leave out
• Harry Truman’s Independence by Jon Taylor – There is no learning about Missouri without learning about the 33rd president!
• Missouri Slave Narratives – It’s important to hear the voices of history who were silenced.
• The Homefront in Civil War Missouri by James W. Erwin – The battlefield is not the only place impacted by war.
• Immigrant Women in the Settlement of Missouri by Robyn Burnett – Women are often ignored in the stories of settlement.
• Kansas City's Historic Midtown Neighborhoods by Mary Jo Draper – You can’t look at Missouri without looking at KC!
• At Last! by Matt Derrick – The Kansas City Chiefs, of course!

I think these books cover numerous aspects of the Show-Me State, but remember, for the Winter Reading Challenge you can read whatever books that you wish! If you are already a Missouri expert, how about some books about our neighbors, Kansas and Illinois? Or maybe you just want to have fun and read something that is pure entertainment.

Whatever your reading choice this winter, remember, all you need to do is read five books between January 15 and March 15, and you will earn a free mug! Visit mymcpl.org/WinterReading to learn more.

Here's to a happy 2021! Fingers crossed!

Pamela M.
Antioch Branch