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Welcome back to the NEA Big Read Lakeshore. We are so excited to announce this year’s lineup of books. We have some wonderful stories, amazing themes, and extremely talented authors. Check out our books below to see what this year will be all about.
Big Read
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
“Better is here. Stay, and make it better.”
Book Summary
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger is a lyrical, post-apocalyptic novel. The story follows Rainy, a grieving widower and former musician, in his journeys across fractured America. Rainy sails a homemade boat across the Great Lakes, encountering a world marred by economic collapse and environmental decay. Enger’s novel is infused with wonder, music, and moments of grace. At its heart, it’s a meditation on kindness, resilience, and the power of art and human connection to illuminate the darkest times.
About the Author
Leif Enger is an American novelist celebrated for his lyrical prose and deeply human storytelling. Born in Minnesota and raised in Osakis, he grew up in a family of educators. Enger attended Moorhead State University, where he majored in English and mass communication. It was there he met his wife, Robin Reed. The couple later settled near Aitkin, Minnesota, where they raised their two sons.
Enger spent nearly two decades as a reporter and producer for Minnesota Public Radio. His solo debut, Peace Like a River (2001), became a national bestseller and was named one of the Year’s Best Books by Time Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. He followed this success with So Brave, Young, and Handsome (2008), which also garnered critical acclaim. His third novel, Virgil Wander (2018), was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.
In 2018, Enger moved to Duluth, Minnesota, where Lake Superior has deeply influenced his writing. He notes that the lake’s moods often mirror his own, affecting his productivity and the tone of his work. This connection is evident in his latest novel, I Cheerfully Refuse (2024), a post-apocalyptic tale set along the shores of Lake Superior. Enger explores themes of resilience and hope in the face of societal collapse.
Middle Read
A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
“You can’t run away from darkness… It’s everywhere. The only way to see through it is to shine a light.”
Book Summary
Christina Soontornvat’s A Wish in the Dark is a luminous middle-grade fantasy set in the Thai-inspired city of Chattana. The story follows Pong, a boy born in Namwon Prison. Pong escapes in search of freedom but finds a world outside that is just as unjust. Branded by his prison tattoo, Pong is pursued by Nok, the prison warden’s daughter, determined to restore her family’s honor. As their paths intertwine, both characters grapple with questions of morality, justice, and the true meaning of freedom. Inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, this novel explores themes of privilege, protest, and the power of individual courage to challenge systemic oppression. A Wish in the Dark has been recognized with a Newbery Honor and the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award for its compelling narrative and profound social commentary.
About the Author
Christina Soontornvat is an award-winning author of books for children and young readers, celebrated for her ability to blend rich cultural storytelling with powerful themes of justice, identity, and resilience. Born in Texas to Thai immigrant parents, she grew up straddling two cultures, which has deeply influenced her writing. Before becoming a full-time author, Christina earned degrees in mechanical engineering and science education, and worked in science museums—experiences that often inspire the curiosity and wonder found in her books.
Soontornvat is the author of numerous critically acclaimed works, including A Wish in the Dark, a Newbery Honor winner and Jane Addams Children’s Book Award recipient. Her nonfiction title All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team also received a Newbery Honor and was a finalist for the National Book Award. Christina continues to write stories that empower young readers, often weaving in elements of her Thai heritage, and she is recognized as a leading voice in contemporary children’s literature.
Little Read
Journey by Aaron Becker
Book Summary
In Journey, a lonely girl uses a red crayon to draw a magical door on her bedroom wall, escaping into a breathtaking world of adventure and wonder. As she explores fantastical landscapes, she encounters both beauty and danger. When a majestic bird is captured by dark forces, she risks everything to save it. Her courage and compassion led to an unexpected friendship and a hopeful return to her world. Without using words, Becker tells a powerful story about imagination, bravery, and connection through intricate illustrations and a vivid use of color, especially the symbolic red crayon that drives the narrative forward.
About the Author
Aaron Becker is an acclaimed American author and illustrator, best known for his wordless picture book Journey, which earned a Caldecott Honor in 2014. Born in 1974 in Baltimore, Maryland, Becker graduated from Pomona College in 1996. Before venturing into children’s literature, he contributed as an artist to animated films such as The Polar Express, Cars, and A Christmas Carol.
Becker’s debut, Journey, launched a celebrated trilogy that includes Quest and Return, captivating readers with intricate illustrations and imaginative storytelling. His subsequent works, like A Stone for Sascha, You Are Light, and The Tree and the River, continue to explore themes of wonder and transformation. Notably, The Tree and the River received the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration in 2024.
Residing in Amherst, Massachusetts, with his wife and two daughters, Becker creates his art in a backyard studio. He often draws inspiration from his travels across Japan, East Africa, and Europe, as well as from the natural beauty of New England. Through his work, Becker invites readers to embark on journeys fueled by imagination and curiosity.
Mini Read
Row Row Row Your Boat by Annie Kubler & Sarah Dellow
Book Summary
This charming series has been specifically designed for babies. A great introduction to books through well-known nursery rhymes and interactive text.
Singing songs and rhymes is the perfect way to bond with your baby and share quality time. It also aids language development by introducing them to the natural sounds and patterns of speech. Combining these with actions also stimulates the brain and helps muscle development.
About the Authors
Annie Kubler was born in 1960 in the north east of France, in a mountainous area called the Vosges, where she spent her childhood. After gaining a National Diploma in Visual Communication at the School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg, with a specialisation in children’s illustration, she moved to England in 1985. For over 20 years, Annie has been Art Director of Child’s Play and illustrated many titles, most notably the Baby Rhyme Time series.
Sarah Dellow is a Graphic Design graduate and a member of the editorial team. She has a passion for illustration, typography, and promoting inclusivity, which she incorporates into her work in book production and project management. Sarah has illustrated a number of children’s books, including the Now You See It! series.
Thank you so much for joining us for our incredible programming. Keep an eye out for our upcoming events and don’t forget to check out our website and other blog posts.
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