Kentucky Humanities has selected two works by Kentucky authors as its 2026 Great Read selections, honoring books that celebrate literacy, education and the power of storytelling in the Commonwealth.

The Kentucky Center for the Book, part of Kentucky Humanities, chose "My Kentucky Moonlight School" by Kim Michele Richardson as the Youth Great Read and "The Book Witch" by Meg Shaffer as the Adult Great Read. Both authors are based in Kentucky and their works will be recognized nationally at the 2026 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. on August 22.

"These selections reflect the range and richness of Kentucky storytelling," said Jay McCoy, director of the Kentucky Center for the Book. "Together, these books honor our state's deep literary roots—from real histories of education and perseverance to imaginative journeys that spark a lifelong love of reading."

Richardson's novel for young readers draws on the authentic history of Kentucky's pioneering Moonlight Schools, the first official adult literacy movement in the United States. The story follows a young girl named Jewel and her grandparents as they travel to a graduation night at a Moonlight School in early-20th-century Kentucky, where adults learn to read and write. Richardson is a bestselling author whose novel "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" has been widely adopted as a Common Read by colleges and communities nationwide and is taught in high schools and college classrooms.

Shaffer's imaginative adult selection tells the story of Rainy March, a third-generation Book Witch who protects works of fiction from harm by jumping in and out of novels to repair damaged plots. When her grandfather goes missing and a priceless book is stolen, she enlists help from a fictional detective to uncover family secrets and the magic of storytelling itself. Shaffer, who holds an MFA in TV and Screenwriting, is a USA Today bestselling author whose previous works include "The Wishing Game" and "The Lost Story."

The selections participate in the national "Great Reads from Great Places" initiative, which has been operated by the Library of Congress' network of 56 state and territorial Centers for the Book since 2002. The program highlights books that reflect local culture, history and storytelling traditions, with most selections written by local authors, set in the region, or meaningfully engaging with heritage of the place.

Kentuckians are invited to read both selections, which are available through local libraries and independent bookstores statewide.