Fall into reading with these titles from Lansing-area writers

If you're looking to read something with local ties, check out this selection of titles from Lansing-area authors as well as authors with deep Greater Lansing roots. It's not an exhaustive list, but it's a start from reading specialists at the Capital Area District Library.

Adult Fiction

The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner

Lansing native Finkbeiner’s latest is a coming-of-age story following two sisters in the wake of their father being accused of being a communist. One finds comfort in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the other in books.

August Snow by Stephen Mack Jones

This is the first in a series of gritty crime novels from Lansing-born poet and writer Jones. They feature August Snow, a half-Mexican, half-Black ex-cop who helped prosecute a police corruption case and finds himself continuing to defend his Detroit community from criminals and law enforcement alike. The fourth book, Deus X, releases in November.

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

The latest by Lansing author Bartels starts with a life-changing New Year’s Party on Dec. 31, 1989, where a down-on-his-luck musician and writer meets the heir to a musical dynasty.

My Murder by Katie Williams

Okemos native Williams sets her slightly futuristic thriller-with-a-twist in and around the capital city and follows a “restored” woman’s attempts to solve her own murder.

The Pink Pony by Charles Cutter

This is the first in a series of legal mysteries featuring defense attorney Burr Lafayette, written by “recovering attorney” and East Lansing resident Cutter.

Adult Non-Fiction

It’s Hard Being You:  A Primer on Being Happy Anyway by Sharon Emery

This powerful inspiring memoir by Lansing-area journalist and public relations professional Sharon Emery is a story of resilience, wisdom and hope through a life that has been challenged by disability and unimaginable loss. 

Jar of Plenty by Ruelaine Stokes

Lansing poet, teacher and arts community organizer Ruelaine Stokes’ first full-length poetry collection is filled with reflective and vibrant poems about her childhood, family and the joy of finding her voice.

Lansing and the Civil War by Matthew J. VanAcker

Local historian, author and co-chair of the Save the Flags Project, Matthew J. VanAcker researched letters and archived newspaper articles to tell the story of Lansing’s involvement in the Civil War, where 500 men enlisted to fight.

Making the MexiRican City: Migration, Placemaking, and Activism in Grand Rapids, Michigan by Delia M. Fernández 

Delia M. Fernández, an MSU assistant professor of history, combines family history with archival research and oral histories to write about migration, community formation and activism in the pan-Latino communities of Grand Rapids. 

Tracking the Fox by Rosalie Sanara Petrouske

We were greatly saddened to hear of Rosalie Sanara Petrouske’s recent passing and want to recommend readers pick up this stunning poetry collection. These beautiful poems evocatively capture the flora, fauna and the powerful presence of nature in the life of the late poet and Lansing Community College writing professor, with reflections on her Upper Peninsula childhood, her Ojibwe heritage, her special relationships with her father and daughter, and meditations on loss and healing.

Children & Young Adult Fiction

The Dirt Book: Poems About Animals that Live Beneath Our Feet by David L. Harrison, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove

Lansing artist Kate Cosgrove is an award-winning illustrator twice having paired her art with books by author David L. Harrison. Together they’ve created beautiful nonfiction titles appealing to the picture book crowd and little readers keen on learning about the natural world.

Juneteenth, Celebrating Freedom by Julian Van Dyke

Julian Van Dyke started drawing as a toddler and has been active in the Lansing arts scene dating back to the 1980s. His murals are beloved around town, so discovering his books will stir young artists to paint and tell their stories.

Lia and Beckett’s Abracadabra by Amy Noelle Parks

Amy Noelle Parks, an MSU professor of teacher education, writes clever stories for tweens and teens eager for romantic comedies promoting self-reliance. In Lia and Beckett’s Abracadabra, the world of magic shows comes alive when teens decide to challenge the sexist nature of the magic industry.

Tamora Carter: Goblin Queen by Jim C. Hines

Many are familiar with Greater Lansing author Jim C. Hines’ adult fantasy titles, but he also writes for younger readers. Full of magical portals and goblins, his stories exhibit a fondness for humor and librarians. Coming soon: Amelia Sand and the Silver Queens.

You Can Find the Class Pet, Pout-Pout Fish! by Deborah Diesen

Grand Ledge resident Deborah Diesen is famous for her New York Times bestselling book, The Pout-Pout Fish. Her latest book comes in an easy-reader format perfect for new readers learning about teamwork to find a missing class pet.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: CADL librarians recommend Lansing-area authors and their book titles