Each year, Louisiana selects two books to represent the state and its rich literary tradition at the National Book Festival, held this year on September 5, 2025, in Washington D.C. According to a statement by Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, “Louisiana not only has the best food and music, we are blessed to also be home to outstanding authors who craft everything from excellent children’s books to the latest political page turners. Each year, the State Library of Louisiana highlights more than 200 Louisiana authors during the Louisiana Book Festival, rated one of the Top 10 Literary Festivals you can attend. It’s always a pleasure to be able to promote Louisiana literary heritage on the national stage.”
Vernon Poche & the Ghosts of New Orleans
Representing young readers “Great Reads” category this year is “Vernon Poche & the Ghosts of New Orleans,” by Paul Siefken. The book follows Vernon in the aftermath of Katrina who, along with his best friend Alisha, navigate the empty streets of the city looking for a reason to convince his family to stay after his father threatens to leave forever. Along the way, the two encounter some notable ghosts, including Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and pirate Jean Lafitte, who add to the colorful adventure. The book is a tribute to the history and people of the city, told in a way that will resonate with young adult readers.
Siefken, who is President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions, is a New Orleans native who grew up in the Bayou St. John neighborhood. In addition to working for Cartoon Network and PBS Kids, he has written chapter books and plays. This is his first full length novel.
Gumbo Life: Tales from the Roux Bayou
Representing the adult “Great Reads” is “Gumbo Life: Tales from the Roux Bayou” by journalist Ken Wells. “Gumbo Life” follows Wells’ search for the culinary secrets behind what may be Louisiana’s most iconic dish. His journey takes him into kitchens across the state, participation in a gumbo cooking contest, a gumbo factory and more. What he discovers is more than just a recipe; he finds the soul of the dish itself. Gumbo is, at its heart, a representation of home and family and community.
Wells grew up along the banks of Bayou Black nestled deep in Cajun country. Praise from fellow writer Roy Blount, Jr. notes, ““Ken Wells knows gumbo, and from whence it comes. And gumbo, and its sources, are profoundly tasty things to know.”
Around Town:
August 3
Blue Cypress Books hosts with “New York Times” bestselling writer Daniel Kraus. The book launch event is in celebration of his new novel “Angel Down,” with a conversation moderated by fellow writer Jami Attenberg. bluecypressbooks.com
August 7
The New Orleans Public Library’s Latter branch hosts Author Night featuring Michael Allen Zell, with a discussion of this latest New Orleans crime novel “Black Ice.” neworleans.libnet.info/events
August 20
Join in a virtual author talk with romance writer Casey McQuiston, author of “The Pairing,” sponsored by The New Orleans Public Library. Register to receive the link to join and submit questions for discussion. neworleans.libnet.info/events
August 26
Baldwin & Co. Bookstore presents and evening with author Cleyvis Natera. The event will feature a discussion of Natera’s new book “The Grand Paloma Resort” in a conversation with writer Maurice Carlos Ruffin. baldwinandcobooks.com
