2026 North Dakota Great Read Selections

The North Dakota State Library’s Center for the Book is delighted to announce the North Dakota Great Read titles for 2026 - “They Caught Them Sleeping: How Dot Reinvented the Pretzel” by Jeff Kolpack and “July 4, 2026: The Tenacious 10 Celebrate the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence” by Paulette Bullinger and Kevin Kremer.

"Great Reads from Great Places celebrates literary works across the states and U.S. territories,” says Literacy Specialist Tammy Kruger. “We are excited to showcase the works of Jeff Kolpack, Paulette Bullinger, and Kevin Kremer this year!”

Every year, the Library of Congress asks each state Center for the Book to select titles that represent the state’s literary landscape to highlight at the National Book Festival, an event showcasing the importance of books and reading. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, August 22, in Washington, D.C. More information can be found at https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-book-festival/about-this-program/. For 2026, Center for the Books were asked to make selections that highlight America 250 or the American spirit.

"Each year, the North Dakota Great Read selections give us an opportunity to celebrate the stories that reflect our state’s history, creativity, and spirit," says State Librarian Mary Soucie. "This year’s titles beautifully highlight both North Dakota’s entrepreneurial heritage and our nation’s journey toward independence. We’re proud to share these books with readers across the country as part of the National Book Festival."

The North Dakota Center for the Book invites North Dakotans to read “They Caught Them Sleeping: How Dot Reinvented the Pretzel” by Jeff Kolpack and “July 4, 2026: The Tenacious 10 Celebrate the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence” by Paulette Bullinger and Kevin Kremer.

About “They Caught Them Sleeping: How Dot Reinvented the Pretzel”
This title is a success story of American entrepreneurship! Meet Dorothy Henke, rural North Dakota native. With a combination of determination, steady work-ethic, creativity, and help from friends and family, Dorothy became known as Dot by Americans across the country! Dot’s Pretzels were a smash hit and continue to be a favorite today!

About “July 4, 2026: The Tenacious 10 Celebrate the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence”
Readers join nine teenagers and their friendly robot -- the Tenacious 10 -- on a historic adventure to celebrate America’s 250th birthday! This time, they are traveling to each state capital, showing talking holographs of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Over the course of three weeks, readers follow their journey, learning our nation’s history along the way!