Michigan Notable Books

Every year, the Library of Michigan selects up to twenty of the most notable books, either written by a Michigan resident or about Michigan or the Great Lakes. The selected books are honored in the year after their publication or copyright date. Each selected title speaks to our state's rich cultural, historical, and literary heritage and proves without a doubt that some of the greatest stories are found in the Great Lakes State.

More information at: michigan.gov/notablebooks

This list includes titles included on the 2025 and 2026 lists.

Updated January 12, 2026
D
Dearborn Public Library
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The gales of November : the untold story of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Bacon, John U.
For three decades following World War II, the Great Lakes overtook Europe as the epicenter of global economic strength. The region was the beating heart of the world economy, possessing all the power and prestige Silicon Valley does today. And no ship represented the apex of the American Century...
The Black utopians : searching for paradise and the Promised Land in America
Robertson, Aaron
Paper Book
One of The New York Times''s 100 Notable Books of 2024 One of the Washington Post''s 50 Best Nonfiction Books of 2024 A Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for History Finalist for the Zora Award | Hooks National Book Award<...
Funny story
Henry, Emily
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ∙ A shimmering, joyful novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry. A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2024 Named a Must-Read Book of 2024 by...
I cheerfully refuse : a novel
Enger, Leif
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER * A BARNES & NOBLE BOOK CLUB PICK * A career defining tour-de-force from New York Times bestselling, award-winning and "formidably gifted" (Chicago Tribune) author of Peace Like a River Leif Enger. "A rare, remarkable book to be kept and...
True Gretch : what I've learned about life, leadership, and everything in between
Whitmer, Gretchen
Paper Book
From trailblazing Michigan governor, Democratic leader, and national advocate for women's rights, Gretchen Whitmer, comes an unconventional and deeply personal account of her life and career--"Not your nana's ponderous political memoir" (New York magazine)--offering insights into her...
We live here : Detroit Eviction Defense and the battle for housing justice
Wilson, Jeffrey
Paper Book
A graphic novel featuring uplifting stories of combatting-and beating-calls for their eviction in Detroit, showing how everyday people are fighting to stay in their homes, organizing with their communities, and winning. We Live Here! is a graphic novel biography of the...

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