State Library of Iowa unveils All Iowa Reads 2025 shortlists; adult selection decided by committee vote

The State Library of Iowa’s All Iowa Reads committees published their 2025 shortlists for adult, teen and children categories and announced virtual author events and distribution contacts for book sets. The adult committee chose Tim Johnston’s Distant Suns as its winner after a committee vote, organizers said.

The announcement came during a State Library webinar hosted by Janae Jackson Doring, youth services consultant and chair of the children and teen All Iowa Reads committee. Jackson Doring said the selection criteria require titles that “raise universal social issues relevant to Iowans,” lend themselves to sustained discussion, and be available in a variety of accessible formats by Jan. 1 of the selection year.

Why this matters: The All Iowa Reads program supplies book sets, discussion guides and publicity materials to libraries statewide; winning and shortlisted titles are used for local reading groups, programming and virtual author events. Organizers also emphasized accessibility and format availability as part of the committee’s decision-making.

Committee presentation and shortlists Leslie Heinzler, who identified her role as special services…