The Kansas Center for the Book and the State Library of Kansas have selected two books to represent the state in the 2026 Great Reads from Great Places program. The adult selection is The Last Rancher by Robert Rebein. The novel follows Leroy and Caroline Wagner, who run the Bar W Ranch near Dodge City. After Leroy is seriously injured, he can no longer work the land. Their three children return home to help save the ranch and rebuild family relationships.
The youth selection is “Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm” by
Lindsay H. Metcalf. The book follows two young pen pals as they learn how food
is grown on both traditional outdoor farms and indoor farms. It also introduces
readers to modern farming technology, including tractors and drones.
Both books were previously named Kansas Notable Books. The
Great Reads from Great Places program highlights one adult and one youth title
from each state to celebrate local authors and encourage reading. Visit library.ks.gov/KSGreatReads for
more information.
