Publisher's Note

On the set of TPT's Almanac, left to right: Cathy Wurzer, David Lawrence Grant, Eric Eskola, T Williams

On July 18, Twin Cities Public Television's live news program Almanac hosted T Williams and David Lawrence Grant, authors of Rewind: Lessons from Fifty Years of Activism. Hosts Cathy Wurzer and Eric Eskola led a discussion about such topics as the origins of the Urban Coalition, the precedent that the Soul Patrol may have set for today's violence disruptors, and the enduring role of the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center in North Minneapolis. The authors also described the collaborative process of creating this volume, its value for today's readers, and the warm reception it has received since the book launch in June at the Sumner Library. 

New Releases

In August MNHS Press releases two new books from award-winning authors.

How to Draw a Tree 

Story by David LaRochelle, illustrations by Colleen Muske
Every tree is unique, and there are many different kinds. The pages of How to Draw a Tree show a wide array of species, with the name for each tucked into the illustrations, encouraging viewers to slow down, appreciate, and learn.

Through thoughtful questions and lively examples, award-winning author David LaRochelle invites young readers to explore their natural surroundings. Colleen Muske’s whimsical, vibrant illustrations help children see trees in a new light. Drawing a tree involves getting to know your subject before even picking up a pencil. The more you look, the more you see. Beyond an art lesson, this book encourages young people to go outside and spend time in nature, exploring firsthand what they plan to draw.

Pub date: August 5, 2025.

Martin Sabo: The Making of the Modern Legislature

Lori Sturdevant
Minnesota has long been acknowledged as the state that works. Its government has been celebrated, if occasionally contested, and has been emulated by other states for decades. But today’s modern, professional state legislature was not inevitable. In the late 1960s–early 1970s Minnesota took a giant step toward a state government that fairly represents all the state’s regions and populations, one that operates in public view. 

At the center of those changes was a modest young man from tiny Alkabo, North Dakota, Martin Olav Sabo. Sabo demonstrated an understanding of representative democracy and a quality of leadership that made him a highly effective catalyst for positive change. He spent his entire adult life in public service, but it was during his years as DFL minority leader and as speaker of the Minnesota House that he did his most transformative and enduring work—remaking legislatures for the better. 

Pub date: August 19, 2025; book launch, September 11, 6:00 PM, Hagfors Center, Augsburg University, Minneapolis

Events

Twin Cities Metro

8/29/2025, 10:30 AM: David LaRochelle and Colleen Muske, How to Draw a Tree, at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in the Andersen Horticultural Library, Chaska

9/11/2025, 6:00 PM: Lori Sturdevant, Martin Sabo, Hagfors Center, Augsburg University, Minneapolis

Greater Minnesota

8/23/2025, 11:00 AM: Molly Beth Griffin, Rings of Heartwood, at Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais

8/30/2025, 6:00 PM: T Williams with David Lawrence Grant, Rewind, at Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais

In the Media

David LaRochelle with Colleen Muske,  How to Draw a Tree, "A look at the upcoming picture book you may want to rip apart," Minnesota Star Tribune.

David LaRochelle with Colleen Muske, How to Draw a Tree, review, Booklist. 

Frank Bures, Pushing the River, "Author presentation coming to the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum," Spooner Advocate. 

Frank Bures, Pushing the River, "Literary Calendar for the week of July 13," Pioneer Press.

Frank Bures, Pushing the River, "Author Frank Bures on canoeing, forgotten races and a brush with death on the Mississippi," Minnesota Public Radio.

T Williams with David Lawrence Grant, Rewind, "Readers and writers: A terrific novel and strong memoirs, all from Minnesota authors," Pioneer Press.

T Williams with David Lawrence Grant, Rewind, "Rewind: Lessons from Fifty Years of Activism," TPT Almanac.

Paul Maccabee, John Dillinger Slept Here, "John Dillinger's St. Paul History," Fox 9 TV.

Noteworthy

For a limited time, the e-book edition of True North Cabin Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from a North Woods Table, Stephanie Hansen's first cookbook, will be available for only $0.99 where e-books are sold online. Take advantage of this bargain to explore recipes from popular media personality and talented home cook Stephanie Hansen. ​And see what Stephanie is cooking up next in our Forthcoming Releases!

New in MNopedia

Raymond, Leona Evelyn (1908–1998)

Leona Evelyn Raymond is remembered for the large architectural sculptures she designed and named for such virtues as love, family, and peace. For sixty years, she taught workshops and classes, creating a community of novice and professional sculpture artists who dubbed her Minnesota’s dean of women sculptors.

Underground Railroad in Minnesota

Although long ignored in Underground Railroad scholarship, evidence indicates that small groups of Black and white abolitionists in Minnesota aided freedom seekers at different times and places in the 1850s and 60s. Waterways like the Mississippi River and territorial-era stagecoach roads were integral to the freedom movement. Free Black barbers, steamboat workers, and businessmen in Minnesota cooperated with abolitionists in Galena, Chicago, St. Louis, and beyond, all with a common goal: the end of slavery.

Forthcoming Releases

True North Cabin Cookbook, Volume Two: Seasonal Recipes from a Cozy Kitchen

Stephanie Hansen

Join bestselling cookbook author and popular media personality Stephanie Hansen at her midwestern table to celebrate food, family, and friends with charming tales and delicious recipes for the colder months of the year. Whether you've dog-eared every page in Stephanie's first True North Cabin Cookbook and are eagerly awaiting more inspiration or this is your introduction to Stephanie's signature style, "Volume Two" has something for everyone—and can just as easily stand on its own as complete the set. 

“We always say: Stephanie’s a total firecracker! From the moment you meet her, you feel that spark, that warmth, that joy. And this book? It’s so her. Think comforting Midwest classics, stories that make you smile, and flavors that bring people together. It’s like sitting around the table with an old friend—full of heart, full of flavor, and with just the right amount of sass.” —Alia Elkaffas and Radwa Elkaffas, creators of Food Dolls and authors of Pretty Delicious

“True North Cabin Cookbook is my idea of a very good time. From Hot Pickle Dip to Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Hot Dish to Baked Ziti with Meatballs to Beer Cheese Wild Rice Soup, I want to cook (and eat!) everything . . . preferably while sipping on a Cranberry Old-Fashioned, with Stephanie by my side, regaling me with stories.” —Jessie Sheehan, author of Snackable Bakes and The Vintage Baker

“Stephanie has perfectly curated all of these recipes: on every page, all I see is cozy and homey! This book is great for accessible yet unexpected weeknight dinner inspiration, featuring a bunch of unique combinations that highlight flavors you and your loved ones already enjoy.” —Hayden Haas, author of Simply Delishaas

Pub date: September 2, 2025; book launch, September 21, 1:00 PM, American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis (ticketed event)

Did you know MNHS has a podcast?

Bestselling Backlist