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Talking Volumes is an annual event series featuring notable authors in conversation about their new books. Presented by MPR News and The Minnesota Star Tribune. 

'Captain Underpants' spinoff pulled for 'passive racism'
The book under scrutiny is 2010's "The Adventures of Ook and Gluk" by Dav Pilkey, who has apologized, saying it "contains harmful racial stereotypes" and is "wrong and harmful to my Asian readers."
How Rodney Scott learned to cook – and went for it, whole hog
Pitmaster Rodney Scott describes his lifelong journey as a chef and his hope for the future. "I want to take over the world with barbecue," the James Beard Award winner tells NPR.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth doesn't pull punches in memoir 'Every Day Is a Gift'
Duckworth was raised by a Thai-Chinese mom and American soldier dad before becoming a decorated veteran who lost both legs in combat; she was also the first U.S. senator to give birth while in office.
George R.R. Martin signs new five year deal with HBO and HBO Max
The best-selling fantasy author whose books were turned into the hit series “Game of Thrones” is attached to multiple projects in the pipeline for the media company and streaming service.
'The Tree In Me' is a blooming good spring read
As spring finally gets springing, our kids' books columnist Juanita Giles recommends “The Tree in Me,” a pink-splashed, exuberant celebration of kids enjoying nature.
Ask a Bookseller: Part memoir, part home redecorating saga
The book Sandy Koropp of Prairie Path Books in Wheaton, Ill., is "crazy about right now" is part memoir, part home redecorating saga.
How Black players propelled Cleveland's baseball team to win the 1948 World Series
In 1948, Cleveland's baseball team won the World Series. It wouldn't have made it without the team's first two Black players, and the team owner's willingness to hire them, says author Luke Epplin.
Children's author Beverly Cleary, creator of Ramona Quimby, dies at 104
Beverly Cleary, the celebrated children’s author whose memories of her Oregon childhood were shared with millions through the likes of Ramona and Beezus Quimby and Henry Huggins, has died at age 104.