Following an extensive review process, Wyoming Humanities has announced its choices for the 2024 National Book Festival: “The Wolves of Yellowstone” by Catherine Barr and “Ridgeline” by Michael Punke.

Selection of these books was coordinated through the Wyoming Center for the Book, which is part of Wyoming Humanities. A panel — which included Terri Lesley, the former director of the Campbell County Library, and Christine Braddy, the director of the Goshen County Library — was chosen to read and consider several Wyoming-related books for this year’s event.

The children’s book “The Wolves of Yellowstone: A Rewilding Story” is a fascinating true story of the wolves who restored the ecosystem at Yellowstone National Park, written by Barr and illustrated by Jenni Desmond. The work has been called “engaging, informative, and hopeful” and strives to show the role each creature plays in sustaining a thriving ecosystem.

Barr is fascinated by nature and the power of words. A writer of 35 books, she hopes to encourage children to get involved in protecting our natural world while embracing the collaborative journey of working with scientists and other experts.

“Ridgeline” is this year’s selection for adult readers. Wyoming author Michael Punke, best known for his novel “The Revenant,” won multiple awards for this thrilling historical fiction novel.

Throughout this taut saga — based on real people and events — Punke brings the same immersive, vivid storytelling and historical insight that made his breakthrough debut so memorable. As “Ridgeline” builds to its epic conclusion, it grapples with essential questions of conquest and justice that still echo today.

“The selection committee agreed that this book draws attention to a lesser-known aspect of the Wyoming story,” Wyoming Center for the Book coordinator Lukus Fralick shared. “It leads us to consider the very real impacts of settler and business on Native American lands during a crucial period in the region's history. Beyond that, Punke wrote an engaging novel that keeps readers in suspense throughout.”

The writings will be Wyoming's “Great Reads from Great Places” selections at the annual festival, which highlights youth and adult books representing all 50 states. This literary event — which takes place Aug. 24 in Washington, D.C. — brings together best-selling authors and thousands of book fans for author talks, panel discussions, book signings and more.

For more information about Wyoming Humanities and its programs, visit thinkwy.org. Information about the Center can be directed to Fralick at lucas@thinkwy.org or 307-660-0729.