Help K-State First Book select the common reading book for 2026

The K-State First Book started with "The Hunger Games" in 2010. The campus met "The Other Wes Moore" in 2015, and Wildcats learned from former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy with "Together" in 2025. What will be the common read in 2026?

Each year, K-State First Book selects a common book for the academic year and coordinates classroom and campus activities to complement the reading. As part of K-State First, KSFB offers incoming students a shared academic experience that allows them to discuss their progress with professors, staff, administrators, and other students upon arrival on campus.

The 2026 First Book Selection Committee — comprised of 26 students, staff, administrators, and faculty from two campuses — spent the last six months reading 40 books on the theme of on the theme of inspiring learning, creativity, discovery and engagement that positively impacts society and transforms lives in Kansas and around the world.

The committee has narrowed the list down to three finalists: "Callings" by David Esay, "Everything is Tuberculosis" by John Green and "Second Chances" by Craig Grossi.

Visit the First Book webpage to read about these three finalists that have been chosen for consideration and offer your feedback by the end of the day on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

As the campus community wraps up conversations about the 2025 selection, "Together: The Healing Power of Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World," please keep in mind the award opportunities for students, faculty, and staff, which are due on Friday, Dec. 12.

Learn more about the common read on the K-State First Book webpage, which includes a list of past book selections. For more information about the university's first-year experience program, visit the K-State First webpage.

— Submitted by Karin Westman