Author Interview

Meet Ilana Bonaparte, a rising young author who started writing "Coyote Catchers, Book One: Asla and the Dirtway Trail" in third grade and is now a published writer heading into fifth grade. Asla’s adventure is recommended for readers 8 and up and available anywhere books are sold. August 20, 2026

Author and historian Greg Olson discovered the subject of his latest book, Jeffrey Deroine, while researching the Iowa Tribe of Native Americans. "What I really like about this story is...it changed a lot of the preconceptions I have about what it was like to be an enslaved person in Missouri and a free person of color in Missouri." April 22, 2026

Michelle Collins Anderson discusses her historical fiction novels The Flower Sisters and The Moonshine Women. She'll further talk about her work at Unbound Book Festival's Water of Life panel.

Samuel Cohen discusses 'Banning Books in America: Not a How-To.' He'll further talk about the work during Unbound Book Festival's Community Silences panel.

Samuel Kọ́láwọlé discusses his authorial journey. He will appear on two Unbound Book Festival panels: Hit the Road and Tales from the Book Tour.

Lisa Knopp discusses her 2016 book, 'Bread: A Memoir of Hunger.' Knopp was scheduled to speak at Unbound Book Festival, but has had to cancel and will not be attending.

Naeem Murr discusses his novel, 'Every Exit Brings You Home.' He'll further talk about the work during Unbound Book Festival's Disappearing Acts panel.

Author Justin Key discusses his book, 'The Hospital at the End of the World.' He'll further talk about the novel during Unbound Book Festival's "Out There Screaming": New Black Horror panel.

Author Emily Franklin discusses her book "Love & Other Monsters." She'll talk about the novel during a conversation with fellow author Jenna Blum at the Unbound Book Festival.

This year's Unbound Book Festival takes place April 16-19 in Columbia. Executive director Kerry Townsend joins us to talk about this year's keynote speaker, Terry Tempest Williams, and share general festival information. Plus, author and panelist Lisa Knopp, via Zoom, talks about her book, 'Bread: A Memoir of Hunger'. March 31, 2026