Two Wayne State University Press books have been selected as 2014 Michigan Notable Books: The Colored Car by Jean Alicia Elster and The Way North: Collected Upper Peninsula New Works edited by Ron Riekki.

They are among 20 books selected by the Library of Michigan that celebrate Michigan people, places and events. The 2014 list includes titles covering topics as diverse as a detailed discussion of Chief Pontiac’s Rebellion; a biography of Mark “The Bird” Fidrych; a children’s graphic novel about Buster Keaton’s summers spent in Muskegon; the deadly Great Lakes hurricane of 1913; a collection of articles studying the Great Lakes sturgeon; and a book highlighting the joys of baking and eating pies. 

The Colored Car tells the powerful story of an African American girl's train journey south from Detroit in 1937, based on Elster's own family history. It is part of the Press's Great Lakes Books Series and a follow-up to Elster's previous book, Who's Jim Hines?

The Way North is a stunning collection of previously unpublished works that provide snapshots of life in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It contains pieces from forty-two writers, including works of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Riekki has selected varied and memorable voices of both well-known and new writers for this anthology, which is part of the Press's multiple award-winning Made in Michigan Writers Series.

Michigan Notable Books is a statewide program that began in 1991 as part of the Michigan Week celebration, geared to pay tribute and draw attention to the many people and places that make life in Michigan unique. In that regard, the MNB program successfully features Michigan books and writers focusing their talents on the creative talents found in the Great Lakes State. Each title on the list provides readers an insight into what it means to make your home in Michigan and continues to showcase some of the greatest stories are located in the Great Lakes region. 

Visit wsupress.wayne.edu for more information and a list of books.