“'The End of Faith,' by Sam Harris. I wanted to read it because I believe there are many components of faith, and I don't believe that Christianity has all the answers.”

— Elizabeth Gnora Kontras, textile artist, Shawnee

“'Outlander,' by Diana Gabaldon. It's a historical fiction and romance about a World War II-era woman who travels back in time to Scotland, where she joins a clan shortly before Scotland and England are at war.”

— Kathryn Klausen, Kansas University junior, Lawrence

“'The Freedom Writers Diary.' It's a compilation of short stories written by a group of at-risk high school students.”

— Jami Sweeney, researcher, Lawrence

“I'm reading 'The Rivers of Zadaa,' in the Pendragon series by D.J. MacHale. The series is about a boy named Bobby Pendragon who is protecting the universe from his rival, Saint Dane.”

— Taylor Sweeney, Raintree Montessori School sixth grader, Lawrence