One Book Siouxland 2026
True Biz is a captivating and insightful novel set at the River Valley School for the Deaf. The story follows three interconnected lives: Charlie, a rebellious hearing teenager newly immersed in the world of American Sign Language (ASL); Austin, a student whose family legacy ties him deeply to Deaf culture; and February, the school's fierce headmistress fighting to keep the institution afloat. As political tensions rise, their lives collide, forcing them to confront complex issues of language, identity, and communication. Sara Nović offers a powerful look at the resilience and beauty of Deaf culture, the fight against marginalization, and the universal search for one's "true biz"-the authentic truth.
Reserve your copy here.
About the Author
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(photo credited to Zach Stone)
Sara is the author of the instant NYT Bestseller True Biz, as well as the books Girl at War and America is Immigrants. Mother Tongue, a memoir, is out on May 5, 2026. Sara holds an MFA in fiction and literary translation from Columbia University and is an instructor of Deaf studies and creative writing. They live in Philadelphia with their family.
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Upcoming Events
One Book Siouxland Kick-Off
Sunday, March 29
1:30-4:00 p.m.
Oak View Branch
The One Book Siouxland 2026 series kicks off with programs centered on True Biz by Sara Nović, featuring our first American Sign Language class, a book discussion, and a presentation by faculty and students from Augustana University's Sign Language Interpreting program.
Registration for American Sign Language for Beginners and One Book Siouxland book discussion required under separate events.
American Sign Language for Beginners Class
Sunday, March 29
Sunday, April 12
Sunday, April 26
Sunday, May 10
All class times 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Oak View Branch
Learn the basics of American Sign Language in a welcoming and interactive setting. These beginner-friendly sessions focus on practical communication skills and provide opportunities to practice with others. Build confidence, explore a new language, and connect with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community through this engaging program.
Registration is required
History of the SD School for the Deaf
Wednesday, April 8
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Downtown Library
Explore the history of the South Dakota School for the Deaf with former superintendent Larry Puthoff as he shares insights, experiences, and the school’s lasting impact on Deaf education.
Registration is required.
True Biz Book Discussion
Sunday, March 29
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Oak View Branch
Sunday, April 12
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Oak View Branch
Have you checked out True Biz by Sara Nović, our 2026 One Book Siouxland pick? If you have and you're eager to talk about it with other readers, this is a chance to chat about your thoughts and experiences with the book.
Registration is required.
Beyond Sound: A Conversation on Deaf Culture & Etiquette
Thursday, April 16
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Downtown Library
This interactive panel brings together leaders from the Deaf community to discuss communication etiquette, cultural values, accessibility, and ways to foster respectful, inclusive interactions.
Registration is required.
Virtual Talk with True Biz author Sara Nović
Tuesday, April 28
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Belbas Theater at the Washington Pavilion
301 S Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD
Experience the final One Book Siouxland 2026 event featuring True Biz by Sara Nović. The author will join the audience virtually from Pennsylvania for a live discussion and Q&A. Sara will answer questions via interpreter and explore the themes and stories behind True Biz. Books will be available for purchase from Zandbroz Variety.
Registration is required.
2025 Vanished in Vermillion - Lou Raguse
Vanished in Vermillion unravels a 50-year-old cold case in Vermillion, South Dakota. The story chronicles the 1971 disappearances of Pam Jackson and Sherri Miller, two 17-year-olds from Vermillion. Author Lou Raguse extensively covered the case for the KELOLAND News from 2005 to 2008. The result of hundreds of interviews, Raguse’s book flips the script on typical investigation stories, revealing the intricate details of the mystery that has haunted South Dakota for half a century.
2024 Don't Look Back - Achut Deng
Don't Look Back recounts Achut Deng’s story of escaping civil war in South Sudan, living in a Kenyan refugee camp, and coming to America. Deng faced loss, pain, and challenges during her journey. But, taught by the strong women in her life not to look back, Achut kept moving forward. Don't Look Back is a powerful story of hope, strength, and faith in the future.
2023 Accidental Rancher - Eliza Blue
The 2023 One Book Siouxland selection was Accidental Rancher by Eliza Blue. In Accidental Rancher, Blue shares a collection of short stories about her life on the high plains, bringing a new voice and a musician's grace to the culture of rural America.
2022 | Winter Counts - David Heska Wanbli Weiden
The 2022 One Book Siouxland selection was David Heska Wanbli Weiden's award winning Winter Counts, a thriller set in and around South Dakota’s Rosebud Indian Reservation. It features complex characters, believable conflicts, and an urgent message about Native culture, as well as the inequities in education opportunities and criminal justice.
2020 | The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah
The 2020 One Book Siouxland selection was Kristin Hannah's bestselling The Great Alone, a gripping portrayal of a family seeking a fresh beginning in Alaska in the 1970s.
2019 | Prairie Fires - Caroline Fraser
In 2019, participants read Caroline Fraser's Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Prairie Fires won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Biography, the National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography, as well as being named to New York Times' "10 Best Books of the Year."
2018 | A Man Called Ove - Fredrik Backman
In 2018, One Book Siouxland participants read Fredrik Backman's best-selling book, A Man Called Ove. Library staff, in partnership with local library users, selected this story because of its theme--"people can change, even if they are set in their ways"--as well as the strong Swedish and Scandinavian heritage that is part of this region and the book.