UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Center for the Book, located within Penn State University Libraries’ Education Library, has selected Eric Smith’s Philadelphia-set young adult romance novel, “With or Without You,” published by Inkyard Press (HarperCollins), and Jolene McIlwain’s adult short story collection based in western Pennsylvania’s Appalachia, “Sidle Creek,” published by Melville House, to represent Pennsylvania in the Library of Congress Center for the Book’s 2025 Great Reads program.
The national Great Reads from Great Places program highlights the literary heritage of all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and Northern Marianas by publicizing a list of titles written by authors from, taking place in or celebrating the culture and heritage of each location. Each state and territorial Center for the Book typically selects one youth and one adult title, which are promoted at the Library of Congress’s National Book Festival. This national initiative is made possible by the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.
After surveying titles published over the previous two years and soliciting recommendations from Pennsylvania librarians and the public, the center chose Smith’s and McIlwain’s works for inclusion in the national program based on their relevance to Pennsylvania; excellence in writing and other features; reflection of the diversity of Pennsylvania residents; appropriateness for statewide promotion; and alignment with the center’s and the Great Reads mission.
In Eric Smith’s “With or Without You,” a fresh and engaging young adult romantic comedy set on the streets of South Philadelphia, rival teen food truck employees Jordan Plazas and Cindy Ortiz are internet-famous for their explosive feud — and secretly in love. What started as a staged rivalry to boost the respective family cheesesteak businesses suddenly goes national when a reality TV crew offers them a shot at fame. But as their fake feud grows bigger than ever, Jordan and Cindy must choose between chasing their dreams or risking it all for the truth — and each other. This highly entertaining YA novel draws teens in with a fun love story bursting with local Philly references.
Set in the Appalachian landscape of western Pennsylvania, “Sidle Creek” is a striking debut short story collection that captures the raw beauty and quiet struggles of rural life in Pennsylvania. With poetic precision and deep compassion, author Jolene McIlwain explores themes of class, work, trauma, and personal connection in a close-knit rural community simultaneously shaped and impacted by the forces of industry and natural resources.
Founded in 2000, the Pennsylvania Center for the Book is a state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. Its mission is to is to study, honor, celebrate and promote books, reading, libraries and literacy to the citizens and residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.