In some Mexican cultures, butterflies represent extraordinary spiritual, magical creations that are believed to embody the spirits of the dead and the souls of deities. Not surprisingly, many Mexican-American authors have incorporated these alluring insects into their writing, as Reyna Grande affirms in her second novel, Dancing With Butterflies. Grande, whose critically acclaimed debut...

Even before embarking upon the obligatory kindergarten trip to the farm, Wisconsin kids know that the state is renowned for its cheese. From squeaky curds to fans sporting wedges of cheddar on their heads, Wisconsin has been perfecting this artisan craft since the 1850s. In fact, the state produces 35% of the nation’s specialty cheeses and wheels...

Poet Frank X Walker is officially credited with coining the term “Affrilachian,” an adjective that relates to African Americans who reside in or come from Appalachia. In so doing, this Kentucky native added new color to society’s perceptions of the multi-state region of Appalachia and has gone on to celebrate a style of verse based on this unexpected, but appropriate, idiom...

Music has become synonymous with the holiday season—some of it inspired, some of it trite. If you are looking for something more sophisticated than the conventional Christmas carol, tune in to Boswell Book Co. on Monday, Nov. 30...

Two award-winning authors will explicate the deeper meaning behind their writings this week at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Author and filmmaker M.K. Asante Jr. will lecture on his topical new manuscript, It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop, on Nov. 19, followed by critically acclaimed author Edwidge Danticat on Nov. 23...

The 1960s come alive this week as Peter Yarrow of the popular folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary performs at Milwaukee’s Jewish Community Center (JCC) to share the message of his newest children’s book, Day Is Done. This illustrated version of Yarrow’s song of the same name is a perfect story to draw families together at the...