by Jennifer Wyman

For years, our iPub Picks shelf has celebrated the stories that move us, challenge us, and reflect the diverse world in which we live. Now, we’re bringing that tradition online with a new blog series written by our very own team members. Each week, one staffer will share three books—one children’s, one nonfiction, and one fiction—that embody iPub’s mission to amplify underrepresented voices and celebrate powerful storytelling.

We invite you to follow along, discover something new, and maybe even find your next favorite read!

This week’s iPub Picks are provided by Jennifer Wyman, iPub’s Senior Editorial Director. She’s also the mastermind behind iPub’s YouTube Word Nerdy series, on the principles of copyediting and grammar.

Jennifer Wyman was diagnosed with MS in 1997, just one year after earning her BA in English—and one day after her 23rd birthday. Despite the progression of her illness, she went on to complete a master’s in English and later an MA in Theology, all while adapting to new physical challenges and relying on assistive technologies to continue her work.

Over the years, Jennifer built a thriving career as a freelance academic editor and format reviewer, collaborating closely with Fordham University before joining iPub Cloud International, where she now serves as Senior Editorial Director. The author of two books, Jennifer creates all her written work using voice-to-text software, a mouth stylus, and eye-tracking technology. You can grab Jennifer’s books: Superabled Book 1: Louisa’s Story: The Girl Who Found Her Superpower and The Peacemakers: Walking with the Pope, the President, and the Peoples of Abraham.

She passionately believes in the transformative power of technology and education, advocating for a world where every child—regardless of their circumstances—has the tools and confidence to shape their own future.

Children’s Book: The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill

It’s been a while since I was a child, but I think this oldie by Jean Merrill is perfect given Mamdani’s monumental win. The Pushcart War is a satirical tale about a group of small pushcart vendors who take on the powerful trucking industry in New York City. Beneath its playful surface lies an important message about justice, cooperation, and standing up to power.

Fiction book: The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman tells the story of four women whose lives converge during the Roman siege of Masada around 73 CE, where, according to Josephus, nearly a thousand Jewish rebels (believed to be Sicarii, a radical faction of the Zealots) chose death rather than surrender to the brutality of Caesar’s army. At its core, The Dovekeepers is about the endurance of women—how they sustain life, protect secrets, and preserve hope amid devastation.

Nonfiction book: The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

One of my all-time favorites, The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony tells the true story of a South African conservationist who risked everything to save a herd of wild elephants deemed too dangerous to live. His story embodies the same spirit that drives iPub—listening across boundaries, honoring every voice, and proving that understanding can transform even the most untamable worlds.