");vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("HEAD")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("3. How Satisfied are you with the programs and offerings provided by MPR?");})("#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("5. Which topics or issues are you most interested in hearing about on MPR?");})("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_5:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("6. How likely are you to recommend MPR to a friend or family member?");})("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_5:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_6:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("7. What is your overall impression of the quality of MPR's programs and offering?");})("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_16_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { try{ var _vwo_sel = vwo_$("`); !vwo_$("head").find('#1738257835657').length && vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{const DEAR_READER_HEADING_HTML="

Dear reader,

",DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML="\n

Political debates with family or friends can get heated. But what if there was a way to handle them better?

\n

You can learn how to have civil political conversations with our new e-book!

\n

Download our free e-book, Talking Sense: Have Hard Political Conversations, Better, and learn how to talk without the tension.

\n",DEAR_READER_CTA_TEXT="Get your free ebook »",DEAR_READER_CTA_LINK="https://cloud.connect.mpr.org/mprnews-cfw03-01-talking-sense?utm_campaign=cfw_talkingsense&utm_term=dearreader_co";!function(){const e=async function(r,t=100,n=1e4){t=Number.isInteger(t)&&t>0&&t<=100?t:parseInt(t);let a="Array";if("NaN"==t)return console.error("Invalid refresh interval:",t);Array.isArray(r)||"string"!=typeof r||(a="string",r=[r]);let o=e=>document.querySelector(e),i=e=>e.every(e=>!!o(e));return new Promise((l,s)=>{let c=(e,r=null)=>(r&&clearInterval(r),l("Array"==a||e.length>1?e.map(e=>o(e)):o(e[0]))),d=a=>{console.error(`${a.name}: ${a.message}`);return s(a,()=>e(r,t=100,n=1e4))};try{if(i(r))return c(r);let e=setInterval(()=>{if(i(r))return c(r,e)},1e3/t);setTimeout(()=>{try{if(!i(r)){clearInterval(e);let r=Error(`Failed to find matching elements within ${n}ms`);throw r.name="Timed Out",r}}catch(e){return d(e)}},n)}catch(e){return d(e)}})};e("article").then(e=>{e.insertAdjacentHTML("beforeend",`
\n
\n

Dear reader,

\n ${DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML}\n \n \n \n
\n
`)})}();}catch(e) {console.error(e)} return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("head")}}, R_940895_16_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { try{ var ctx=vwo_$(x),el; /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",""); vwo_debug*/; el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1738257835657"]'); el.revertContentOp().remove(); } catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{ var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","addElement","body"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1738257835659"]')).remove(); } catch(e) {console.error(e)} return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("head")}}, C_940895_16_1_3_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { try{ var _vwo_sel = vwo_$("`); !vwo_$("head").find('#1738257835661').length && vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{const DEAR_READER_HEADING_HTML="

Dear reader,

",DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML="\n

The trustworthy and factual news you find here at MPR News relies on the generosity of readers like you.\n

\n

Your donation ensures that our journalism remains available to all, connecting communities and facilitating better conversations for everyone.\n

\n

Will you make a gift today to help keep this trusted new source accessible to all?\n

\n",DEAR_READER_CTA_TEXT="Donate now »",DEAR_READER_CTA_LINK="https://support.mpr.org/secure/news-dear-reader?utm_term=dearreader_da";!function(){const e=async function(r,t=100,n=1e4){t=Number.isInteger(t)&&t>0&&t<=100?t:parseInt(t);let a="Array";if("NaN"==t)return console.error("Invalid refresh interval:",t);Array.isArray(r)||"string"!=typeof r||(a="string",r=[r]);let o=e=>document.querySelector(e),s=e=>e.every(e=>!!o(e));return new Promise((i,l)=>{let c=(e,r=null)=>(r&&clearInterval(r),i("Array"==a||e.length>1?e.map(e=>o(e)):o(e[0]))),u=a=>{console.error(`${a.name}: ${a.message}`);return l(a,()=>e(r,t=100,n=1e4))};try{if(s(r))return c(r);let e=setInterval(()=>{if(s(r))return c(r,e)},1e3/t);setTimeout(()=>{try{if(!s(r)){clearInterval(e);let r=Error(`Failed to find matching elements within ${n}ms`);throw r.name="Timed Out",r}}catch(e){return u(e)}},n)}catch(e){return u(e)}})};e("article").then(e=>{e.insertAdjacentHTML("beforeend",`
\n
\n

Dear reader,

\n ${DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML}\n \n \n \n
\n
`)})}();}catch(e) {console.error(e)} return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("head")}}},rules:[{"tags":[{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":4}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":61,"g":3}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":2}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":3}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":4}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":55,"g":3}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":3}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":54,"g":2}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":1}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959030}],"triggers":["8536412"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":5}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":61,"g":4}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":3}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":4}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":1}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":55,"g":4}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":4}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":54,"g":4}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":3}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959027}],"triggers":["8536409"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":7}],"type":"g"},"id":"metric","metricId":0}],"triggers":["12454062"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":2}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":61,"g":5}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":5}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":5}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":2}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":55,"g":1}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":5}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":54,"g":1}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":4}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951905}],"triggers":["8459768"]},{"tags":[{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.39"}],"triggers":["12454053"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":6}],"type":"g"},"id":"metric","metricId":0}],"triggers":["12454059"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":5}],"type":"g"},"id":"metric","metricId":0}],"triggers":["12454056"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":5}],"type":"g"},"id":"metric","metricId":0}],"triggers":["12639747"]},{"tags":[{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.48"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.61"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.62"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.63"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.16"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.55"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.64"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.54"}],"triggers":["10589191"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":3}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":61,"g":2}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":1}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":2}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":3}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":55,"g":2}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":2}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":54,"g":3}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":39,"g":2}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":959033}],"triggers":["8536415"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":1}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":61,"g":1}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":62,"g":4}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":1}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":16,"g":6}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":55,"g":5}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":1}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"campaigns":[{"c":54,"g":5}],"type":"m"},"id":"metric","metricId":951908}],"triggers":["8639604"]},{"tags":[{"id":"checkEnvironment"}],"triggers":["5"]},{"tags":[{"priority":3,"id":"prePostMutation"},{"priority":2,"id":"groupCampaigns"}],"triggers":["8"]},{"tags":[{"priority":2,"id":"visibilityService"}],"triggers":["9"]},{"tags":[{"id":"runTestCampaign"}],"triggers":["2"]},{"tags":[{"id":"urlChange"}],"triggers":["75"]}],pages:{"ec":[{"1625289":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i).*"]]}},{"2121531":{"inc":["o",["pg","eq","141375"]]}}],"pc":[{"141375":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/story.*"],["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/episode.*"]]}}]},pagesEval:{"ec":[1625289,2121531],"pc":[141375]},stags:{}}})(); ;;var commonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={valuesGetter:function(){return{}},valuesSetter:function(){},verifyData:function(){return{}}}}const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var pollInterval=100;var timeout=6e4;return function(){var accountIntegrationSettings={};var _interval=null;function waitForAnalyticsVariables(){try{accountIntegrationSettings=argument.valuesGetter();accountIntegrationSettings.visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid()}catch(error){accountIntegrationSettings=undefined}if(accountIntegrationSettings&&argument.verifyData(accountIntegrationSettings)){argument.valuesSetter(accountIntegrationSettings);return 1}return 0}var currentTime=0;_interval=setInterval((function(){currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var result=waitForAnalyticsVariables();if(result||performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout){clearInterval(_interval)}}),pollInterval)}}; var pushBasedCommonWrapper=function(argument){var firedCamp={};if(!argument){argument={integrationName:"",getExperimentList:function(){},accountSettings:function(){},pushData:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var sendDebugLogsOld=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type,data){try{var errorPayload={f:argument["integrationName"]||"",a:window._vwo_acc_id,url:window.location.href,exp:expId,v:variationId,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(errorType=="initIntegrationCallback"){errorPayload["log_type"]="initIntegrationCallback";errorPayload["data"]=JSON.stringify(data||"")}else if(errorType=="timeout"){errorPayload["timeout"]=true}if(window.VWO._.customError){window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug",url:window.location.href,lineno:"",colno:"",source:JSON.stringify(errorPayload)})}}catch(e){window.VWO._.customError&&window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug failed",url:"",lineno:"",colno:"",source:""})}};var sendDebugLogs=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type){var eventName="vwo_debugLogs";var eventPayload={};try{eventPayload={intName:argument["integrationName"]||"",varId:variationId,expId:expId,type:errorType,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(window.VWO._.event){window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload,{enableLogs:1})}}catch(e){eventPayload={msg:"integration event log failed",url:window.location.href};window.VWO._.event&&window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload)}};const callbackFn=function(data){if(!data)return;var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2],repeated=data[0],singleCall=0,debug=0;var experimentList=argument.getExperimentList();var integrationName=argument["integrationName"]||"vwo";if(typeof argument.accountSettings==="function"){var accountSettings=argument.accountSettings();if(accountSettings){singleCall=accountSettings["singleCall"];debug=accountSettings["debug"]}}if(debug){sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intCallTriggered",repeated)}if(singleCall&&(repeated==="vS"||repeated==="vSS")||firedCamp[expId]){return}window.expList=window.expList||{};var expList=window.expList[integrationName]=window.expList[integrationName]||[];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(_vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){if(experimentList.indexOf(+expId)!==-1){firedCamp[expId]=variationId;var visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid();var pollInterval=100;var currentTime=0;var timeout=6e4;var user_type=_vwo_exp[expId].exec?"vwo-retry":"vwo-new";var interval=setInterval((function(){if(expList.indexOf(expId)!==-1){clearInterval(interval);return}currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var toClearInterval=argument.pushData(expId,variationId,visitorUuid);if(debug&&toClearInterval){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intDataPushed",user_type)}var isTimeout=performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout;if(isTimeout&&debug){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"timeout",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intTimeout",user_type)}if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}if(toClearInterval){window.expList[integrationName].push(expId)}}),pollInterval||100)}}};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",callbackFn]);window.VWO.push(["onVariationShownSent",callbackFn])}}; var surveyDataCommonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={getCampaignList:function(){return[]},surveyStatusChange:function(){},answerSubmitted:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];function getValuesFromAnswers(answers){var values=[];for(var i=0;i=timeout;if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}}),pollInterval)}}window.VWO.push(["onSurveyShown",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyShown")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyCompleted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyCompleted")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyAnswerSubmitted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.answerSubmitted,"surveySubmitted")}])}}; (function(){var VWOOmniTemp={};window.VWOOmni=window.VWOOmni||{};for(var key in VWOOmniTemp)Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(VWOOmniTemp,key)&&(window.VWOOmni[key]=VWOOmniTemp[key]);;})();(function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];var pollInterval=100;var _vis_data={};var intervalObj={};var analyticsTimerObj={};var experimentListObj={};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",function(data){if(!data){return}var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(window._vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){}}])})();; ;var vD=VWO.data||{};VWO.data={content:{"fns":{"list":{"args":{"1":{}},"vn":1}}},as:"r6.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",dacdnUrl:"https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",accountJSInfo:{"ts":1743584796,"noSS":false,"pc":{"a":0,"t":0},"rp":30}};for(var k in vD){VWO.data[k]=vD[k]};;var gcpfb=function(a,loadFunc,status,err,success){function vwoErr() {_vwo_err({message:"Google_Cdn failing for " + a + ". Trying Fallback..",code:"cloudcdnerr",status:status});} if(a.indexOf("/cdn/")!==-1){loadFunc(a.replace("cdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;} else if(a.indexOf("/dcdn/")!==-1&&a.indexOf("evad.js") !== -1){loadFunc(a.replace("dcdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;}};window.VWO=window.VWO || [];window.VWO._= window.VWO._ || {};window.VWO._.gcpfb=gcpfb;;var d={cookie:document.cookie,URL:document.URL,referrer:document.referrer};var w={VWO:{_:{}},location:{href:window.location.href,search:window.location.search},_vwoCc:window._vwoCc};;window._vwo_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window._vwo_apm_debug_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window.VWO._.useCdn=true;window.vwo_eT="br";window._VWO=window._VWO||{};window._VWO.fSeg={};window._VWO.dcdnUrl="/dcdn/settings.js";window.VWO.sTs=1743522714;window._VWO._vis_nc_lib=window._vwo_cdn+"edrv/nc-027330777ece73059cc92c6141e45cb3br.js";var loadWorker=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb: function(xhr,a){window._vwo_wt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 ||xhr.status===304){var code="var window="+JSON.stringify(w)+",document="+JSON.stringify(d)+";window.document=document;"+xhr.responseText;var blob=new Blob([code||"throw new Error('code not found!');"],{type:"application/javascript"}),url=URL.createObjectURL(blob);window.mainThread={webWorker:new Worker(url)};window.vwoChannelFW=new MessageChannel();window.vwoChannelToW=new MessageChannel();window.mainThread.webWorker.postMessage({vwoChannelToW:vwoChannelToW.port1,vwoChannelFW:vwoChannelFW.port2},[vwoChannelToW.port1, vwoChannelFW.port2]);if(!window._vwo_mt_f)return window._vwo_wt_f=true;_vwo_code.addScript({text:window._vwo_mt_f});delete window._vwo_mt_f}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a)}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker)){return;}window._vwo_wt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadWorker("https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/edrv/worker-1135852b6bc11a94eb64017a8d120ad8br.js");;var _vis_opt_file;var _vis_opt_lib;if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings.isSurveyPreviewMode){var surveyHash=window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.SURVEY_DEBUG_EVENTS.HASH;var param1="evad.js?va=";var param2="&d=debugger_new";var param3="&sp=1&a=940895&sh="+surveyHash;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?param1+"vanj"+param2:param1+"va_gq"+param2:param1+"edrv/va_gq-3adf809ea7b0629d1cfde6b0f4969635br.js"+param2;_vis_opt_file=_vis_opt_file+param3;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/dcdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode=="PREVIEW"){ var path1 = 'edrv/pd_'; var path2 = window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.EVAD.HASH + ".js"; ;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?path1+"vanj"+path2:path1+"va_gq"+path2:path1+"edrv/va_gq-3adf809ea7b0629d1cfde6b0f4969635br.js"+path2;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else{_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?"edrv/vanj-7340efabe014aa7ac36a54293558de41br.js":"edrv/va_gq-3adf809ea7b0629d1cfde6b0f4969635br.js":"edrv/va_gq-3adf809ea7b0629d1cfde6b0f4969635br.js"}window._vwo_library_timer=setTimeout((function(){vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay();vwoCode.finish()}),vwoCode.library_tolerance&&typeof vwoCode.library_tolerance()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.library_tolerance():2500),_vis_opt_lib=typeof _vis_opt_lib=="undefined"?window._vwo_cdn+_vis_opt_file:_vis_opt_lib;var loadLib=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb:function(xhr,a){window._vwo_mt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 || xhr.status===304){if(!window._vwo_wt_f)return window._vwo_mt_f=xhr.responseText;_vwo_code.addScript({text:xhr.responseText});delete window._vwo_wt_f;}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadLib,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadLib)){return;}window._vwo_mt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadLib(_vis_opt_lib);VWO.load_co=function(u,opts){return window._vwo_code.load(u,opts);};;;}}catch(e){_vwo_code.finish();_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay();_vwo_err(e);window.VWO.caE=1}})();
Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Live weather radar
Winter storm warnings in northern Minnesota. Sloppy snow, rain in Twin Cities
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff and Tracy Mumford

The best books to give and get: Young adult favorites of 2017

The Thread's favorite young adult reads of 2017
The Thread's favorite young adult reads of 2017
Courtesy of publishers

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

This week, The Thread is sharing some of our favorite books of the year.

Tell us the best book you read @TheThreadMPR.

'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas' debut novel was both the critical darling and the best-selling juggernaut of 2017 young adult fiction. The novel follows Starr, a 16-year-old black girl from a poor neighborhood who navigates the nearly all-white crowds at her elite prep school in the suburbs. When Starr sees her childhood friend Khalil shot and killed by police, the worst moment of her life turns into a national headline. Thomas' timely and heartbreaking book explores the choices Starr must make next.

Hate U Give Hate U Give

'Akata Warrior' by Nnedi Okorafor

"Akata Warrior" is the sequel to Nnedi Okorafor's "Akata Witch," which has been hailed as "the Nigerian 'Harry Potter.'" It's a flattering comparison — but it doesn't give enough credit to Okorafor's wild imagination, with which she's crafted a magical world all her own. The books follow Sunny, an American-born girl whose family moves back to Nigeria, where she discovers the powers that run in her bloodline. In this new sequel, Sunny continues her studies of increasingly complicated magic, and must confront her own daunting destiny.

Akata Warrior Akata Warrior

'The Pearl Thief' by Elizabeth Wein

Elizabeth Wein delivers a fast-paced, character-driven historical murder mystery, set in Scotland in the 1930s. The mystery revolves around 15-year-old Julia, who wakes up in the hospital with a head injury she can't explain. As she tries to piece together what happened, she makes friends with a set of Traveller siblings, whose family is shunned by the town. Her search for answers is magnified when a body is discovered, and the blame seems to fall on her friends. ("The Pearl Thief" is a prequel to the much-loved novel "Code Name Verity," but it stands on its own.)

The Pearl Thief The Pearl Thief

'Long Way Down' by Jason Reynolds

Told in free verse, "Long Way Down" is a slim, quick read that sticks in your gut. The entire novel takes place over the course of a single minute — the time it takes for an elevator to descend from the eighth floor to ground level. In that elevator is 15-year-old Will, carrying a gun, out for revenge for his older brother's death. But on each floor, he is visited by a growing chorus of ghosts — those who lived or died by violence. Will must decide before the elevator doors open whether he will carry out his plan.

Long Way Down Long Way Down

'I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter' by Erika L. Sanchez

Growing up, Julia never had to worry about being perfect — that was her older sister Olga's job. Stay at home. Follow the rules. Listen to your mother. But when Olga is killed in an accident, the weight of her family's expectations fall to Julia, grief-stricken and suddenly the target for her mother's every criticism. As Julia struggles to live in the shadow of her sister, she learns new, hard truths about her family — including that Olga was not as well-behaved and mild-mannered as she thought.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

'Shadowhouse Fall' by Daniel Jose Older

Daniel Jose Older thrilled readers with "Shadowshaper," and its sequel is equally dazzling. The novels unfold in a world where murals can be magic, and the artists behind them can unleash powerful spirits. Sierra, who discovers her talents in the first novel, returns in "Shadowhouse Fall" to face a battle against the Hound of Light, which threatens the future of her entire community.

Shadowhouse Fall Shadowhouse Fall

'One Dark Throne' by Kendare Blake

2017 is the year of the sequel: "One Dark Throne" continues the story that kicked off in "Three Dark Crowns." The books follow a set of triplets all born with equal right to be queen — but only the last girl standing can take the role. Your sibling rivalry has nothing on this. Three sisters, three dark plots — only one throne.

One Dark Throne One Dark Throne

'Warcross' by Marie Lu

"Warcross" has earned a fleet of comparisons — think "Hunger Games," "World of Warcraft," and "Ready Player One," all in a blender. This cyberpunk romp takes place in a world obsessed with an online game — Warcross. Everyone lives to log on and battle it out; the heroes of the game become instant celebrities. Teenage hacker Emika accidentally throws herself into the chaos when she interrupts the international championships, and becomes a contestant herself.

Warcross Warcross

Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
Morning Edition