The University of Arizona Press
February 15, 2026
Our art, non-fiction, memoir, and history books made the 2026 Southwest Books of the Year list! Each year, the Pima County Public Library releases this list, honoring “titles published during the calendar year that are about the Southwest, or are set in the Southwest.” Below, read about our books that were selected for 2026, and visit the Pima County Public Library website to see the full list.
Art & Photography Top Pick
Mac Schweitzer: A Southwest Maverick and her Art and by Ann Lane Hedlund is a stylishly illustrated book that resurrects the creative legacy of Mary Alice “Mac” Cox Schweitzer. Hedlund draws from the artist’s letters, photo albums, and published reviews to tell the story of Mac’s creative and adventuresome life. Her watercolors, oil paintings, prints, and sculptures—a diverse body of work never before seen in public—range from naturalistic studies of Sonoran Desert animals to impressionistic landscapes to moody abstractions. A sharp observer of Indigenous life, she sketched and painted scenes of Navajo (Diné), Hopi, O’odham, and Yaqui people and events. These unique portrayals of the Southwest illustrate this saga of a maverick artist rediscovered.
Memoir Top Pick
Author John P. Schaefer was only thirty-six years old when he assumed the role of fifteenth president of the University of Arizona in 1971. The son of hardworking German immigrants, Schaefer grew up in Queens, New York, where childhood centered on sports, academics, and the great outdoors. As president, he led the University of Arizona through a transformational period of growth and is credited with securing the university’s status as a top-tier research institution. A Chance to Make a Difference recounts poignant, eye-opening, and often humorous stories from childhood to presidency, revealing the characteristics of an inspiring university leader.
History Pick
The Hohokam and Their World: An Exploration of Art and Iconography offers readers the opportunity to explore how these various images and objects may have been used by the Hohokam, and what the icons and objects may have meant, including how the Hohokam conveyed ideas about water, the Sonoran Desert, the ocean, travel, ancestors, and the cosmos. In this beautifully illustrated book, authors Linda M. Gregonis and Victoria Riley Evans show how Hohokam people live on in art as well as oral histories, songs, poems, and stories, leaving enduring symbols and icons. Whether you’re planning a visit to national parks or museums in the Southwest or simply intrigued by ancient civilizations, The Hohokam and Their World is a must-read.
Non-Fiction Pick
In Arizona Friend Trips, Lisa Schnebly Heidinger and Julie Morrison invite readers to explore the state’s most cherished places through a blend of poetry, prose, and photography. From the iconic landmarks to hidden gems, each chapter of this captivating travelogue provides a rich tapestry of historical insight, personal anecdotes, and emotional reflections, painting a vivid portrait of Arizona’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Be part of this unique journey as Lisa and Julie embark on an unforgettable adventure, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Grand Canyon State.
Congratulations to all!
