Two New Books Commemorate
BYU’s 150th Anniversary
In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of BYU’s founding this fall, Signature is publishing two groundbreaking books that illuminate the school’s history. Historian Gary Bergera has done it again with another fascinating documentary history, Educating Zion: The Diaries of BYU President Ernest L. Wilkinson, 1952–1971. As reviewer Matthew Harris put it, “Wilkinson’s journals show how, through sheer force of will, Wilkinson made BYU into the university it is today. And they reveal much more: a rare, insider’s view of the general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . . . and their (sometimes) clashing vision over what the university could become.” Gary will be speaking about his book at Benchmark Books on November 19. (See details below.)
In early December, Signature is excited to publish Matthew Bowman and Wayne LeCheminant’s stunning new book, Game Changers: AJ Dybantsa, BYU, and the Struggle for the Soul of Basketball. Yes, the book looks at how BYU pulled off the signing of NBA coaching star Kevin Young and the even more unlikely recruitment of the #1 high school player in the nation, AJ Dybantsa. But beyond that, Bowman and LeCheminant explore the history of sports at BYU and the theology behind the LDS Church' s enthusiastic embrace of basketball. “Game Changers connects the dots of more than a century of basketball,” says sports writer Lee Benson. “Fans will love reminiscing about Mel Hutchins, Kresimir Cosic, Danny Ainge, and Jimmer Fredette, will looking forward to the possibilities that come with AJ Dybantsa.” The hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook versions will be available in early December, with Utah Jazz legend Thurl Bailey narrating the audiobook.
Author Matthew Bowman will be in Salt Lake City to speak about and sign copies of Game Changers at Signature Books (cohosted by Benchmark Books) on Thursday, December 18. (See details below.)
Two Scripture-based Publications
January 2026 begins the new cycle of the LDS Church’s Come, Follow Me curriculum, and Signature has an excellent study companion to go with it, Alex Douglas’s The Old Testament for Latter-day Saints. Relying on his PhD in the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament from Harvard University, Douglas explores the intriguing ways in which Latter-day Saints have interpreted and engaged with this ancient text and their diverse interpretations of it.
For children, Signature Books is supporting efforts at diversity and inclusion by publishing Meetinghouse Mosaic’s My Jesus Art Cards. Meetinghouse Mosaic is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering more diverse religious artwork, including expansive depictions of Jesus. A collaboration between Lainie Pyper, McArthur Krishna, Anne Pimentel, and twenty talented artists, this set of twenty beautiful art cards features unique depictions of Jesus from a diverse range of cultures, along with corresponding Bible verses.
Proceeds support Meetinghouse Mosaic’s mission to bring diverse imagery into religious spaces. You can find these gorgeous cards online and at Deseret Book, Benchmark Books, or The Compass Gallery.
Brian Cannon talked about his new book, Building a Global Zion: The Life and Vision of David O. McKay in our latest Signature Books Podcast episode. Chad Nielsen’s review of the book recently appeared on the Times and Seasons website.
At Last She Said It authors and podcasters Cynthia Winward and Susan Hinckley recently spoke with Aubrey and Tim Chavez on the Faith Matters podcast in an episode titled, “The Spiritual Practice of Speaking Up.”
