About Book Breaks

What is Book Breaks?

Book Breaks is a weekly interview and Q&A series with historians held every Sunday at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT) on Zoom. Every single program is available for on-demand viewing in our Book Breaks archive!

Our guests have included David Blight, Eric Foner, Annette Gordon-Reed, Clint Smith, Peniel Joseph, and Elizabeth Varon.

A Book Breaks subscription includes

  • Full access to one year of weekly live programs
  • Unlimited access to our ever-expanding Book Breaks archive, featuring more than ninety sessions with the nation’s leading historians.

I am a K–12 teacher or a student. How do I attend Book Breaks?

Book Breaks is completely free for all K–12 teachers and student—including college students! K–12 teachers will receive a one-hour PD certificate for every Book Breaks program they attend. In addition, K–12 students will receive an extra credit certificate. To sign up:  

  • Simply log in or register here to create a free account.
  • Once you log in you will see a button on the Book Breaks homepage asking you to subscribe, which will grant you access to all future programming and the Book Breaks archive.

I am a member of the general public. How do I attend Book Breaks?

Members of the general public can purchase a one-year subscription for $25.

  • Log in and make your purchase here.

Can I watch a program before deciding to register?

Yes! First-time viewers can watch a Book Breaks program for free. Simply log in or register and you will see a link at the top of the Book Breaks homepage to access the week’s historian lecture and Q&A.

Still deciding whether to subscribe?

You can watch David Blight’s talk on Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom below to help you make up your mind.

Questions?

Email us at bookbreaks@gilderlehrman.org.