iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Happy birthday to MLK! My Scholastic children's book YOU ARE A STAR, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. strives to combine emotional storytelling and humor, with sidebars and two-panel comics that feature anecdotes not included in other picture-book biographies. shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecomm...

shop.scholastic.com

You Are a Star, Martin Luther King Jr. | The Scholastic Parent Store

It's Martin Luther King, Jr., like you've never seen him before!Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to a tr...

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Happy birthday to theatrical legend André De Shields. My essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS shows how counterculture productions in 1960s Madison helped launch De Shields’ Tony- and Emmy-winning acting career.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

WQOW News 18 interviewed me about Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren, the twin-sister advice columnists who spent a crucial decade in Eau Claire. I included a chapter on their intense love-hate relationship in my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS. www.wqow.com/eye-on-eau-c...

wqow.com

The lives of Ann Landers and Dear Abby in Eau Claire

Two of the worlds most famous advice columnists, who were twins and rivals, spent a decade in the 1950s in Eau Claire before making it big.

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Such fun last weekend presenting my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS at the Wisconsin Book Festival! I loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones at the Wisconsin Historical Society auditorium, with expert support from the @whspress.bsky.social.

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

.@carriecoon.bsky.social enrolled in a theater program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on a lark, regarding acting as an impractical career. See how it all worked out for her in my book WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME. youtube.com/shorts/36aat...

Wisconsin Trained Actress Carrie Coon!

YouTube video by Wisconsin Historical Society Press

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Chris Farley crushed the audition for a Madison improv troupe with a shocking bit of physical comedy—the turning point in his rise to stardom, as you learn in my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME. youtube.com/shorts/hoZHm...

Chris Farley's Wisconsin Roots

YouTube video by Wisconsin Historical Society Press

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

My picture book MAMBO MUCHO MAMBO!: THE DANCE THAT CROSSED COLOR LINES (@candlewickpress.bsky.social) is now out in paperback, in both English and Spanish. It’s the story of a barrier-breaking dance and musical style that helped spark the civil right movement. www.candlewick.com/978153624687...

candlewick.com

¡Mambo Mucho Mambo! The Dance That Crossed Color Lines - Candlewick Press

“The Spanish text is both conversational and informative, liberally using such words as ‘giraban,’ ‘vibraban,’ and ‘meneaba,’ which will allow...

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Southeast Wisconsin friends, please join me at Franklin Public Library for a presentation on my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS: Thurs, Sept 18, 6:30 pm. Here's a chance to discover heroic role models at a time when we desperately need a few. www.franklinpubliclibrary.org/en-us/events...

franklinpubliclibrary.org

Franklin Public Library - Events -> Wisconsin Idols: 100 Heroes Who Changed the State, the World, and Me

Franklin Public Library offers free programs for all ages.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

Gwen Jorgensen planned to spend her life as an accountant, but an unexpected turn set her on the path to Olympic gold in triathlon. Read all about it in my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME (@whspress.bsky.social). youtube.com/shorts/aFAoQ...

Gwen Jorgensen - Wisconsin Idols

YouTube video by Wisconsin Historical Society Press

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

Edna Ferber’s novels connected with American readers as sexual politics evolved in the early 20th century. In my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS, you learn that Ferber’s writing career almost went up in flames in an Appleton, Wisconsin, furnace. @whspress.bsky.social youtube.com/shorts/nylIZ...

YouTube video by Wisconsin Historical Society Press

Edna Ferber's Birthday

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

RIP Jim Lovell, who pulled off one of the most daring recoveries in the annals of aviation during the Apollo 13 mission. I had a chance to interview the pioneering astronaut for a magazine article and included him in my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS. onwisconsin.uwalumni.com/the-miracle-...

onwisconsin.uwalumni.com

The Miracle of Apollo 13 | On Wisconsin

How Jim Lovell x'50 pulled off NASA’s most daring recovery.

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Join me on a tour of ordinary spots where truly extraordinary things happened, based on my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS. See little-known places associated with Elvis Presley, Nirvana, Joni Mitchell, Chris Farley, Joyce Carol Oates and more. @whspress.bsky.social youtu.be/DO5h9DYL9sQ?...

youtu.be

Madison’s Walk of Fame with Author Dean Robbins

YouTube video by Wisconsin Historical Society Press

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

Southeast Wisconsin friends, please join me at the Oconomowoc library for a presentation on my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS, hosted by Books & Company: Tuesday, July 29, 6 pm. I’ll tell little-known tales of heroic figures with surprising Wisconsin connections. booksco.com/event/2025-0...

booksco.com

Dean Robbins at the Oconomowoc Public Library

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Jazz genius Duke Ellington had one of the greatest experiences of his life in Wisconsin, and he wrote a composition called "Uwis" as a way of thanking the state and its people. This video is based on an essay from my book WISCONSIN IDOLS (@whspress.bsky.social). www.youtube.com/shorts/DFnmY...

Duke Ellington - Wisconsin Idols

YouTube video by Wisconsin Historical Society Press

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

A lovely review of THE SHAPE OF THINGS: HOW MAPMAKERS PICTURE OUR WORLD in the News Tribune: "a great introduction to maps for young readers that would make an excellent supplementary text for teachers working on geography units." @aaknopf.bsky.social www.newstribune.com/news/2025/ju...

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Madison friends, join me for a talk about my book WISCONSIN IDOLS on Tues, June 24, at the Wisconsin Historical Society's History Maker Space: U.S. Bank Plaza, 1 S. Pinckney St, 12:30 pm. I’ll discuss heroic figures with often surprising connections to the state, including Oprah and Elvis.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

How to find hope in seemingly hopeless times? Here’s an idea from my guest column in the @captimes.com, inspired by my book WISCONSIN IDOLS: tour the places associated with heroic figures in your state. I tried it in Wisconsin, communing with dozens of brave souls. captimes.com/opinion/gues...

captimes.com

Opinion | We have met our heroes, and they are us

In a nation starved for heroes, I found that examples of ordinary people doing heroic things abound right here in Wisconsin.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

Fox47 News came by to discuss my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS and my lifelong obsession with heroic figures. If you ever wondered what I look like in a Superman costume, click here. fox47.com/news/local/l...

fox47.com

Local author shares his 'Wisconsin Idols'

When you're out walking, do you ever wonder, 'who was here before me?' Dean Robbins has asked and answered that question. Even the most seemingly uninspiring se

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

My book WISCONSIN IDOLS includes an essay on the Beatles' memorable 1964 appearance in Milwaukee. In a peak moment of my Beatle-loving life, the book rose to #5 on Amazon in the category of “The Beatles.” Didn’t last long, but I’ll gaze at this screenshot till the day I die.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is featuring me in its #LookForwardWI campaign, which promotes the joys of living in the state. In a series of videos, I discuss my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS and my life as a writer. youtube.com/shorts/eLvCP...

Dean Robbins career in Wisconsin. #Shorts #YouTubeShorts

YouTube video by LookForwardWI

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Thanks to @wmtv15news.com for the chance to discuss Oprah Winfrey, the Beatles, Bob Dylan and other iconic figures featured in my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME. www.wmtv15news.com/video/2025/0...

wmtv15news.com

Madison-based author publishes book called ’Wisconsin Idols’

A Madison-based author just published a new book about one hundred prominent figures who have left their mark on Wisconsin and beyond.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

For my presentation on WISCONSIN IDOLS at last weekend's Ridges and Rivers Book Festival, I read my essay on Elvis Presley’s “Last Miracle.” At the end of his life, Elvis regained his mojo long enough to dramatically stop a fight at a Madison gas station.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

At Milwaukee’s Boswell Book Company, I shared little-known stories about Harrison Ford, Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey and Ann Landers in a presentation for my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME. A lovely crowd of fellow hero-worshippers!

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

The Milwaukee Shepherd Express interviewed me to preview my talk tonight at @boswellbooks.bsky.social for WISCONSIN IDOLS (April 23, 6:30 pm). “The book makes a case for Wisconsin as a notably influential place: a crossroads for people who changed the world.” shepherdexpress.com/culture/milw...

shepherdexpress.com

Wisconsin Writer Explores ‘100 Heroes’ Who Changed the World

The author of Wisconsin Idols takes “a fresh look at famous Wisconsin residents who’d made a mark in the wider world.”

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

I spoke with @wuwmradio.bsky.social to preview my talk at Milwaukee’s @boswellbooks.bsky.social for WISCONSIN IDOLS (April 23, 6:30 pm). Hear about actress Hattie McDaniel’s dramatic rise to stardom via Milwaukee, plus the Chordettes’ path to “Mr. Sandman" via Sheboygan. www.wuwm.com/arts-culture...

wuwm.com

World legends with Wisconsin roots explored in new book, 'Wisconsin Idols'

From the famous to the little-known, Robbins hopes readers can appreciate how Wisconsin has been a crossroad for people who have changed the world.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

I was on @tmj4.com to preview my talk at Milwaukee’s @boswellbooks.bsky.social for WISCONSIN IDOLS (Wed, April 23, 6:30 pm). Learn about legendary figures not usually associated with Wisconsin, like Harrison Ford & Jackie Robinson--plus a lesser-known WIZARD OF OZ star. www.tmj4.com/shows/the-mo...

tmj4.com

100 Heroes Who Changed the State, the World, and Me

Wisconsin Idols highlights surprising, little-known stories of legendary figures who either lived in or passed through Wisconsin, selected using a deeply personal lens.

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

.@urbanmilwaukee.com previews my talk on WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO SHAPED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME at @boswellbooks.bsky.social: Wed., April 23, 6:30 pm. An excerpt reveals how astronaut Jim Lovell developed his extraordinary self-reliance in Milwaukee. urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/04/16/b...

urbanmilwaukee.com

Books: Tales of Wisconsin Celebrities

And some who just visited. New book by Wisconsin writer a feast of fun stories of the famous.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Join me for a talk on WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME at Milwaukee’s @boswellbooks.bsky.social: Wed., April 23, 6:30 pm. Hear little-known stories about heroes you know and discover new heroes to fall in love with. Click here: www.eventbrite.com/e/dean-robbi...

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Thanks to all the Madison friends who came to last night’s launch event for my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME. Find the book here from @whspress.bsky.social: shop.wisconsinhistory.org/wisconsin-id...

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

I was on @channel3000.bsky.social's “Live at Four” to discuss my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME. Thanks to anchors Susan Siman and Brady Mallory for a fun chat about Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and other idols. www.channel3000.com/video/news-3...

channel3000.com

News 3 Now Live at Four: April 11, 2025

Get your Friday, April 11, 2025 afternoon news update and community features from WISC-TV News 3 Now and Channel3000.com in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Wisconsin Public Radio says my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS "makes the case for Wisconsin as a crossroads for trailblazers, newsmakers and glass-ceiling breakers." Click to hear my interview, which incorporates music by WISCONSIN IDOLS subjects Nirvana and Les Paul. www.wpr.org/news/wiscons...

wpr.org

Wisconsin writer turns his ‘lifelong obsession’ of researching cultural icons into new book

New essay collection by a Wisconsin children’s book writer shares how Wisconsin became key to the lives and careers of 100 influential people.

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Reposted by Dean Robbins

Jack El-Hai @jackelhai.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

"Gathers all of Robbins’s obsessions." Today's book pick from Damn History, a free monthly newsletter for readers/writers of #popularhistory. Congrats to author @deanrobbins.bsky.social & @whspress.bsky.social! Read/subscribe to Damn History: damn-history-16d93f.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

The Wisconsin State Journal calls my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME “a series of elegant, vivid and revealing two-page vignettes about remarkable people.” madison.com/life-enterta...

madison.com

Madison author's new book profiles 100 of his Wisconsin idols

"I was trying to write very personal essays about people I feel strongly about, with as much passion and humor and poignancy as I could muster," Dean Robbins said.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

@isthmusmadison.bsky.social on my new essay collection from @whspress.bsky.social: “With its diverse mix of memorable and inspiring stories, WISCONSIN IDOLS emerges as a balm for these troubled times.” isthmus.com/arts/books/w...

isthmus.com

'Wisconsin Idols’ commemorates the known and the lesser known state stars

Who are the heroes in your neighborhood?

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Madison friends, please join me for the book launch of WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD, AND ME at Mystery to Me on Tues, April 15, 6 pm. Hear little-known stories about legendary figures with surprising connections to Wisconsin. www.mysterytomebooks.com/dean-robbins...

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Madison Magazine picked my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS as the Book of the Month, calling it “funny, poignant and well-researched.” The book features 100 stories about world-changing figures with sometimes surprising connections to Wisconsin. www.channel3000.com/madison-maga...

channel3000.com

April's Book of the Month: 100 legends and trailblazers

A new essay collection contains funny, poignant and well-researched reflections on major Wisconsin-connected figures.

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

The @captimes.com on my essay collection WISCONSIN IDOLS: "Reading this book feels like sitting in a bar with the local who knows everything about everyone in town, except instead of hearing about neighborly disputes, the stories are about moments that shaped history." captimes.com/entertainmen...

captimes.com

‘Wisconsin Idols’ pens a love letter to Wisconsin legends

Wisconsin Public Radio contributor Dean Robbins collects stories of the state’s brightest lights in his new book with Wisconsin Historical Society Press.

Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

It’s publication day for WISCONSIN IDOLS: 100 HEROES WHO CHANGED THE STATE, THE WORLD AND ME, my essay collection about heroic figures with sometimes surprising connections to Wisconsin: the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Oprah Winfrey and dozens of others. Click to learn more: deanrobbins.net/wisconsin-id...

deanrobbins.net

Wisconsin Idols: 100 Heroes Who Changed the State, the World, and Me | Dean Robbins

Wisconsin Historical Society Press (April 1, 2025) This essay collection for adult readers offers a personal perspective on dozens of legendary figures with often surprising connections to Wisconsin, ...

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Milwaukee Magazine on my new essay collection, WISCONSIN IDOLS: “Each short essay tells the story of these figures’ significance to Wisconsin with humor, wit, and reverence." Thanks to @rrovito.bsky.social for a fun interview! www.milwaukeemag.com/dean-robbins...

milwaukeemag.com

Dean Robbins Talks Heroes in His New Book ‘Wisconsin Idols’

The Madison author’s new essay collection features 100 world-changing people with ties to the Badger State.

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Dean Robbins @deanrobbins.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Women’s History Month—or really any month—is a good time to celebrate Viola Smith, known as The Fastest Girl Drummer in the World. My picture-book bio THE FASTEST DRUMMER was picked as one of 2024’s best children’s books by the Cooperative Children's Book Center. deanrobbins.net/fastest-drum...

deanrobbins.net

The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith! | Dean Robbins

Illustrated by Susanna Chapman (Candlewick, March 5, 2024) Viola Smith fell in love with the drums as a little girl, performing in the family jazz band with her older sisters. She became a pioneering ...