"People get used to anything. The less you think about your oppression, the more your tolerance for it grows. After a while, people just think oppression is the normal state of things. But to become free, you have to be acutely aware of being a slave." ~ Assata Shaku Rest in Power 🌸🌸🌸

In case you're wondering why AI is pushing so hard into education, that last bullet point is why. Get consumers hooked in young and they're likely to stay. And get embedded enough into classrooms and curriculum and the education system can't function without it - ie permanent consumers.

This is a really excellent strategy!

I’m in a DEI PD session on the new federal laws/EOs impacting higher ed & the overwhelming sense of dread in the room is suffocating. Admissions, curriculum, loans, grants, etc. are all under attack.

In honor of Batman Day, I give you a sneak peek into my Eisner nominated book and a powerful discussion starter in my classroom.

Another SCOTUS decision that makes me cry, totally normal times

WTF? Trump is now threatening the American people. He warned protesters to stay away from his birthday/military parade in D.C. this Saturday, claiming anyone who shows up to protest “hates our country” and will be met with “very heavy force.” This is authoritarian behavior, plain and simple.

PEN America joins 24 other press freedom and media organizations in condemning attacks on journalists covering immigration protests in the Los Angeles area. pen.org/press-releas...

I asked my grad students to share an image that captures how they are feeling about their research & one student made this. It’s perfection! #TeacherEd #Research

Every book that was part of my dissertation study has been banned. Every. Book. The freedom to read is vital for students to see themselves & others in books. Diverse books for everyone. Go get some books!

Today is #WeNeedDiverseBooksDay organized by @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social This is a great opportunity to remember what we're fighting for while spreading the joy that comes from reading through our big, complicated, beautiful world of books. Learn how to participate below!

Happy We Need Diverse Books Day! With book bans and challenges happening at a horrifyingly consistent rate, we need this day more than ever. #WeNeedDiverseBooksDay #kidlit afuse8production.slj.com/2025/04/03/p...

I know the world is on fire, but @scottmccloud.bsky.social and I have a book out today! THE CARTOONISTS CLUB is our love letter to comics, made for that nerdy kid in the corner with the sketchbook. We suggest you visit your local comic shop, indie bookstore, or library to check it out!

They are arresting people on the streets, terminating their visas, and disappearing them for writing things they disagree with. This is where we are. Two months in. Right now. If you think they won’t begin coming after citizens soon, you are mistaken.

“The first people a dictator puts in jail after a coup are the writers, the teachers, the librarians —because these people are dangerous. They have enough vocabulary to recognize injustice and to speak out loudly about it. Let us have the courage to go on being dangerous people.” —Madeleine L’Engle

It’s worth saying that book sales are down across the board so far in 2025. If you love authors, buy their books and celebrate them loudly online. We really need it.

Truth 💖 #TLSky #BookTok #KidLit #Skybrarians #Booksky

🚨 Take action now. The public comment period for U.S. Dept of State’s anti-trans passport bills is open now. @hrc.org has a simple form you can use to comment. Be sure to click through all THREE comments. act.hrc.org/page/167631/...

A reminder that @scarleteen.bsky.social is 100% queer and trans run and will ALWAYS be providing educational materials, support, and more to youth seeking sex, relationships, and health education from a source who won't casually erase their existence with their political winds.

Today I was in a school library debriefing with a student teacher & a kid walked up, said “Hello, fellow readers!” and sat down to read. Moments like these propel me through the horribleness. Kids are so rad! I’d like to be addressed only as a “fellow reader” going forward. #EduSky #LibrarySky

An inspiring article on courageous community college leaders who are *publicly* organizing and standing up against DEI attacks.. www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...

The Stonewall Inn responds. Erasure is the precursor to eliminationism.

“Once you decide that a single vulnerable minority can be sacrificed, you’re operating within a fascist logic,” they said. “That means there might be a second one you’re willing to sacrifice and a third, a fourth. Then what happens?”

This is a good thread, 📚 🦾

Hey @dotepstein.bsky.social here’s a guide for life!

Last day to bid! ✨

Need to crowdsource some info. I have a student who wants to talk with someone who taught abroad somewhat recently. She’s interested in discussing the process, experience, & the ethical issues. Anyone have leads for her? #EduSky #TeachingAbroad

It's round 3 of the statewide book purge in South Carolina Schools. These 6 books are up for banning in all schools, across all grade levels, at a hearing beginning at 1 pm today. Follow along in this thread. 🧵

Good morning, Bluesky Friends! 🗽💙 🌊

Yes to books! Yes to Dolly! This is also a great example of something we could prioritize with federal tax dollars instead of endless war.

When I was at NCTE last month, I heard from a lot of teachers worried about parental backlash to teaching my books. On my website, I just posted what I think is a model letter home from a school administrator. I like it because it's forthright, honest, and firm.

Multiple injuries reported at Wisconsin school shooting

The erosion of public goods is part of an intentional & well-executed plan.

Teaching and learning are complex, messy, imperfect human enterprises. That is their source of power. Any attempt to create tech that promises efficiency and a standardized fairness is not only peddling a false promise, but is striking at the very heart of what gives education meaning.

Every school in the country needs to register for this free Children for Change ebook about climate action. Perfect for assemblies and sharing in class, and will motivate and inspire children. Created by over 80 amazing writers and illustrators. Please share! pop-up.org.uk/childrenforc...

If you’re looking for a free way to support an author, did you know you can ask your library to stock a book you want to read that they don’t have yet? And usually it’s a very basic online form? Google your library name plus the words “request a title” or “suggest a title” to find yours.

Books. When buying books for gifts this holiday season, please don't buy from Amazon. Please shop at your local independent bookstore/bookseller. Ask for recommendations. If they don't have a particular book in stock, ask them to order it. Support creatives, local businesses, and your community.

ALAN day 2 keynote made me cry. Thank you @aidenschmaiden.bsky.social for speaking about how resilient stories are, how books get banned, but those stories can’t be erased. I’m going back to my work with your reminder that “teaching empathy is an act of resistance.” #ALAN24 #EduSky

4. Call your legislative reps. Urge them to take a stand against book banning and support relevant legislation. 5. SUPPORT REASONABLE CANDIDATES. You can do this with money, signs, four knocking, phone banking, and other volunteer tasks. It matters. We all need skin in the game.

1. Go to your local library and fill out request forms. 2. Show up at your local school board meetings. Sign up to speak. Remind them that access to books that are relevant and relatable INCREASES LITERACY, which is literally the job of schools 3. Show up at library board meetings. Same thing.

At ALAN @kwamembalia.bsky.social said, “Before I was a writer, I was a reader.” Such a succinct reminder that supporting our students’ reading lives is important work. Reading & writing are so intrinsically linked & our kids need time to read widely so they can write powerfully. #ALAN24 #EduSky

At ALAN & heard the incredible @dhonielle.bsky.social speak with passion & conviction about our current state & what lies ahead. I’m holding on to her call-to- action that “we must not obey in advance.” #ALAN24 #EduSky

Do not engage with trolls. BLOCK them. Feel free to share with anyone who needs it: How to Block a user on Bluesky (including screenshots of what they'll see, etc): debbieohi.link/how-to-block #BlueSkyTips

I’m presenting with one of my favorite people! Come listen to us talk about why readers deserve queer joy. You’ll leave feeling uplifted & with a list of great titles to read. #NCTE24

I’m presenting this talk about the importance of teachers reading queer MG/YA books, even if they can’t use them in their classrooms. It centers two of my favorite things: reading in community & powerful literature. #EduSky #NCTE24 #ALAN24

I forgot how much Boston transportation matches its vibe. #NCTE

Never forget: READING FOR PLEASURE has the biggest positive impact of any factor on children's life chances. So never stop sharing books with kids. Never stop reading to them, and helping them to read. Never stop changing lives. #literacy #kidlit #books

What was my convince me you’re an educator answer? I taught middle school so I never said the page number that follows page 68. #EduSky

Hey #EduSky my research interests are about teachers’ reading identities & lives & reading as a political act. Would love to chat with folks who read, especially YA books.

This past week has been heavy with all my students. I remain resolute that teaching is a political act & I’m committed to literacy as a mean to liberation by centering voices of resistance & counter stories.