✨ It takes all of us to fight for the freedom to read. Take this NEW #BannedBooksWeek quiz to assess your strengths & uncover your individual advocacy style. At the end, get actions you can take based on your result: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/68d400f64d6f970015d8e11b #UniteAgainstBookBans

There is SO MUCH going on, BUT there SO MANY OF YOU. Share what you did this week to fight for the right to read. Maybe you'll inspire others to join your action.

I am on Katherine Grant’s Historical Romance Sampler today talking about book bans, historical romance, many ways to protest, and what you can do right now to support the freedom to read! Give it a listen or check out the transcript! katherinegrantromance.com/historical-r...

Jasmine is fantastic at giving creative advice, as well as really knowledgeable in so many areas of writing and creating comics (and cookbooks!) This is such a deal!

Cheering the Oregon @authorsabb.bsky.social chapter on!! So happy to hear this great news for readers in Oregon!

Bidding closes tomorrow for the Washington Library Association auction! You don’t need to be local to bid on my virtual author visit, and we can schedule for next school year if you’d like. I’m also happy to talk with adult writers if your critique group wants a virtual “ask me anything!”

Happy 10th anniversary to Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer! I’m so glad that Sophie and her super-powered chickens made you laugh, and hope, and dream. It’s been such a joy to hear from you over the last ten years. Here’s to ten more!

Bidding is open for the Washington Library Association’s Silent Auction. I’ve donated a virtual author visit, so if you’d like to book me for a library program, school visit, or book club talk, bid now! Next school year is fine. washingtonlibraryassociation.betterworld.org/auctions/wla...

I stepped up today in support of Dr. Carla Hayden because she has worked tirelessly in support of readers of all ages. But I’m also speaking up as an author and small business owner with work under copyright. You know what the Copyright Office is part of? The Library of Congress.

Authors Against Book Bans is seeking subject matter experts/veterans of the Academic Publishing, Comics, and Self-Publishing worlds to help engage more folks in those areas! Join here. @authorsabb.bsky.social docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Tomorrow - May 9, 10-3 ET - join us to celebrate #ChildrensBookWeek25 & raise awareness of #FreedomToRead efforts around the country with a free, online read-a-thon. 10 a.m. - 12:45 EST : bit.ly/Read-In-am 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EST : bit.ly/Read-In-pm

Cheering this moment of joy for the freedom to read!

As states continue to assess the impact of cuts to federal library funding, we can't stay silent. Across WA, public and Tribal libraries are "scrambling": www.seattletimes.com/entertainmen... Make your voice heard. Tell Congress to Show Up #ForOurLibraries: ala.org/showup

Today, SCOTUS hears a case on whether hearing a story read about a child who has a gay uncle constitutes a violation of freedom of religion. Why should we care? Because public education belongs to all of us, and all means all. Kids with LGBTQ+ families are part of the all.

Today seems like a good idea to say this again: If I’ve signed a book for you, and your name has changed, and you’d like a bookplate from me with your new name, let me know and I’ll send you one. (My website has my contact info.)

Hey, I’ll be speaking and signing at the Washington Library Association conference’s Book Bash event this Friday, 4/11, from 4:00-5:30 pm, with many other amazing NW authors and illustrators! Book sales by Grit City Books. More info at www.wla.org/2025-confere... #WLA2025

Not sure what the IMLS funds have been used for in Washington state? Here’s an overview: blog.spl.org/2025/03/24/i...

If you believe that: 1) Reading is critical to our democracy. 2) Books help us understand complex issues. 3) Parents shouldn’t make decisions for other parents’ children. 4) Youth deserve to see themselves in books. Join the campaign to #UniteAgainstBookBans: uniteagainstbookbans.org/take-action/

Quick sketch on this #RightToReadDay of what it feels like to share the stories of my heart. I have always been drawn to the freedom to choose the stories I love at the library. I won't stop fighting for the right to read. Step up and help @UABookBans protect the #FreedomToRead. #DrawnToFreedom

The relentless attacks on library workers, educators, and community members are meant to create an environment of fear. For #RightToReadDay, we’re asking you to celebrate — and defend — the freedoms that are found in our libraries! uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-rea...

Today is #WeNeedDiverseBooksDay! If you’re celebrating, tag us so we can follow along with the festivities! Unsure of what to read? We’ve recommended titles for all ages, and you can win ALL of them in our special giveaway, only on Instagram 🎉 🎁 bit.ly/4cd5vVE

Are you a published or publishing writer/illustrator/translator? You can join Authors Against Book Bans. We share knowledge, resources, & mobilization opportunities at both the national & local levels. Don't fight for the right to read alone!

I’m a former public librarian, and libraries help community members find great books and do homework, but so much else too — including essential services like computer access for job applications. Rural communities will be especially hard hit if libraries lose funding.

Trump’s trying to gut funding for libraries: you can fight back with ALA. The President's executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum & Library Services would be deeply harmful. We need to speak out. Take action NOW: tell Congress to protect library funding. bit.ly/ProtectLibraryFunding

As you do the work of fighting for the right to read, don't forget to spend time with the joy of reading too. Find a new to you author. Return to an old favorite. Lose an afternoon in a book. Remind yourself why you make the calls, write the letters, & give the speeches.

Illustrators, audiobook narrators, translators too!

In Olympia yesterday (despite the snow!) in support of the Washington Library Association’s Library Legislative Day. I had great conversations with librarians, sharing my own experience with book bans and discussing ways that they and our WA chapter of Authors Against Book Bans can work together.

Please send this information to any trans writer you know. We need their voices now more than ever.

I #ReadFreely because it brings me joy. Pick up Brooms! by Jasmine Walls & Teo DuVall, a YA graphic novel about young women who form an illegal backwoods broomstick racing team to go after their dreams, if you could use some more joy too. (Thanks, #AuthorsAgainstBookBans & Third Place Books!)

Yeah, now seems like a good time to share this. Published authors/illustrators/narrators/translators: Come help us fight for the freedom to read! AuthorsAgainstBookBans.com (Thread)

When you putter about getting stuff done while re-listening to the Murderbot Diaries by @marthawells.com so often that your husband starts calling it your murdertasking. (narrated by @kevinrfree.bsky.social, avail @librofm.bsky.social & your public library, def read Wells’ fantasy novels too)

Washington state published book creators: the WA chapter of Authors Against Book Bans meets virtually this week. Hear what’s happening & be part of the conversation: join us at authorsagainstbookbans.com. Not in WA? Join AABB & learn what’s happening in your area. @authorsabb.bsky.social

Shiny Idea Time started as an experiment in setting time aside for my creative R&D while still getting my main project done. It’s one of the simplest, most useful tools I have, so I want to share it with writers and illustrators who are ready to try something new. www.scbwi.org/events/shiny...

Here’s a few of my drawings from @elliepeterson.bsky.social’s virtual Procreate class! I was too impatient to do tutorials on my own, so this was a great way to gradually learn tools as I needed them, and hang out and doodle with my husband one evening a week. (We both took the class.)

So glad @authorsabb.bsky.social is bringing us all together to protect the freedom to read. Taking part is one way I can help storytellers who’ve been more affected by book bans than I have. (So far.)

Hey, on December 10th I’ll be talking about my shiny idea time for a SCBWI Western Washington webinar! This will be a creative process discussion about telling stories, whether you’re working in words, illustrations, or some other medium. Beginners and pros welcome. www.scbwi.org/events/shiny...

Hey, thanks to all the @geekgirlcon.bsky.social folks who came to hear about the fight for our freedom to read and what we all can do to help! You all are awesome.

If your name has ever been on a book cover, join us at AuthorsAgainstBookBans.com to get into the fight. They're going to be defunding our institutions of public learning and using book bans to do it. We can't let them.

Who’s going to @geekgirlcon.bsky.social this weekend? I'll be part of the Book Defenders Assemble! panel on Sunday, talking about how @authorsabb.bsky.social fits into this fight and my own experience having Unusual Chickens pulled from a school district. Hope to see you Sunday.

So glad to have this organized, resourceful group to help me use my author voice in support of the right to read! Links in my linktree if you’re an author/illustrator who wants to sign the support letter & sign up too.

Katie Kath’s drawings of Henrietta the cranky chicken still make me laugh every time. I hope your spring is off to a better start! (Detail from the cover of Are You Ready to Hatch an Unusual Chicken?) #UnusualChickens

Dear algorithms: writing or reading books about chickens with superpowers does not equal wanting recipes for engagement chicken. Truly. (Although, if someone writes a book about how to engage one or more chickens for a heist, I would like to hear about that.)

hello, world!