Helenka Stachera
@henkys.bsky.social
Reader, children’s writer, library lover 📚she/her
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
Increase in productivity since 1979: 87%
Increase in hourly pay since 1979: 32%
Just so happens that ~25% of workers were unionized in 1979. Today? 10%.
As unions declined, the super-rich have taken a larger share of wealth generated by labor. We must build back union power.
Increase in hourly pay since 1979: 32%
Just so happens that ~25% of workers were unionized in 1979. Today? 10%.
As unions declined, the super-rich have taken a larger share of wealth generated by labor. We must build back union power.
November 14, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Increase in productivity since 1979: 87%
Increase in hourly pay since 1979: 32%
Just so happens that ~25% of workers were unionized in 1979. Today? 10%.
As unions declined, the super-rich have taken a larger share of wealth generated by labor. We must build back union power.
Increase in hourly pay since 1979: 32%
Just so happens that ~25% of workers were unionized in 1979. Today? 10%.
As unions declined, the super-rich have taken a larger share of wealth generated by labor. We must build back union power.
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
It's been a grand launch week for GHOST with lovely reviews in @theobserveruk.bsky.social and The Telegraph. Today GHOST arrived in the top 5 Amazon/YA Historical nestled between @philippullmanreal.bsky.social and Robert Louis Stevenson 👻😍👻
November 14, 2025 at 9:39 AM
It's been a grand launch week for GHOST with lovely reviews in @theobserveruk.bsky.social and The Telegraph. Today GHOST arrived in the top 5 Amazon/YA Historical nestled between @philippullmanreal.bsky.social and Robert Louis Stevenson 👻😍👻
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
ahhhh my book is published today, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
this one is a real labour of passion - I think it is genuinely important to understand the information crisis that we're living through and how and why it makes us all feel anxious and angry
www.penguin.co.uk/books/469677...
this one is a real labour of passion - I think it is genuinely important to understand the information crisis that we're living through and how and why it makes us all feel anxious and angry
www.penguin.co.uk/books/469677...
Don’t Burn Anyone at the Stake Today
What’s the most useful thing you could know about your own life?
In this era-defining book, developed from her groundbreaking Radio 4 essay series, Naomi Alderman turns her boundless curiosity and in...
www.penguin.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 5:51 PM
ahhhh my book is published today, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
this one is a real labour of passion - I think it is genuinely important to understand the information crisis that we're living through and how and why it makes us all feel anxious and angry
www.penguin.co.uk/books/469677...
this one is a real labour of passion - I think it is genuinely important to understand the information crisis that we're living through and how and why it makes us all feel anxious and angry
www.penguin.co.uk/books/469677...
This is good and hopeful
my new book is published tomorrow! I have put an extract here for free of what I think might be the most important thing I say in the whole book - how to preserve friendships during an information crisis (and why it's important to try, if you can)
naomialderman.substack.com/p/how-to-pre...
naomialderman.substack.com/p/how-to-pre...
how to preserve your friendships during an information crisis
and why it's really important to try (if you can, and they're committed to it too)
naomialderman.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:58 PM
This is good and hopeful
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
Good morning Blue Sky! I’m thrilled to reveal the cover to mine and Jo Lindley’s new picture book - CHI CHI THE PANDA which will be out 4th June 2026!!!
It’s my first picture book and Jo has created the cutest and fluffiest panda! It’s historical non-fiction too so you’ll learn stuff too!
It’s my first picture book and Jo has created the cutest and fluffiest panda! It’s historical non-fiction too so you’ll learn stuff too!
November 12, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Good morning Blue Sky! I’m thrilled to reveal the cover to mine and Jo Lindley’s new picture book - CHI CHI THE PANDA which will be out 4th June 2026!!!
It’s my first picture book and Jo has created the cutest and fluffiest panda! It’s historical non-fiction too so you’ll learn stuff too!
It’s my first picture book and Jo has created the cutest and fluffiest panda! It’s historical non-fiction too so you’ll learn stuff too!
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
I've enjoyed all of Kirsty Applebaum's previous novels but this is my favourite so far. Atmospheric and perfectly constructed with cleverly overlapping storylines. As well as having a wonderful plot, it explores bullying and peer pressure. Ideal for Y5/6. @nosycrow.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 6:25 PM
I've enjoyed all of Kirsty Applebaum's previous novels but this is my favourite so far. Atmospheric and perfectly constructed with cleverly overlapping storylines. As well as having a wonderful plot, it explores bullying and peer pressure. Ideal for Y5/6. @nosycrow.bsky.social
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
it happened very insidiously, slowly and from multiple different fronts.
*for all its problems, which I do not dispute*, the conversation about ending the BBC is absolutely being pushed by the rightwing, because (of their ideological goals and) they simply disagree with public-service anything.
*for all its problems, which I do not dispute*, the conversation about ending the BBC is absolutely being pushed by the rightwing, because (of their ideological goals and) they simply disagree with public-service anything.
Can't believe there are conversations about ending the BBC. This is like listening to a family calmly discussing whether to shoot it's dog, or burn down the house.
November 11, 2025 at 10:22 AM
it happened very insidiously, slowly and from multiple different fronts.
*for all its problems, which I do not dispute*, the conversation about ending the BBC is absolutely being pushed by the rightwing, because (of their ideological goals and) they simply disagree with public-service anything.
*for all its problems, which I do not dispute*, the conversation about ending the BBC is absolutely being pushed by the rightwing, because (of their ideological goals and) they simply disagree with public-service anything.
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
@naomialderman.bsky.social's new book: "A friend - who’s read the book - texted me yesterday to say “I see they’ve decided to burn Tim Davie at the stake today”. And so I thought it was probably the right time to put this extract on Substack." naomialderman.substack.com/p/the-bbc-an...
the BBC and why it needs defending
even if you don't always agree with it, and sometimes it does things that you think are outright terrible
naomialderman.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:47 AM
@naomialderman.bsky.social's new book: "A friend - who’s read the book - texted me yesterday to say “I see they’ve decided to burn Tim Davie at the stake today”. And so I thought it was probably the right time to put this extract on Substack." naomialderman.substack.com/p/the-bbc-an...
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
It's Remembrance Sunday and let's remember that the black and brown people fought and died as part of the Allies too.
In my new novel - Nate Yu's Blast From the Past
I feature a ghost from the Chinese Labour Corp because it was important for me to tell readers about this often untold history.
In my new novel - Nate Yu's Blast From the Past
I feature a ghost from the Chinese Labour Corp because it was important for me to tell readers about this often untold history.
November 9, 2025 at 11:18 AM
It's Remembrance Sunday and let's remember that the black and brown people fought and died as part of the Allies too.
In my new novel - Nate Yu's Blast From the Past
I feature a ghost from the Chinese Labour Corp because it was important for me to tell readers about this often untold history.
In my new novel - Nate Yu's Blast From the Past
I feature a ghost from the Chinese Labour Corp because it was important for me to tell readers about this often untold history.
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
This morning I laid a wreath of red and white poppies at Bristol’s #RemembranceSunday service. Every November, I choose to wear both a red and a white poppy: red to help those who have been affected by war, and white to work for peace.
November 9, 2025 at 12:15 PM
This morning I laid a wreath of red and white poppies at Bristol’s #RemembranceSunday service. Every November, I choose to wear both a red and a white poppy: red to help those who have been affected by war, and white to work for peace.
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
The expression ‘data farming’ caught my eye in a recent article from child psychologists to @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social re systemic education issues causing poor MH, shared by @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social
www.specialneedsjungle.com/not-complian...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/not-complian...
“It’s not a compliance issue—it’s a design failure” Psychologists call for action on mental health and “harmful” school policies - Special Needs Jungle
“It’s not a compliance issue—it’s a design failure” say psychologists, calling for action on mental health and "harmful" school policies
www.specialneedsjungle.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:44 AM
The expression ‘data farming’ caught my eye in a recent article from child psychologists to @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social re systemic education issues causing poor MH, shared by @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social
www.specialneedsjungle.com/not-complian...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/not-complian...
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
November 7, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
Word of the Day is ‘catchfart’ (17th century): an obsequious individual who sucks up to the boss and always follows the political wind.
November 7, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Word of the Day is ‘catchfart’ (17th century): an obsequious individual who sucks up to the boss and always follows the political wind.
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
⏰ It's the final countdown! ⏰
Not long left to submit your entries for #BBC500Words, the UK's largest children's story writing competition 🎉✍️
Remember: spelling, punctuation and grammar don't count, it's all about the creativity!
bbc.co.uk/500words.
Not long left to submit your entries for #BBC500Words, the UK's largest children's story writing competition 🎉✍️
Remember: spelling, punctuation and grammar don't count, it's all about the creativity!
bbc.co.uk/500words.
November 7, 2025 at 9:01 AM
⏰ It's the final countdown! ⏰
Not long left to submit your entries for #BBC500Words, the UK's largest children's story writing competition 🎉✍️
Remember: spelling, punctuation and grammar don't count, it's all about the creativity!
bbc.co.uk/500words.
Not long left to submit your entries for #BBC500Words, the UK's largest children's story writing competition 🎉✍️
Remember: spelling, punctuation and grammar don't count, it's all about the creativity!
bbc.co.uk/500words.
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
THIS IS AMAZING. ALSO WHAT, IF ANYTHING, DID WE FORGET TO RUIN?
A List of Things Said to Have Been Ruined by Women
🧵
🧵
November 6, 2025 at 9:19 PM
THIS IS AMAZING. ALSO WHAT, IF ANYTHING, DID WE FORGET TO RUIN?
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
November 6, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
An anthology of beautiful work - all by unpaid carers who are also writers - is published next week, 15/11. renardpress.com/books/the-cu... All profits go to carers’ charities.
On the 12th at 6, we launch. Do come! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-curae-... It’s online and free
#Curae @renardpress.com
On the 12th at 6, we launch. Do come! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-curae-... It’s online and free
#Curae @renardpress.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:35 PM
An anthology of beautiful work - all by unpaid carers who are also writers - is published next week, 15/11. renardpress.com/books/the-cu... All profits go to carers’ charities.
On the 12th at 6, we launch. Do come! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-curae-... It’s online and free
#Curae @renardpress.com
On the 12th at 6, we launch. Do come! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-curae-... It’s online and free
#Curae @renardpress.com
A very Happy Book Birthday to @finbarhawkins.bsky.social whose wonderful novel GHOST is out today 👻😍👻
November 6, 2025 at 1:50 PM
A very Happy Book Birthday to @finbarhawkins.bsky.social whose wonderful novel GHOST is out today 👻😍👻
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
And here’s the cover itself! Piper at the Gates of Dusk, the first book in a new Chaos Walking trilogy, out 7 April 2026 worldwide. Something is coming…
November 6, 2025 at 9:40 AM
And here’s the cover itself! Piper at the Gates of Dusk, the first book in a new Chaos Walking trilogy, out 7 April 2026 worldwide. Something is coming…
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
For Bonfire Night, #NewIllustrationoftheDay by Grahame Baker-Smith is from The Flickering Fires, in a series that puts the history of humanity's relationship with the 4 elements into a story. Decorative tracery of trees and dramatic use of light and dark. Templar pb 6 Nov. @templarbooks.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 6:11 AM
For Bonfire Night, #NewIllustrationoftheDay by Grahame Baker-Smith is from The Flickering Fires, in a series that puts the history of humanity's relationship with the 4 elements into a story. Decorative tracery of trees and dramatic use of light and dark. Templar pb 6 Nov. @templarbooks.bsky.social
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
“How did you receive the foreigner? And did you receive him and welcome him or not?”
Pope Leo XIV challenges us to reflect on the moral cost of policies that target deeply-root immigrants and families.
Pope Leo XIV challenges us to reflect on the moral cost of policies that target deeply-root immigrants and families.
November 5, 2025 at 5:05 PM
“How did you receive the foreigner? And did you receive him and welcome him or not?”
Pope Leo XIV challenges us to reflect on the moral cost of policies that target deeply-root immigrants and families.
Pope Leo XIV challenges us to reflect on the moral cost of policies that target deeply-root immigrants and families.
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
Influential English designer Clarice Cliff, known for her art deco designs such as this teapot from the 'Blue Autumn' range, c.1931 #WomensArt 🫖
November 5, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Influential English designer Clarice Cliff, known for her art deco designs such as this teapot from the 'Blue Autumn' range, c.1931 #WomensArt 🫖
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
It’s Non Binary November! 💛🤍💜🖤
November 3, 2025 at 7:14 AM
It’s Non Binary November! 💛🤍💜🖤
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
“They were careless people,” Fitzgerald wrote, “they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.”
November 2, 2025 at 11:10 PM
“They were careless people,” Fitzgerald wrote, “they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.”
Reposted by Helenka Stachera
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
—from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
—from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
a man in a striped shirt is smiling in a dark room with a candle in the background .
ALT: a man in a striped shirt is smiling in a dark room with a candle in the background .
media.tenor.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:46 PM
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
—from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
—from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien