Harold Underdown
@hunderdown.bsky.social
I'm a children's book editor, teacher and workshop presenter, owner of The Purple Crayon website -- www.underdown.org
I post about #kidlit, but I do have opinions about other things and will share them as well.
I post about #kidlit, but I do have opinions about other things and will share them as well.
Pinned
Coming up Jan. 27/29, online via @highlightsfound.bsky.social, what works, what doesn't, query letter basics, case studies, handouts, and more! It will be recorded. $59.
Please repost and otherwise spread the word.
Registration is open: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/suc...
Please repost and otherwise spread the word.
Registration is open: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/suc...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Strange takes on Mayor Zamdani swearing his oath on the Qu’ran. It has nothing to do with church & state. The point of the oath is for the person swearing in to do so upon some text that is sacred TO THEM. Some Presidents swore in w/o any book. John Quincy Adams was sworn on a law book. His choice.
January 1, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Strange takes on Mayor Zamdani swearing his oath on the Qu’ran. It has nothing to do with church & state. The point of the oath is for the person swearing in to do so upon some text that is sacred TO THEM. Some Presidents swore in w/o any book. John Quincy Adams was sworn on a law book. His choice.
I watched parts of the ceremonies live--including Mamdani's speech--and I'm feeling hopeful. Watch the video if you can.
gothamist.com/news/mayor-z...
gothamist.com/news/mayor-z...
Mayor Zohran Mamdani vows to govern NYC ‘audaciously’ in inauguration speech
The ceremony at City Hall established Mamdani at the vanguard of a movement led by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
gothamist.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:52 PM
I watched parts of the ceremonies live--including Mamdani's speech--and I'm feeling hopeful. Watch the video if you can.
gothamist.com/news/mayor-z...
gothamist.com/news/mayor-z...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Mamdani: I have been told that this is the occasion to reset expectations, that I should use this opportunity to encourage the people of New York to ask for little and expect even less. I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations.
January 1, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Mamdani: I have been told that this is the occasion to reset expectations, that I should use this opportunity to encourage the people of New York to ask for little and expect even less. I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations.
Watching this now. A hopeful way to start the new year.
January 1, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Watching this now. A hopeful way to start the new year.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
A detailed look at what authors (and publishers) may actually receive from the Anthropic settlement. A lot depends on how many claims are filed; based on what I see in the list of eligible works, my guess is that many works will go unclaimed www.authorsalliance.org/2025/12/19/b...
Back-of-the-Envelope Math on What Payouts We May See in the Bartz v. Anthropic Settlement
Now that the Bartz settlement has passed some initial judicial hurdles and is moving along, with important deadlines approaching (opt-out and objections are due January 15), we thought it was worth…
www.authorsalliance.org
January 1, 2026 at 6:37 PM
A detailed look at what authors (and publishers) may actually receive from the Anthropic settlement. A lot depends on how many claims are filed; based on what I see in the list of eligible works, my guess is that many works will go unclaimed www.authorsalliance.org/2025/12/19/b...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Hi there. Isn't it interesting how the most popular TV shows and movies this year (Sinners, Kpop Demon Hunters, and Heated Rivalry) were all hyper specific stories, proving that "universal appeal" (i.e. appealing to white straight folks) is not actually that appealing?
December 29, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Hi there. Isn't it interesting how the most popular TV shows and movies this year (Sinners, Kpop Demon Hunters, and Heated Rivalry) were all hyper specific stories, proving that "universal appeal" (i.e. appealing to white straight folks) is not actually that appealing?
Reposted by Harold Underdown
How many publishers made deals with AI companies in 2025? This many! digiday.com/media/a-time...
A timeline of the major deals between publishers and AI tech companies in 2025
Here’s a list of all the major deals signed between publishers and AI tech companies in 2025.
digiday.com
January 1, 2026 at 6:03 PM
How many publishers made deals with AI companies in 2025? This many! digiday.com/media/a-time...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
I'm entirely serious about this: until you internalize the view that urban America is Real America, you won't see the urgency of structural reform of an American government whose fundamental structures so disadvantage its population centers—the great engines of its prosperity, progress, & culture.
Another good practice for the New Year would be for all the non-fascists in America who want to opine about politics to really begin believing that urban America is Real America & that its denizens are The Authentic People. Get some self-respect & drop the volkish nationalist view that they're not
And I think liberals should stop taking the bait and ceding ground on immigration.
Immigration is good. Multiculturalism is good. Free trade is good. Stop being embarrassed to say so.
Immigration is good. Multiculturalism is good. Free trade is good. Stop being embarrassed to say so.
January 1, 2026 at 3:03 PM
I'm entirely serious about this: until you internalize the view that urban America is Real America, you won't see the urgency of structural reform of an American government whose fundamental structures so disadvantage its population centers—the great engines of its prosperity, progress, & culture.
Good news from Oxford, where I worked for two years, manyyearsago...
"Oxford's High Street booming, bucking national trend"
And this in a city where we've removed city centre parking and put in a congestion charge. Almost as if it's people who shop, not cars.
www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/2573227...
And this in a city where we've removed city centre parking and put in a congestion charge. Almost as if it's people who shop, not cars.
www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/2573227...
Oxford high street demand returns to pre-pandemic levels
Oxford’s high street is bucking the national trend, with demand rising and vacancy rates low
www.oxfordmail.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Good news from Oxford, where I worked for two years, manyyearsago...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
NEW: Four key lessons that we can and must take out of 2025.
It was a long and difficult year as President Donald Trump and his administration sought to push America into authoritarianism. But, they are losing — and we can get through this.
Closing out the year at Law Dork:
It was a long and difficult year as President Donald Trump and his administration sought to push America into authoritarianism. But, they are losing — and we can get through this.
Closing out the year at Law Dork:
The four key lessons that we can and must take out of 2025
It was a long and difficult year as President Donald Trump and his administration sought to push America into authoritarianism. But, they are losing — and we can get through this.
www.lawdork.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:15 PM
NEW: Four key lessons that we can and must take out of 2025.
It was a long and difficult year as President Donald Trump and his administration sought to push America into authoritarianism. But, they are losing — and we can get through this.
Closing out the year at Law Dork:
It was a long and difficult year as President Donald Trump and his administration sought to push America into authoritarianism. But, they are losing — and we can get through this.
Closing out the year at Law Dork:
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Republicans think releasing the Jack Smith deposition on New Year's Eve will make it get lost in the fray. Prove them wrong by spreading the word; here are some key takeaways to get us started. www.rawstory.com/jack-smith-2...
5 eye-popping claims Jack Smith made during his deposition with House GOP
House Republicans finally released on Wednesday the long-awaited transcript of former special counsel Jack Smith's deposition before the House Judiciary Committee. The 255-page document was released o...
www.rawstory.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Republicans think releasing the Jack Smith deposition on New Year's Eve will make it get lost in the fray. Prove them wrong by spreading the word; here are some key takeaways to get us started. www.rawstory.com/jack-smith-2...
Good comments on what kinds of AI use are ok, and which kinds to need to avoid...
My thoughts on the current discussions in the SF/F genre over writers using generative AI (LLMs). In particular, I love the essays shared by @chuckwendig.bsky.social and @fozmeadows.bsky.social. 1/
www.patreon.com/posts/147102...
www.patreon.com/posts/147102...
Genre Grapevine on Two Secrets about LLM Usage Every Writer Must Remember | Jason Sanford's Genre Grapevine
Get more from Jason Sanford's Genre Grapevine on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:29 AM
Good comments on what kinds of AI use are ok, and which kinds to need to avoid...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
4-year-old told me “I like you more than space likes planets” which as I understand is a huge honor in his culture
December 31, 2025 at 11:20 PM
4-year-old told me “I like you more than space likes planets” which as I understand is a huge honor in his culture
Reposted by Harold Underdown
THIS. Did you know sickle cell is curable, now? FULLY curable.
If you're feeling down or despairing about what FEELS like technology/advancement/science "standing still" or being fully malicious, I have great news: You're not paying attention to actual science. Just tech industry marketing.
If you're feeling down or despairing about what FEELS like technology/advancement/science "standing still" or being fully malicious, I have great news: You're not paying attention to actual science. Just tech industry marketing.
meanwhile.... medicine has taken INSANE leaps and bounds in the last 2 years.
we're out here curing HIV and leukemia and creating 100% efficacy vaccines against all sorts of cancers, and now this??
between this and renewable energy outstripping fossil fuels in efficiency, the future is bright
we're out here curing HIV and leukemia and creating 100% efficacy vaccines against all sorts of cancers, and now this??
between this and renewable energy outstripping fossil fuels in efficiency, the future is bright
Wanna see real-life miracles? Fund scientific research.
A team of US scientists just cured Alzheimer’s in mice — and there is now hope that the disease can be reversed in humans.
futurism.com/health-medic...
A team of US scientists just cured Alzheimer’s in mice — and there is now hope that the disease can be reversed in humans.
futurism.com/health-medic...
December 31, 2025 at 3:44 AM
THIS. Did you know sickle cell is curable, now? FULLY curable.
If you're feeling down or despairing about what FEELS like technology/advancement/science "standing still" or being fully malicious, I have great news: You're not paying attention to actual science. Just tech industry marketing.
If you're feeling down or despairing about what FEELS like technology/advancement/science "standing still" or being fully malicious, I have great news: You're not paying attention to actual science. Just tech industry marketing.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
The most amazing book blogging feat of the year concludes in fitting fashion, with a fantastic list of the best picture books of the year.
Day #31: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books. End with a bang! Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as unforgettable & thanks for reading all month! #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/31/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books
Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as truly unforgettable.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:53 PM
The most amazing book blogging feat of the year concludes in fitting fashion, with a fantastic list of the best picture books of the year.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Day #31: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books. End with a bang! Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as unforgettable & thanks for reading all month! #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/31/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books
Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as truly unforgettable.
afuse8production.slj.com
December 31, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Day #31: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Picture Books. End with a bang! Only a small number of all the picture books published in a given year make this list. See what I think stands out as unforgettable & thanks for reading all month! #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/31/3...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
All based on a “gotcha” video claiming that 3 daycares had no kids. One hadn’t opened yet for the day; one is actually closed. Dude arrived with no I.D. No call ahead. They DIDN’T LET HIM IN!
The fraud they’re referencing was investigated & prosecuted by the Biden DOJ. The ringleader was white.
The fraud they’re referencing was investigated & prosecuted by the Biden DOJ. The ringleader was white.
This is monstrous. He wants to turn the residents of the state against Walz and against the Somali-American population.
BREAKING
The Trump administration says it has frozen all childcare payments to Minnesota in the aftermath of allegations of fraud by some in the Somali community.
Important: allegations along these lines have existed for years, which has resulted in prosecutions starting with the Biden DOJ.
The Trump administration says it has frozen all childcare payments to Minnesota in the aftermath of allegations of fraud by some in the Somali community.
Important: allegations along these lines have existed for years, which has resulted in prosecutions starting with the Biden DOJ.
December 31, 2025 at 12:11 AM
All based on a “gotcha” video claiming that 3 daycares had no kids. One hadn’t opened yet for the day; one is actually closed. Dude arrived with no I.D. No call ahead. They DIDN’T LET HIM IN!
The fraud they’re referencing was investigated & prosecuted by the Biden DOJ. The ringleader was white.
The fraud they’re referencing was investigated & prosecuted by the Biden DOJ. The ringleader was white.
This is true.
If I am struggling with an ending to a story, the answer usually lies at the very beginning of a story. #driveinmob
December 31, 2025 at 2:13 AM
This is true.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Recommended: Laurie Halse Anderson's "Rebellion 1776"--upheaval in the life of a servant girl in Boston, a smallpox epidemic, the Declaration of Independence. Lots of detail. Fascinating for any lover of historical fiction. One of my favorite #kidlit books this year: bookshop.org/a/3703/97814...
Rebellion 1776
Check out Rebellion 1776 - <b>Three starred reviews!</b><BR> <BR><b>From <i>New York Times </i>bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson comes an “thoroughly researched, emotionally resonant&rdqu...
bookshop.org
December 30, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Recommended: Laurie Halse Anderson's "Rebellion 1776"--upheaval in the life of a servant girl in Boston, a smallpox epidemic, the Declaration of Independence. Lots of detail. Fascinating for any lover of historical fiction. One of my favorite #kidlit books this year: bookshop.org/a/3703/97814...
Recommended: Laurie Halse Anderson's "Rebellion 1776"--upheaval in the life of a servant girl in Boston, a smallpox epidemic, the Declaration of Independence. Lots of detail. Fascinating for any lover of historical fiction. One of my favorite #kidlit books this year: bookshop.org/a/3703/97814...
Rebellion 1776
Check out Rebellion 1776 - <b>Three starred reviews!</b><BR> <BR><b>From <i>New York Times </i>bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson comes an “thoroughly researched, emotionally resonant&rdqu...
bookshop.org
December 30, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Recommended: Laurie Halse Anderson's "Rebellion 1776"--upheaval in the life of a servant girl in Boston, a smallpox epidemic, the Declaration of Independence. Lots of detail. Fascinating for any lover of historical fiction. One of my favorite #kidlit books this year: bookshop.org/a/3703/97814...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Sydney Taylor’s Real-Life All-of-a-Kind Family | VIllage Preservation Blog
Sydney Taylor’s All-of-a-Kind Family - Village Preservation
On October 30th, 1912, a little girl named Sarah celebrated her eighth birthday in a Federal-style row house at the corner of Avenue D and East 3rd Street. She was the third of five daughters of…
buff.ly
December 30, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Sydney Taylor’s Real-Life All-of-a-Kind Family | VIllage Preservation Blog
Reposted by Harold Underdown
A brand new issue of the newsletter is out today, and I'm trying something new: presenting the best picture books of the year as if I were on the Caldecott committee. First up is EVERY MONDAY MABEL by Jashar Awan (I'm also giving away a copy) open.substack.com/pub/travisjo...
Caldecott Critique: EVERY MONDAY MABEL by Jashar Awan (+ Giveaway)
A closer look at one the best picture books of the year.
open.substack.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:33 PM
A brand new issue of the newsletter is out today, and I'm trying something new: presenting the best picture books of the year as if I were on the Caldecott committee. First up is EVERY MONDAY MABEL by Jashar Awan (I'm also giving away a copy) open.substack.com/pub/travisjo...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Day #30: 31 Days, 31 Lists - Middle Grade Fiction. These are the books that will worm their ways into the crannies and crevices of your children's gray matter, affecting their thoughts, their brains, their lives. #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/30/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Middle Grade Fiction
Our penultimate post!! These are the books that will worm their ways into the crannies and crevices of your children's gray matter, affecting their thoughts, their brains, their lives. If you're comfo...
afuse8production.slj.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Day #30: 31 Days, 31 Lists - Middle Grade Fiction. These are the books that will worm their ways into the crannies and crevices of your children's gray matter, affecting their thoughts, their brains, their lives. #kidlit #31Days31Lists 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/30/3...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Some good news:
“This year, 422 newly opened stores joined the American Booksellers Association — nearly a hundred more than joined last year.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/b...
“This year, 422 newly opened stores joined the American Booksellers Association — nearly a hundred more than joined last year.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/b...
Dragons, Sex and the Bible: What Drove the Book Business This Year
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Some good news:
“This year, 422 newly opened stores joined the American Booksellers Association — nearly a hundred more than joined last year.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/b...
“This year, 422 newly opened stores joined the American Booksellers Association — nearly a hundred more than joined last year.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/b...
"...after realizing we're gonna do the inauguration in that building"??
Trump on the ballroom: "It's bigger than I told you. It's, you know -- after realizing we're gonna do the inauguration in that building, it's got all bulletproof glass, it's got all drone, they call it drone-free roof. It's dronessss -- won't touch it. It's a big beautiful safe building."
December 30, 2025 at 4:30 AM
"...after realizing we're gonna do the inauguration in that building"??