Erica Bretall
@kidlitdragon.bsky.social
K-3 school librarian, crafter, & mother. I love hamming it up at story time & books that provide windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors. Teaching kids to have an open mind, a generous heart, and a sense of wonder. #tlsky #kidlit
Ok Kanopy I have some questions. Nothing against I Want My Hat Back, but why did you put it in the "Kindness and Generosity" category? #skybrarian #kidlit #tlsky
June 3, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Ok Kanopy I have some questions. Nothing against I Want My Hat Back, but why did you put it in the "Kindness and Generosity" category? #skybrarian #kidlit #tlsky
My daughter required 16 books before bed tonight. 😅 Good thing I've been training for this book marathon for years so my stamina was up to the task. #kidlit
May 18, 2025 at 4:14 AM
My daughter required 16 books before bed tonight. 😅 Good thing I've been training for this book marathon for years so my stamina was up to the task. #kidlit
Just read The Girl in the Lake by @booksandbighair.bsky.social highly recommend it to #mglit readers looking for horror and supernatural. It does a great job having genuinely scary moments without being too scary. #skybrarian
April 30, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Just read The Girl in the Lake by @booksandbighair.bsky.social highly recommend it to #mglit readers looking for horror and supernatural. It does a great job having genuinely scary moments without being too scary. #skybrarian
Reposted by Erica Bretall
So...new Pantomime is up on US Netgalley. In many ways, it's scarier releasing a book with a nonbinary, intersex protagonist than it was the first time around 12 years ago, so help signal boosting appreciated. Queer magic circus, coming of age, cosy-adjacent. www.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
Pantomime
NetGalley helps publishers and authors promote digital review copies to book advocates and industry professionals. Publishers make digital review copies and audiobooks available for the NetGalley comm...
www.netgalley.com
April 16, 2025 at 3:50 PM
So...new Pantomime is up on US Netgalley. In many ways, it's scarier releasing a book with a nonbinary, intersex protagonist than it was the first time around 12 years ago, so help signal boosting appreciated. Queer magic circus, coming of age, cosy-adjacent. www.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
Reposted by Erica Bretall
It’s National Library Week!
Whether you’re at home or traveling, take a moment to visit a local library. Don’t have a library card? Get one — even if you don’t know what to check out just yet. It’s the first step into a world of discovery!
#NationalLibraryWeek #LibrariesAreEssential #FundLibraries
Whether you’re at home or traveling, take a moment to visit a local library. Don’t have a library card? Get one — even if you don’t know what to check out just yet. It’s the first step into a world of discovery!
#NationalLibraryWeek #LibrariesAreEssential #FundLibraries
April 6, 2025 at 6:50 PM
It’s National Library Week!
Whether you’re at home or traveling, take a moment to visit a local library. Don’t have a library card? Get one — even if you don’t know what to check out just yet. It’s the first step into a world of discovery!
#NationalLibraryWeek #LibrariesAreEssential #FundLibraries
Whether you’re at home or traveling, take a moment to visit a local library. Don’t have a library card? Get one — even if you don’t know what to check out just yet. It’s the first step into a world of discovery!
#NationalLibraryWeek #LibrariesAreEssential #FundLibraries
My coworker made this dragon for our book drop and it is giving me life! Named Ed after Ed Emberley. Notice how all the arrows point to the slot #tlsky #skybrarian
March 28, 2025 at 9:13 PM
My coworker made this dragon for our book drop and it is giving me life! Named Ed after Ed Emberley. Notice how all the arrows point to the slot #tlsky #skybrarian
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Most banned books feature people of color and LGBTQ+ people, report finds
Most banned books feature people of color and LGBTQ+ people, report finds
Study counteracts claims by conservative lawmakers that books being removed from classrooms are sexually explicit
The majority of banned books in US public schools last year dealt with people of color, LGBTQ+ people and other demographics, according to a…
www.theguardian.com
February 27, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Most banned books feature people of color and LGBTQ+ people, report finds
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Did you know that Central Park was built on the site of a thriving community called Seneca Village whose residents, most of whom were Black, were forced out to clear the way for the park? I'm so looking forward to this MG mystery, coming from @dancingofpens.bsky.social in April!
Did you know that by mid-1850s, Seneca Village had 50 homes, 3 churches, burial grounds, and a school for Black students? I explore what would happen if a tween girl stumbled upon a magical version of the village in my book, available for preorder now! booksaremagic.net/preorders/th...
February 24, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Did you know that Central Park was built on the site of a thriving community called Seneca Village whose residents, most of whom were Black, were forced out to clear the way for the park? I'm so looking forward to this MG mystery, coming from @dancingofpens.bsky.social in April!
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Here is some Monday joy! Tapirs are endangered, one was recently born at this Zoo. It is ADORABLE! I've been watching it on TikTok
So much love and endless kisses between tapir baby Ume and momma Yuna! 🥹
📹: Keeper Chrissy
📹: Keeper Chrissy
February 24, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Here is some Monday joy! Tapirs are endangered, one was recently born at this Zoo. It is ADORABLE! I've been watching it on TikTok
Nose to Nose by Thyra Heder is a #picturebook with a lot of kid appeal. At first glance it's about dogs communicating with pee. On a deeper reading it's about rumors, welcoming strangers, and giving second changes. Would be great for an SEL lesson! #kidlit #tlsky
February 13, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Nose to Nose by Thyra Heder is a #picturebook with a lot of kid appeal. At first glance it's about dogs communicating with pee. On a deeper reading it's about rumors, welcoming strangers, and giving second changes. Would be great for an SEL lesson! #kidlit #tlsky
In love with the gorgeous illustrations and lyrical language in this #picturebook about what to do when you have a storm in you and how to help others find their voice and ask for help. A Voice in the Storm by Karl James Mountford #kidlit #tlsky
February 13, 2025 at 6:39 PM
In love with the gorgeous illustrations and lyrical language in this #picturebook about what to do when you have a storm in you and how to help others find their voice and ask for help. A Voice in the Storm by Karl James Mountford #kidlit #tlsky
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Black history teaching resources from the Library of Congress.
Exploring African American History with Library of Congress Teacher Resources | Teaching with the Library
A sampling of Library of Congress teacher resources related to the study of African American history, which have been developed and published over the past year.
blogs.loc.gov
February 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Black history teaching resources from the Library of Congress.
Reposted by Erica Bretall
I still don't think people get how far-ranging the anti-book bills filed in Texas this session are. This won't just affect school libraries. It's a five-alarm fire for booksellers, public libraries, parents--anyone who cares about the right to read. #BookSky #BannedBooks #Freadom
"This could mean that if you want to put a little free library in your front yard, if you put the Color Purple or the Kite Runner and if a child gets it, you could be charged with a crime" — @laneyhawes.bsky.social of @txfreedomread.bsky.social
www.audacy.com/krld/news/st...
www.audacy.com/krld/news/st...
Groups lash out at proposed book-banning laws for Texas
A broad coalition of educational, civil rights, and literary advocacy organizations are banding together to sound the alarm over proposed legislation that would make access to books more difficult in ...
www.audacy.com
February 11, 2025 at 1:24 AM
I still don't think people get how far-ranging the anti-book bills filed in Texas this session are. This won't just affect school libraries. It's a five-alarm fire for booksellers, public libraries, parents--anyone who cares about the right to read. #BookSky #BannedBooks #Freadom
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Now more than ever.
February 7, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Now more than ever.
Reposted by Erica Bretall
As we celebrate Black History Month, we remember Arna Bontemps, a Harlem Renaissance figure and librarian at Fisk University, who preserved Black culture and history for future generations. #BlackHistoryMonth #CulturalPreservation
February 7, 2025 at 4:33 AM
As we celebrate Black History Month, we remember Arna Bontemps, a Harlem Renaissance figure and librarian at Fisk University, who preserved Black culture and history for future generations. #BlackHistoryMonth #CulturalPreservation
Recently finished Playing the Cards You're Dealt by @varianjohnson.bsky.social Really lovely #mglit story that manages to tackle serious issues like parental alcoholism while also being about family, friendship, and spades. The narrator is excellent and adds a lot of humor. Recommended! #tlsky
February 6, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Recently finished Playing the Cards You're Dealt by @varianjohnson.bsky.social Really lovely #mglit story that manages to tackle serious issues like parental alcoholism while also being about family, friendship, and spades. The narrator is excellent and adds a lot of humor. Recommended! #tlsky
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Four more books have just been banned statewide in South Carolina. These must be removed from every public school in the state.
These are four more books added to the previously banned seven title.
All the new books banned? By queer and/or authors of color.
bookriot.com/four-more-bo...
These are four more books added to the previously banned seven title.
All the new books banned? By queer and/or authors of color.
bookriot.com/four-more-bo...
Four More Books Banned Statewide in South Carolina Public Schools
Four more books have been added to South Carolina's state sanctioned book ban list and must be removed from all public schools across the state.
bookriot.com
February 5, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Four more books have just been banned statewide in South Carolina. These must be removed from every public school in the state.
These are four more books added to the previously banned seven title.
All the new books banned? By queer and/or authors of color.
bookriot.com/four-more-bo...
These are four more books added to the previously banned seven title.
All the new books banned? By queer and/or authors of color.
bookriot.com/four-more-bo...
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Wow! Awful Library Books archive = 💎
Just spent 10 minutes perusing when I should have been moving on to some other tasks. I saw a book about deadliest karate moves ever that was…quite the book…
What/why of #weeding.
I think I’ll be dipping into that site every now and then for some amusement.
Just spent 10 minutes perusing when I should have been moving on to some other tasks. I saw a book about deadliest karate moves ever that was…quite the book…
What/why of #weeding.
I think I’ll be dipping into that site every now and then for some amusement.
The late, great Awful Library Books had some great posts about bad labeling. Sigh. Miss them.
awfullibrarybooks.com
awfullibrarybooks.com
Awful Library Books
Visit the post for more.
awfullibrarybooks.com
February 5, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Wow! Awful Library Books archive = 💎
Just spent 10 minutes perusing when I should have been moving on to some other tasks. I saw a book about deadliest karate moves ever that was…quite the book…
What/why of #weeding.
I think I’ll be dipping into that site every now and then for some amusement.
Just spent 10 minutes perusing when I should have been moving on to some other tasks. I saw a book about deadliest karate moves ever that was…quite the book…
What/why of #weeding.
I think I’ll be dipping into that site every now and then for some amusement.
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Celebrating history shapers like John Lewis and Mae Jemison and lesser-known individuals with comparable impact, such as playwrights August Wilson and Lorraine Hansberry, and engineer Raye Montague, these 28 titles share the lives, struggles, and triumphs of notable Black Americans.
28 Picture Books Of Inspiring Black Americans for Black History Month and All Year
Celebrating history shapers like John Lewis and Mae Jemison and lesser-known individuals with comparable impact, such as playwrights August Wilson and Lorraine Hansberry, and engineer Raye Montague, t...
www.slj.com
February 4, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Celebrating history shapers like John Lewis and Mae Jemison and lesser-known individuals with comparable impact, such as playwrights August Wilson and Lorraine Hansberry, and engineer Raye Montague, these 28 titles share the lives, struggles, and triumphs of notable Black Americans.
Reposted by Erica Bretall
I've been tracking when and where my books are getting banned in the US since 2023. My books are all about queer teen girls and/or Asian Americans. Here's my latest update: As of today, my books have been censored in 96 cases across 20 states. www.malindalo.com/blog/2025/2/...
Banned Books Update: New Year, More Censorship — Malinda Lo
Since 2021 and as of today, Feb. 4, 2025, six of my seven novels and two anthologies including my work have been censored in 96 cases across 20 states.
www.malindalo.com
February 4, 2025 at 3:25 PM
I've been tracking when and where my books are getting banned in the US since 2023. My books are all about queer teen girls and/or Asian Americans. Here's my latest update: As of today, my books have been censored in 96 cases across 20 states. www.malindalo.com/blog/2025/2/...
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Dorothy B. Porter changed libraries 💜
The Dewey Decimal System used to only have two classifications for Black people: 325 (colonization) & 326 (slavery). Each book by a Black person was put into one of these classifications. A book of poetry? Classified as colonization.
Enter Dorothy B. Porter 🧵
The Dewey Decimal System used to only have two classifications for Black people: 325 (colonization) & 326 (slavery). Each book by a Black person was put into one of these classifications. A book of poetry? Classified as colonization.
Enter Dorothy B. Porter 🧵
February 3, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Dorothy B. Porter changed libraries 💜
The Dewey Decimal System used to only have two classifications for Black people: 325 (colonization) & 326 (slavery). Each book by a Black person was put into one of these classifications. A book of poetry? Classified as colonization.
Enter Dorothy B. Porter 🧵
The Dewey Decimal System used to only have two classifications for Black people: 325 (colonization) & 326 (slavery). Each book by a Black person was put into one of these classifications. A book of poetry? Classified as colonization.
Enter Dorothy B. Porter 🧵
Reposted by Erica Bretall
The political challenges to DEI efforts coincide with a downturn in kids' book sales, and demands to remove books featuring POC and LGBTQIA+ characters from schools & libraries. Latinx in Publishing couldn’t offer its publishing fellowship this year because it couldn’t secure publisher funding.
Gaining Ground? Diversity in Publishing
Progress toward a more racially diverse publishing workforce has been slow. Publishing leaders face political and economic changes that may make further progress harder.
www.slj.com
February 2, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The political challenges to DEI efforts coincide with a downturn in kids' book sales, and demands to remove books featuring POC and LGBTQIA+ characters from schools & libraries. Latinx in Publishing couldn’t offer its publishing fellowship this year because it couldn’t secure publisher funding.
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. Now More Than Ever. | From the Editor
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. Now More Than Ever. | From the Editor
Done right, DEI will prepare us for an increasingly diverse world.
www.slj.com
January 30, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. Now More Than Ever. | From the Editor
Reposted by Erica Bretall
Happy Black History Month! Here’s how I plan to celebrate:
a blue book titled by black authors sits on top of a green book titled read books
Alt: A stack of books displays the message: read black books by black authors about the historical black experience
media.tenor.com
February 1, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Happy Black History Month! Here’s how I plan to celebrate: