Lee Wind
@leewind.bsky.social
Author, Blogger, Make the World a Better Placer. Out to empower Queer Youth and their allies. Out now: BANANA MENORAH (picture book on creativity + 2 Dad family) and THE GENDER BINARY IS A BIG LIE (nonfiction ages 11+)
*WE* save us -- yes!
At least eight states have deeply concerning anti-library, anti-literature bills on the docket for their legislative sessions so far. Here's what they are and what you can and should do at this point about them–whether or not you live in these states.
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Bad Library Bills, 2026 Edition: State-Level Legislation of Concern
Alabama, Ohio, New Hampshire, and several other states already have bills targeting libraries and books on deck for 2026.
buttondown.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:13 PM
*WE* save us -- yes!
totally blushing at "queer YA icon" -- and very excited for this cover reveal for the gay teen action adventure romance sequel to "A Different Kind of Brave" -- "A Different Kind of Enemy" --thank you @lgbtqreads.bsky.social #kidlit
Exclusive Cover Reveal: A Different Kind of Enemy by Lee Wind
Today on the site I'm delighted to welcome back queer YA icon Lee Wind to reveal the cover of his upcoming YA, A Different Kind of Enemy, which releases May 19th from Interlude Press/Duet Books! Here's the story: Perfect for YA fans…
Today on the site I'm delighted to welcome back queer YA icon Lee Wind to reveal the cover of his upcoming YA, A Different Kind of Enemy, which releases May 19th from Interlude Press/Duet Books! Here's the story: Perfect for YA fans…
Exclusive Cover Reveal: A Different Kind of Enemy by Lee Wind
Today on the site I'm delighted to welcome back queer YA icon Lee Wind to reveal the cover of his upcoming YA, A Different Kind of Enemy, which releases May 19th from Interlude Press/Duet Books! Here's the story: Perfect for YA fans of Heartstopper and Red, White & Royal Blue, A Different Kind of Enemy is the sequel to the Gay teen globe-trotting adventure Kirkus Reviews called “Thrilling.
lgbtqreads.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:08 PM
totally blushing at "queer YA icon" -- and very excited for this cover reveal for the gay teen action adventure romance sequel to "A Different Kind of Brave" -- "A Different Kind of Enemy" --thank you @lgbtqreads.bsky.social #kidlit
If I agree with two very smart people, that's smart by association, surely... #kidlitchat
This is a very, very good idea. #kidlitchat
I also find #KidLitChat an excellent way to find #KidLit people to follow (and follow back).
January 7, 2026 at 2:33 AM
If I agree with two very smart people, that's smart by association, surely... #kidlitchat
"Defiant Joy" - Facing all the manufactured chaos and mean-spirited selfishness of so many in power, being joyful IS resistance. They want all folks who aren't them afraid and hidden away and the answer is NO. We're here & proud & can be allies to each other! #weneeddiversebooks #kidlitchat 3/3
TOPIC: It's time for New Year's resolutions . . . or goals . . . or a word to define your mindset for 2026 . . . or your Guiding Principle for the year . . . or, what's the plan, Stan? (The focus here is for resolutions related to your #kidlit side, but share whatever you want!). #kidlitchat
January 7, 2026 at 2:18 AM
"Defiant Joy" - Facing all the manufactured chaos and mean-spirited selfishness of so many in power, being joyful IS resistance. They want all folks who aren't them afraid and hidden away and the answer is NO. We're here & proud & can be allies to each other! #weneeddiversebooks #kidlitchat 3/3
"Steadfast Gratitude" - how amazing that I get to write and have books published and that I can do this work to change the world to be kinder, better, & more empathetic one reader and one heart at a time! #kidlitchat 2/3
TOPIC: It's time for New Year's resolutions . . . or goals . . . or a word to define your mindset for 2026 . . . or your Guiding Principle for the year . . . or, what's the plan, Stan? (The focus here is for resolutions related to your #kidlit side, but share whatever you want!). #kidlitchat
January 7, 2026 at 2:13 AM
"Steadfast Gratitude" - how amazing that I get to write and have books published and that I can do this work to change the world to be kinder, better, & more empathetic one reader and one heart at a time! #kidlitchat 2/3
"Steady progress" - my grandmother did elaborate needlepoints, creating them stitch by stitch, like pixels making up an image, and I think that's a great metaphor for writing a little bit (sometimes just 12 min) as many days this year as I can to add up to a new YA novel! #kidlitchat 1/3
TOPIC: It's time for New Year's resolutions . . . or goals . . . or a word to define your mindset for 2026 . . . or your Guiding Principle for the year . . . or, what's the plan, Stan? (The focus here is for resolutions related to your #kidlit side, but share whatever you want!). #kidlitchat
January 7, 2026 at 2:10 AM
"Steady progress" - my grandmother did elaborate needlepoints, creating them stitch by stitch, like pixels making up an image, and I think that's a great metaphor for writing a little bit (sometimes just 12 min) as many days this year as I can to add up to a new YA novel! #kidlitchat 1/3
Resolved: I will change my 2026 #kidlit shares so only 20% are about my books. For me, bluesky is leaning self promotion vs community-building. We can ask ?s, share wisdom, amplify others, share process, and support each other. I'll start: What are your #kidlit resolutions for the new year? 1/2
December 31, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Amidst everything, this profile piece coming out is kind of cool. Glad I got to talk about #kidlit and fighting for the #freedomtoread voyagela.com/interview/hi...
December 16, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Amidst everything, this profile piece coming out is kind of cool. Glad I got to talk about #kidlit and fighting for the #freedomtoread voyagela.com/interview/hi...
Life inspires art inspires life... my #kidlit reality this Hanukkah, exactly 28 years from the moment of original 'oh gosh, we don't have a menorah' inspiration: lighting a Banana Menorah holding a copy of my new picture book, BANANA MENORAH! (and a fun behind-the-scenes pic, too)
December 16, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Life inspires art inspires life... my #kidlit reality this Hanukkah, exactly 28 years from the moment of original 'oh gosh, we don't have a menorah' inspiration: lighting a Banana Menorah holding a copy of my new picture book, BANANA MENORAH! (and a fun behind-the-scenes pic, too)
re: Freedom to read for #kidlit - ALA on SCOTUS letting book banning decision stand: "The ruling threatens to transform government libraries into centers for indoctrination instead of protecting them as hubs of open inquiry." www.ala.org/news/2025/12...
Supreme Court refuses to hear Little v. Llano County: ALA responds
ALA expressed disappointment and concern following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow a lower court ruling from the Fifth Circuit to stand. This decision will significantly restrict the freedo...
www.ala.org
December 12, 2025 at 10:13 PM
re: Freedom to read for #kidlit - ALA on SCOTUS letting book banning decision stand: "The ruling threatens to transform government libraries into centers for indoctrination instead of protecting them as hubs of open inquiry." www.ala.org/news/2025/12...
so many "great books" #kidlit lists this time of year, and awesome to have BANANA MENORAH included on this one! (fully acknowledging there are lots of lists my books didn't land on...) So I tell myself if each book gets 3 good things to vet it/celebrate it, it can find its readers! #grateful
Day #4 of 31 Day, 31 Lists: 2025 Transcendent Holiday Books. It may be the winter holiday season, but this list looks at EVERY season and every holiday it can. Bask in them! #31days31lists #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/04/3...
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2025 Transcendent Holiday Children’s Books
It may be the winter holiday season, but this list looks at EVERY season and every holiday it can. Bask in them!
afuse8production.slj.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:40 PM
#kidlitchat ThankFest 1) Husband & Kiddo 2) Family and Friends 3) #kidlit community 4) books published 5) supportive librarians, booksellers, other adults 6) readers (kiddos & adults) 7) new works-in-progress I'm excited about! Bonus: being healthy enough to enjoy & engage in 1-7
November 26, 2025 at 2:07 AM
#kidlitchat ThankFest 1) Husband & Kiddo 2) Family and Friends 3) #kidlit community 4) books published 5) supportive librarians, booksellers, other adults 6) readers (kiddos & adults) 7) new works-in-progress I'm excited about! Bonus: being healthy enough to enjoy & engage in 1-7
yay! thanks to you and @gregpincus.bsky.social for hosting the mosting #kidlitchat
I don't know about you, but I sure could use a #kidlitchat tonight. Fortunately, we have one! Coming up at 9E/6P. See you there!
November 26, 2025 at 1:50 AM
yay! thanks to you and @gregpincus.bsky.social for hosting the mosting #kidlitchat
nice! that's a great way to approach wordless picture books #kidlit
"How to read a silent book" like PENCIL: astrapublishinghouse.com/resources/pe...
November 26, 2025 at 1:44 AM
nice! that's a great way to approach wordless picture books #kidlit
some great #kidlit critique options and even the chance to be a podcast guest!
Help light the creative spark — bid in the Kindling Words auction, and help send writers, illustrators, and editors to a retreat that changed their craft. #kidlit
KW Scholarship Silent Auction
Silent auction 'KW Scholarship Silent Auction' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:21 PM
some great #kidlit critique options and even the chance to be a podcast guest!
lovely, kind, and creative people for the win! Hurray @debbieohi.com and Linda Sue Park -- can't wait to
see this one!
see this one!
You never know what will come out a broken crayon. #Uplift
More broken crayons, classroom activities, my broken crayon #KidLit picture book with Linda Sue Park: debbieohi.com/resources/re...
More broken crayons, classroom activities, my broken crayon #KidLit picture book with Linda Sue Park: debbieohi.com/resources/re...
November 21, 2025 at 1:48 PM
lovely, kind, and creative people for the win! Hurray @debbieohi.com and Linda Sue Park -- can't wait to
see this one!
see this one!
really interesting and inspiring (that timeline that looks like a road!) thanks for sharing
Blog post about timelines in picture books. Great examples from our KidLit author group. I talk about why there's one in OPENING THE ROAD and the clever illustrated timeline created by @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social Link to a free downloadable poster size copy!
groggorg.blogspot.com/2025/11/what...
groggorg.blogspot.com/2025/11/what...
November 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM
really interesting and inspiring (that timeline that looks like a road!) thanks for sharing
I like the idea that the beginning and end need to "shake hands" - so it feels like the PB journey has paid off from the promise of the opening... #kidlitchat
Just my humble opinion, but I think all picture books need to be somewhat circular--otherwise they are more short story than pb. Anyone else agree? #kidlitchat
November 19, 2025 at 3:06 AM
I like the idea that the beginning and end need to "shake hands" - so it feels like the PB journey has paid off from the promise of the opening... #kidlitchat
@deborahhalverson.bsky.social knows our #kidlit industry, does the research, and presents it for us -- this is always worth the time! thanks @scbwi.bsky.social
Join veteran editor and author Deborah Halverson for an up-to-the-minute look at the children's publishing industry.
Register here:
www.scbwi.org/events/state...
Register here:
www.scbwi.org/events/state...
November 14, 2025 at 2:53 PM
@deborahhalverson.bsky.social knows our #kidlit industry, does the research, and presents it for us -- this is always worth the time! thanks @scbwi.bsky.social
loved hearing from these students! (and nice to have good news re: books being un-banned) thanks @heykellyjensen.bsky.social
Last month, eight books were removed from Georgia's statewide reading book for students. It was teenagers who brought this censorship to the spotlight–even though it's not their job to clean up grown-up messes.
Get to know 3 of those teens here.
bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Get to know 3 of those teens here.
bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Meet the High Schoolers Who Overturned a State Reading Bowl Book Ban: Book Censorship News, November 7, 2025
A Georgia statewide reading bowl banned eight books. These students led the charge to get the bans overturned and succeeded.
bookriot.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:55 PM
loved hearing from these students! (and nice to have good news re: books being un-banned) thanks @heykellyjensen.bsky.social
helpful and interesting! thanks @cherylklein.bsky.social
For querying writers: I did a critiques today for an SCBWI conf & got questions about what kind of books you can cite as comps, & I think it’s worth distinguishing between *pitching* comps and *selling* comps. A brief 🧵:
November 11, 2025 at 2:53 PM
helpful and interesting! thanks @cherylklein.bsky.social
Reposted by Lee Wind
Were you thrilled & motivated by election results on Tuesday and want in on the next one? If you're a published writer, join us! We provide resources, connect each other to collective actions, and support each other!
AABB Author Sign-Up Form
Hello! We're Authors Against Book Bans, a group of authors who’ve come together to protect and promote the freedom to read on both the national and local levels. We’re creating a network of authors to...
docs.google.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Were you thrilled & motivated by election results on Tuesday and want in on the next one? If you're a published writer, join us! We provide resources, connect each other to collective actions, and support each other!
#KidLitLaunches BANANA MENORAH celebrates creativity, a two dad family, and Hanukkah... feeling grateful I get to create #kidlit that would have changed my life if I read it as a kiddo!
November 7, 2025 at 2:49 PM
#KidLitLaunches BANANA MENORAH celebrates creativity, a two dad family, and Hanukkah... feeling grateful I get to create #kidlit that would have changed my life if I read it as a kiddo!
Banana Menorah Launch Day! (And 8 ways to use a banana as a menorah!) Tip: You don't blow out Hanukkah candles, you just let them dance and enjoy the lights. Illustrated by Karl West, published by Apples & Honey Press.
#lgbtq #kidlit #hanukkah #chanukah #launchday #bookbirthday
#lgbtq #kidlit #hanukkah #chanukah #launchday #bookbirthday
November 4, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Banana Menorah Launch Day! (And 8 ways to use a banana as a menorah!) Tip: You don't blow out Hanukkah candles, you just let them dance and enjoy the lights. Illustrated by Karl West, published by Apples & Honey Press.
#lgbtq #kidlit #hanukkah #chanukah #launchday #bookbirthday
#lgbtq #kidlit #hanukkah #chanukah #launchday #bookbirthday
Banana Menorah Countdown: 1 day to go! Today I share about my picture book coming out TOMORROW… illustrated by Karl West and published by Apples & Honey Press BANANA MENORAH has four wonderful trade reviews, with Kirkus calling it “A Hanukkah tale sure to ignite kids’ creativity.” #lgbtq #kidlit
November 3, 2025 at 4:11 PM