Rukiya Shanthi
@rukiyashanthi.bsky.social
... is writing.
#kidlit writer all about forgotten histories. Currently focused on ancient Indian Ocean adventures!
#kidlit writer all about forgotten histories. Currently focused on ancient Indian Ocean adventures!
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
The 8th Annual Reflecting Realities Report is out now, showing progress in ethnic representation in children’s books and urging publishers to keep inclusion as a standard practice. https://clpe.org.uk/research/clpe-reflecting-realities-survey-ethnic-representation-within-uk-childrens-literature-3
November 14, 2025 at 9:01 AM
The 8th Annual Reflecting Realities Report is out now, showing progress in ethnic representation in children’s books and urging publishers to keep inclusion as a standard practice. https://clpe.org.uk/research/clpe-reflecting-realities-survey-ethnic-representation-within-uk-childrens-literature-3
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
We welcome the publication of the government's Curriculum and Assessment Review.
We particularly support its recommendation that children be exposed to a wider range of literary voices, and the inclusion of reading in enrichment activities.
However...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
We particularly support its recommendation that children be exposed to a wider range of literary voices, and the inclusion of reading in enrichment activities.
However...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
November 6, 2025 at 4:35 PM
We welcome the publication of the government's Curriculum and Assessment Review.
We particularly support its recommendation that children be exposed to a wider range of literary voices, and the inclusion of reading in enrichment activities.
However...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
We particularly support its recommendation that children be exposed to a wider range of literary voices, and the inclusion of reading in enrichment activities.
However...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
Happy publication day to Wild Journey: A Flight of Stories Across Deserts & Forests, Cities & Seas by A.M. Dassu and illustrated by Joe Lillington. Five captivating stories of emotional growth from across the globe connected by migrating starlings with stunning illustrations👇🏽
For ages 7+
For ages 7+
November 6, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Happy publication day to Wild Journey: A Flight of Stories Across Deserts & Forests, Cities & Seas by A.M. Dassu and illustrated by Joe Lillington. Five captivating stories of emotional growth from across the globe connected by migrating starlings with stunning illustrations👇🏽
For ages 7+
For ages 7+
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
🚨4 days left to submit to #LondonWritersAwards 2026!
Have a look at what our agent judges are looking for.
⏰ Applications for the #LondonWritersAwards close at 5pm on Thursday 30 October – happy writing!
Have a look at what our agent judges are looking for.
⏰ Applications for the #LondonWritersAwards close at 5pm on Thursday 30 October – happy writing!
October 27, 2025 at 3:23 PM
🚨4 days left to submit to #LondonWritersAwards 2026!
Have a look at what our agent judges are looking for.
⏰ Applications for the #LondonWritersAwards close at 5pm on Thursday 30 October – happy writing!
Have a look at what our agent judges are looking for.
⏰ Applications for the #LondonWritersAwards close at 5pm on Thursday 30 October – happy writing!
Ooohh!! 👀 Going to have to use all my willpower to not listen to this right away or risk not finishing my manuscript redraft ✍️ 😧 📖 I'll treat myself to it later 😊
Today we launch at new @EmpirePodUK series-
WRITERS ON EMPIRE
We kick off with a four-part look at George Orwell
linktr.ee/empirepoduk
WRITERS ON EMPIRE
We kick off with a four-part look at George Orwell
linktr.ee/empirepoduk
October 28, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Ooohh!! 👀 Going to have to use all my willpower to not listen to this right away or risk not finishing my manuscript redraft ✍️ 😧 📖 I'll treat myself to it later 😊
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
'I don’t think it’s ever a good idea to deny history. I think it’s always really important to face your own history honestly ...'
Toppling statues is an act of protest. It's about contesting a collective memory. NEVER about denying history.
observer.co.uk/culture/inte...
Toppling statues is an act of protest. It's about contesting a collective memory. NEVER about denying history.
observer.co.uk/culture/inte...
Nicholas Cullinan: ‘I don’t think it’s ever a good idea t...
The British Museum director on toppling statues, the Parthenon marbles and hosting London’s new star-studded answer to the Met Gala
observer.co.uk
October 13, 2025 at 6:52 AM
'I don’t think it’s ever a good idea to deny history. I think it’s always really important to face your own history honestly ...'
Toppling statues is an act of protest. It's about contesting a collective memory. NEVER about denying history.
observer.co.uk/culture/inte...
Toppling statues is an act of protest. It's about contesting a collective memory. NEVER about denying history.
observer.co.uk/culture/inte...
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
You should be concerned about the rate of authors leaving publishing. Especially from marginalized communities. This year I have seen so many authors just pack it up and go. And it's only getting worse.
October 11, 2025 at 12:11 PM
You should be concerned about the rate of authors leaving publishing. Especially from marginalized communities. This year I have seen so many authors just pack it up and go. And it's only getting worse.
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
Publishing is a broken system, and most individuals can't fix a whole-ass system, but a thread of ways you can support marginalized authors.
You should be concerned about the rate of authors leaving publishing. Especially from marginalized communities. This year I have seen so many authors just pack it up and go. And it's only getting worse.
October 12, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Publishing is a broken system, and most individuals can't fix a whole-ass system, but a thread of ways you can support marginalized authors.
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
One of the things about this study is that a lot of baby and toddler books are written in house, by editors. So the study reveals the whiteness of editorial in kidlit even if not explicitly. But, big picture, this trend is unacceptable. I remember so many promises www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
‘Catastrophic decline’ in Black representation in children’s books
A report by charity Inclusive Books for Children found that of the 2,721 books surveyed, only 51 featured a Black main character, down by 21.5% since 2023
www.theguardian.com
October 10, 2025 at 7:38 AM
One of the things about this study is that a lot of baby and toddler books are written in house, by editors. So the study reveals the whiteness of editorial in kidlit even if not explicitly. But, big picture, this trend is unacceptable. I remember so many promises www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
"There's a word for a writer who never gives up: published."
~ Joe Konrath
~ Joe Konrath
October 8, 2025 at 12:14 PM
"There's a word for a writer who never gives up: published."
~ Joe Konrath
~ Joe Konrath
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
✨ The Excluded Voices 2025 report is here!
We’ve updated last year’s findings on children’s books (ages 1–9) by British creators from marginalised communities — showing where progress is happening & where it’s still not.
https://ow.ly/G5Hq50X8fph
#IBCExcludedVoicesReport
We’ve updated last year’s findings on children’s books (ages 1–9) by British creators from marginalised communities — showing where progress is happening & where it’s still not.
https://ow.ly/G5Hq50X8fph
#IBCExcludedVoicesReport
October 8, 2025 at 6:00 AM
✨ The Excluded Voices 2025 report is here!
We’ve updated last year’s findings on children’s books (ages 1–9) by British creators from marginalised communities — showing where progress is happening & where it’s still not.
https://ow.ly/G5Hq50X8fph
#IBCExcludedVoicesReport
We’ve updated last year’s findings on children’s books (ages 1–9) by British creators from marginalised communities — showing where progress is happening & where it’s still not.
https://ow.ly/G5Hq50X8fph
#IBCExcludedVoicesReport
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
In an open letter, Walker Books 'is concerned to see the latest developments in Weymouth, particularly given the extreme reality of book banning in the US. We must ask ourselves is this the beginning of something, and what comes next?'
www.bookbrunch.co.uk/page/article...
www.bookbrunch.co.uk/page/article...
Walker attacks The Hate U Give ban
BookBrunch - The publishing trade's daily news magazine
www.bookbrunch.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 9:18 AM
In an open letter, Walker Books 'is concerned to see the latest developments in Weymouth, particularly given the extreme reality of book banning in the US. We must ask ourselves is this the beginning of something, and what comes next?'
www.bookbrunch.co.uk/page/article...
www.bookbrunch.co.uk/page/article...
Downloading it right now! 🎧 📱 😃
September 24, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Downloading it right now! 🎧 📱 😃
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
The London Writers Awards is open for applications until Thursday 30 October at 5pm.
Find out more in audio and BSL video formats on our website: www.spreadtheword.org.uk/applications...
Find out more in audio and BSL video formats on our website: www.spreadtheword.org.uk/applications...
September 23, 2025 at 3:35 PM
The London Writers Awards is open for applications until Thursday 30 October at 5pm.
Find out more in audio and BSL video formats on our website: www.spreadtheword.org.uk/applications...
Find out more in audio and BSL video formats on our website: www.spreadtheword.org.uk/applications...
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!
This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.
Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...
This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.
Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...
September 16, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!
This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.
Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...
This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.
Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.”
George Orwell
George Orwell
September 15, 2025 at 12:50 AM
“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.”
George Orwell
George Orwell
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
More than 500 children's authors, illustrators & educators have signed a statement on Palestine including @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social, @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social, Sir Michael Morpurgo, Chris Riddell OBE, Lauren Child CBE & @chrishaughton.bsky.social
Find out more 👉 statement-on-palestine.org
Find out more 👉 statement-on-palestine.org
September 11, 2025 at 11:41 AM
More than 500 children's authors, illustrators & educators have signed a statement on Palestine including @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social, @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social, Sir Michael Morpurgo, Chris Riddell OBE, Lauren Child CBE & @chrishaughton.bsky.social
Find out more 👉 statement-on-palestine.org
Find out more 👉 statement-on-palestine.org
Calling all #kidlit authors!
Over 600 authors, illustrators and educators have signed the statement.
MPs have tabled a motion that welcomes the statement. We hope that it may help strengthen the political will to end the conflict that.
statement-on-palestine.org?fbclid=PARlR...
Over 600 authors, illustrators and educators have signed the statement.
MPs have tabled a motion that welcomes the statement. We hope that it may help strengthen the political will to end the conflict that.
statement-on-palestine.org?fbclid=PARlR...
September 14, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Calling all #kidlit authors!
Over 600 authors, illustrators and educators have signed the statement.
MPs have tabled a motion that welcomes the statement. We hope that it may help strengthen the political will to end the conflict that.
statement-on-palestine.org?fbclid=PARlR...
Over 600 authors, illustrators and educators have signed the statement.
MPs have tabled a motion that welcomes the statement. We hope that it may help strengthen the political will to end the conflict that.
statement-on-palestine.org?fbclid=PARlR...
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
We now have young Muslims who feel alienated, disconnected and angry. And they have no reason to feel that, because their European heritage is a wonderfully rich one, says Tharik Hussain ( @tharikhussain.bsky.social ) on his new book 👇
Tharik Hussain's new book examines the connection between European and Islamic history
ebx.sh
September 12, 2025 at 12:24 PM
We now have young Muslims who feel alienated, disconnected and angry. And they have no reason to feel that, because their European heritage is a wonderfully rich one, says Tharik Hussain ( @tharikhussain.bsky.social ) on his new book 👇
Apply apply apply!! Can't say enough about how transformational the #LondonWritersAwards has been for me. If you're at the stage where you need structured support and an inclusive writing community then this could be the place for you 😊
Are you an unagented and unpublished writer looking to develop your work, connect with agents and move towards publication? The #LondonWritersAwards 2026 could be the opportunity for you! Find out more www.spreadtheword.org.uk/projects/lon...
September 10, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Apply apply apply!! Can't say enough about how transformational the #LondonWritersAwards has been for me. If you're at the stage where you need structured support and an inclusive writing community then this could be the place for you 😊
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
SAIL Fest (the South Asian Illustration and Literature Festival) is set to return for a second year 👇 #BookSky
SAIL Fest returns in collaboration with Tate Publishing
ebx.sh
September 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
SAIL Fest (the South Asian Illustration and Literature Festival) is set to return for a second year 👇 #BookSky
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
@willdalrymple.bsky.social ‘s THE GOLDEN ROAD, a lively examination of the ways in which ancient Indian art, religion, science and literature shaped the world.
www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/the-go...
www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/the-go...
September 9, 2025 at 2:16 PM
@willdalrymple.bsky.social ‘s THE GOLDEN ROAD, a lively examination of the ways in which ancient Indian art, religion, science and literature shaped the world.
www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/the-go...
www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/the-go...
Reposted by Rukiya Shanthi
A gentle reminder that you can ask (as in pay) Black people to talk about Black British history any month of the year. Not just October…
September 9, 2025 at 8:23 PM
A gentle reminder that you can ask (as in pay) Black people to talk about Black British history any month of the year. Not just October…