A. J. Sass
@sassinsf.com
Award-winning author, figure skater, & typewriter tinkerer
⛸️ Ana on the Edge
✈️ Ellen Outside the Lines
⛺️ Camp QUILTBAG
📚 Just Shy of Ordinary
✡️ Shabbat Is ...
rep: @thejordache.bsky.social | https://linktr.ee/matokah | 📍SF + VT
⛸️ Ana on the Edge
✈️ Ellen Outside the Lines
⛺️ Camp QUILTBAG
📚 Just Shy of Ordinary
✡️ Shabbat Is ...
rep: @thejordache.bsky.social | https://linktr.ee/matokah | 📍SF + VT
Pinned
A. J. Sass
@sassinsf.com
· Sep 2
My debut picture book, SHABBAT IS ..., releases today 😊
Available where all books are sold. And here: www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/a-j-s...
Available where all books are sold. And here: www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/a-j-s...
So proud of my state's efforts to protect trans youth!
1. Good news for trans people in Vermont.
A bill was just filed that would fund private trans youth care clinics across the state.
It would be a major shield from Trump funding threats which have caused hospitals to shut their doors.
But it has to pass first.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
A bill was just filed that would fund private trans youth care clinics across the state.
It would be a major shield from Trump funding threats which have caused hospitals to shut their doors.
But it has to pass first.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
Vermont Bill Would Create State Trust Fund For Private Trans Youth Care Clinics As Trump Threatens Hospital Funding
The bill would establish the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund, administered by the State Treasurer, to support clinics and providers outside the reach of federal funding threats.
www.erininthemorning.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:43 PM
So proud of my state's efforts to protect trans youth!
I'm gonna read a boatload of queer books. And write some too.
I'm looking forward to both. Happy New Year.
I'm looking forward to both. Happy New Year.
Give yourself something to look forward to next year. Something less substantial than a resolution which can carry regret if you can't stick to it. Think of a book you want to read, a genre of music you'd like to learn more about, a curiosity to chase no matter how trivial. Keep your spark lit.
January 1, 2026 at 5:26 AM
I'm gonna read a boatload of queer books. And write some too.
I'm looking forward to both. Happy New Year.
I'm looking forward to both. Happy New Year.
Reposted by A. J. Sass
2025 was *brutal*, in all those personal hard to explain ways I don’t really share online.
It was also marbled with love and little moments of sweetness that made it survivable. I don’t know if I have the right to expect better in 2026, but I’m gonna look hard for the love
It was also marbled with love and little moments of sweetness that made it survivable. I don’t know if I have the right to expect better in 2026, but I’m gonna look hard for the love
January 1, 2026 at 4:57 AM
2025 was *brutal*, in all those personal hard to explain ways I don’t really share online.
It was also marbled with love and little moments of sweetness that made it survivable. I don’t know if I have the right to expect better in 2026, but I’m gonna look hard for the love
It was also marbled with love and little moments of sweetness that made it survivable. I don’t know if I have the right to expect better in 2026, but I’m gonna look hard for the love
Reposted by A. J. Sass
The ACA isn't just "health care for people who don't have a conventional employer." It also disallows something that was incredibly common 20 years ago, which I fear is getting lost to generational memory: insurance companies could deny you health care for essentially any previous health problem.
I'm dubious about Amazon's commitment to keeping pre-existing conditions a thing of the past.
December 14, 2025 at 11:50 PM
The ACA isn't just "health care for people who don't have a conventional employer." It also disallows something that was incredibly common 20 years ago, which I fear is getting lost to generational memory: insurance companies could deny you health care for essentially any previous health problem.
Reposted by A. J. Sass
I went to bed last night thinking about the shooting at Brown University and woke up to the news about the shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia. This is a sick planet.
George Carlin said it best: "Save the planet, we don't even know how to take care of ourselves yet."
George Carlin said it best: "Save the planet, we don't even know how to take care of ourselves yet."
At least 11 people were killed by gunmen who targeted a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday.
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/12...
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/12...
Live Updates: Police Say Jewish Community Targeted in Deadly Sydney Attack
www.nytimes.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:22 PM
I went to bed last night thinking about the shooting at Brown University and woke up to the news about the shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia. This is a sick planet.
George Carlin said it best: "Save the planet, we don't even know how to take care of ourselves yet."
George Carlin said it best: "Save the planet, we don't even know how to take care of ourselves yet."
Reposted by A. J. Sass
Please consider signing this petition to stop this debate and read the comments from alumni and students at the school expressing their thoughts on why this event should not be happening at their public high school.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-w...
www.change.org/p/stop-the-w...
Sign the Petition
Stop the WHS TPUSA club from pushing bigotry into our school.
www.change.org
December 5, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Please consider signing this petition to stop this debate and read the comments from alumni and students at the school expressing their thoughts on why this event should not be happening at their public high school.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-w...
www.change.org/p/stop-the-w...
Reposted by A. J. Sass
A local Irvine high school's Turning Point USA club has organized a debate on “transgenderism and same sex marriage”.
Not only are people’s lives and identities not up for debate, but this is also dangerous, thinly veiled bigotry.
I have friends with queer kids at this school and I'm livid.
Not only are people’s lives and identities not up for debate, but this is also dangerous, thinly veiled bigotry.
I have friends with queer kids at this school and I'm livid.
Sign the Petition
Stop the WHS TPUSA club from pushing bigotry into our school.
www.change.org
December 5, 2025 at 7:34 PM
A local Irvine high school's Turning Point USA club has organized a debate on “transgenderism and same sex marriage”.
Not only are people’s lives and identities not up for debate, but this is also dangerous, thinly veiled bigotry.
I have friends with queer kids at this school and I'm livid.
Not only are people’s lives and identities not up for debate, but this is also dangerous, thinly veiled bigotry.
I have friends with queer kids at this school and I'm livid.
I've got a poem in NO BRAIN THE SAME. I'm so excited for everyone to see this special book next year!
Proofs! NO BRAIN THE SAME, the third book in our young activists series with @lindsayhmetcalf.bsky.social and @jbradley.bsky.social coming June 2 to a shelf near you. The poems: inspirational. The art: spectacular. 💕📚💕
#NBTS #poetry #pb #neurodivergence #edusky #librarians #teachers #allies #book
#NBTS #poetry #pb #neurodivergence #edusky #librarians #teachers #allies #book
November 21, 2025 at 10:12 PM
I've got a poem in NO BRAIN THE SAME. I'm so excited for everyone to see this special book next year!
Shabbat Is and Just Shy of Ordinary made this list!
Gift Guide: Chanukah/Hanukkah 5786
Give a loved one celebrating the Festival of Lights the joy of queer Jewish literature! Kids Just Like Queen Esther by Ari Moffic and Kerry Olitzky (text) and Rena Yehuda Newman (illustration) Atara loves to wear her crown – to the library, to the dentist, even…
Give a loved one celebrating the Festival of Lights the joy of queer Jewish literature! Kids Just Like Queen Esther by Ari Moffic and Kerry Olitzky (text) and Rena Yehuda Newman (illustration) Atara loves to wear her crown – to the library, to the dentist, even…
Gift Guide: Chanukah/Hanukkah 5786
Give a loved one celebrating the Festival of Lights the joy of queer Jewish literature! Kids Just Like Queen Esther by Ari Moffic and Kerry Olitzky (text) and Rena Yehuda Newman (illustration) Atara loves to wear her crown – to the library, to the dentist, even to her swim lessons. It gives her confidence, and shows the world that she is a girl, not a boy, like everyone thought at first.
lgbtqreads.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Shabbat Is and Just Shy of Ordinary made this list!
Reposted by A. J. Sass
Happy news! THE BI BOOK by Cynthia Alonso and me made ALA Booklist’s 2025 Editors’ Choice Books for Youth list! We are honored! Congratulations to all the creators of these fantastic books! ✨ tinyurl.com/5xkyavh6 #kidlit #booksky
November 19, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Happy news! THE BI BOOK by Cynthia Alonso and me made ALA Booklist’s 2025 Editors’ Choice Books for Youth list! We are honored! Congratulations to all the creators of these fantastic books! ✨ tinyurl.com/5xkyavh6 #kidlit #booksky
Oh hey, another reason to hate this timeline - attempts to deport people INDIGENOUS to North America.
Make it make sense
Make it make sense
📍 𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐄, 𝐈𝐎𝐖𝐀:
A Native American woman was nearly deported after a jail mistakenly placed an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer on her file — despite her clear tribal identity and legal status. #AbuseofPowerWatch
A Native American woman was nearly deported after a jail mistakenly placed an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer on her file — despite her clear tribal identity and legal status. #AbuseofPowerWatch
Native American nearly deported after Polk County jail issues ICE detainer by mistake
A Native American woman born in Phoenix was wrongly flagged for deportation at an Iowa jail after an ICE detainer mix-up, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
www.kcci.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Oh hey, another reason to hate this timeline - attempts to deport people INDIGENOUS to North America.
Make it make sense
Make it make sense
🤡 🤡 🤡
I am literally supposed to travel out of the country next week. Someone go to DC and smack these policymakers upside their heads for me pls
I am literally supposed to travel out of the country next week. Someone go to DC and smack these policymakers upside their heads for me pls
1. The Trump administration has just quietly updated the State Department website to indicate that it may invalidate transgender people's passports.
This comes a week after a SCOTUS ruling blocking lower rulings allowing trans people to update them.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
This comes a week after a SCOTUS ruling blocking lower rulings allowing trans people to update them.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
Trump Admin Quietly Changes State Department Page To Indicate It May Invalidate Trans Passports
The change comes after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the administration and lifted a temporary injunction.
www.erininthemorning.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:25 PM
🤡 🤡 🤡
I am literally supposed to travel out of the country next week. Someone go to DC and smack these policymakers upside their heads for me pls
I am literally supposed to travel out of the country next week. Someone go to DC and smack these policymakers upside their heads for me pls
Reposted by A. J. Sass
made a simple yet quick fan-art drawing of Millie from Just Shy of Ordinary (ㆁωㆁ)
author of the book; @sassinsf.com
#justshyofordinary #fanart #bookfanart
author of the book; @sassinsf.com
#justshyofordinary #fanart #bookfanart
November 7, 2025 at 1:38 PM
made a simple yet quick fan-art drawing of Millie from Just Shy of Ordinary (ㆁωㆁ)
author of the book; @sassinsf.com
#justshyofordinary #fanart #bookfanart
author of the book; @sassinsf.com
#justshyofordinary #fanart #bookfanart
Ughhh. So, what, this means the passport I paid for is unusable AGAIN?
BREAKING: The Supreme Court granted the Trump administration's request to enforce its discriminatory passport policy while our lawsuit makes its way through the courts.
This decision undermines the freedom of transgender, non-binary, and intersex people to have our IDs reflect who we are.
This decision undermines the freedom of transgender, non-binary, and intersex people to have our IDs reflect who we are.
November 6, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Ughhh. So, what, this means the passport I paid for is unusable AGAIN?
I thought when I wrote Ana on the Edge, we wouldn’t still be talking about trans folks’ place in sports half a decade later. Yet here we are.
This is such a disappointing decision, to restrict those competing in women’s skating events by the sex on their original birth certificate.
This is such a disappointing decision, to restrict those competing in women’s skating events by the sex on their original birth certificate.
This fucking sucks! I did find a place in this community and now I will be excluded from participating as myself. Really, really sad. The ice has been a place I go to clear my mind and that has been robbed from me.
October 31, 2025 at 1:34 AM
I thought when I wrote Ana on the Edge, we wouldn’t still be talking about trans folks’ place in sports half a decade later. Yet here we are.
This is such a disappointing decision, to restrict those competing in women’s skating events by the sex on their original birth certificate.
This is such a disappointing decision, to restrict those competing in women’s skating events by the sex on their original birth certificate.
Reposted by A. J. Sass
I actually love hearing other languages. There are so many of them and they’re beautiful.
Getting mad about it is a skill issue. And to be clear, that skill is empathy.
Getting mad about it is a skill issue. And to be clear, that skill is empathy.
October 29, 2025 at 6:16 PM
I actually love hearing other languages. There are so many of them and they’re beautiful.
Getting mad about it is a skill issue. And to be clear, that skill is empathy.
Getting mad about it is a skill issue. And to be clear, that skill is empathy.
Reposted by A. J. Sass
Again, there is nothing controversial in @sassinsf.com's MG books! Just positive representation of queer kids!
QUEER KIDS ARE NOT CONTROVERSIAL OR POLITICAL.
This list includes so many award winning books, as well as things like Elmo teaching kids about Covid. ABSURD.
Ashamed of my home state.
QUEER KIDS ARE NOT CONTROVERSIAL OR POLITICAL.
This list includes so many award winning books, as well as things like Elmo teaching kids about Covid. ABSURD.
Ashamed of my home state.
Cool cool cool, I guess it had to happen sometime.
My book Just Shy of Ordinary has been slated for removal (aka is being banned) from a Texas library, along with other titles centering diverse characters.
Not surprising, just disappointing.
My book Just Shy of Ordinary has been slated for removal (aka is being banned) from a Texas library, along with other titles centering diverse characters.
Not surprising, just disappointing.
47 books removed. From a Texas public library. “Weeded.” Targeted for removal based on ideological complaints. So not “weeded.” Censored. Banned.
October 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Again, there is nothing controversial in @sassinsf.com's MG books! Just positive representation of queer kids!
QUEER KIDS ARE NOT CONTROVERSIAL OR POLITICAL.
This list includes so many award winning books, as well as things like Elmo teaching kids about Covid. ABSURD.
Ashamed of my home state.
QUEER KIDS ARE NOT CONTROVERSIAL OR POLITICAL.
This list includes so many award winning books, as well as things like Elmo teaching kids about Covid. ABSURD.
Ashamed of my home state.
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
“iT’s nOt a BoOk BaN bEcaUse YoU cAn GeT iT fRoM thE pUbLiC LiBraRy!”
So what is it called when you can no longer get from in the public library? 🤔
victoriaadvocate.com/2025/10/23/1...
So what is it called when you can no longer get from in the public library? 🤔
victoriaadvocate.com/2025/10/23/1...
Request Sparks Book Removals at Victoria Public Library - The Victoria Advocate
The Victoria Public Library removed a large number of books from a list provided by the VPBC following the organization’s request.
victoriaadvocate.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:29 AM
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
Cool cool cool, I guess it had to happen sometime.
My book Just Shy of Ordinary has been slated for removal (aka is being banned) from a Texas library, along with other titles centering diverse characters.
Not surprising, just disappointing.
My book Just Shy of Ordinary has been slated for removal (aka is being banned) from a Texas library, along with other titles centering diverse characters.
Not surprising, just disappointing.
47 books removed. From a Texas public library. “Weeded.” Targeted for removal based on ideological complaints. So not “weeded.” Censored. Banned.
October 24, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Cool cool cool, I guess it had to happen sometime.
My book Just Shy of Ordinary has been slated for removal (aka is being banned) from a Texas library, along with other titles centering diverse characters.
Not surprising, just disappointing.
My book Just Shy of Ordinary has been slated for removal (aka is being banned) from a Texas library, along with other titles centering diverse characters.
Not surprising, just disappointing.
Congrats, Lanaisha! 🥳
✨ Announcement! ✨
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined forces @thejordache.bsky.social (Jordan Hamessley) at JABberwocky for literary representation!
Jordan has been incredible to work with, and I can’t wait to bring our long list of projects to life together. 💫 More soon!
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined forces @thejordache.bsky.social (Jordan Hamessley) at JABberwocky for literary representation!
Jordan has been incredible to work with, and I can’t wait to bring our long list of projects to life together. 💫 More soon!
October 21, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Congrats, Lanaisha! 🥳
On a happier note, Ana on the Edge made me a published author 5 years ago today.
No matter how many places it gets challenged or banned, it’s still finding the readers who need it, and I have so many teachers, educators, parents, etc to thank for that 🩵
No matter how many places it gets challenged or banned, it’s still finding the readers who need it, and I have so many teachers, educators, parents, etc to thank for that 🩵
October 21, 2025 at 12:40 AM
On a happier note, Ana on the Edge made me a published author 5 years ago today.
No matter how many places it gets challenged or banned, it’s still finding the readers who need it, and I have so many teachers, educators, parents, etc to thank for that 🩵
No matter how many places it gets challenged or banned, it’s still finding the readers who need it, and I have so many teachers, educators, parents, etc to thank for that 🩵
Reposted by A. J. Sass
👇Quote from ANA ON THE EDGE by @sassinsf.com. This book should not be banned.
sassinsf.com/books/ana-on...
sassinsf.com/books/ana-on...
October 21, 2025 at 12:28 AM
👇Quote from ANA ON THE EDGE by @sassinsf.com. This book should not be banned.
sassinsf.com/books/ana-on...
sassinsf.com/books/ana-on...
Reposted by A. J. Sass
I must point out that @sassinsf.com's author's note at the end of ANA ON THE EDGE is worth the read and masterfully discusses the nuances of gender identity.
I've given that book to multiple adults who have questions about trans kids' experiences specifically so they can read that author's note.
I've given that book to multiple adults who have questions about trans kids' experiences specifically so they can read that author's note.
There is nothing remotely "controversial" in @sassinsf.com's ANA ON THE EDGE. Just a 12yo navigating the world of competitive ice skating and exploring gender. It's a beautiful read. I'm proud to have worked with A.J. on it. Horrific that a teacher would be put on leave simply for shelving the book.
Federal judge dismisses Ohio teacher’s lawsuit over LGBTQ+ classroom books | WCMH buff.ly/aJCOcCj
October 20, 2025 at 10:57 PM
I must point out that @sassinsf.com's author's note at the end of ANA ON THE EDGE is worth the read and masterfully discusses the nuances of gender identity.
I've given that book to multiple adults who have questions about trans kids' experiences specifically so they can read that author's note.
I've given that book to multiple adults who have questions about trans kids' experiences specifically so they can read that author's note.
Reposted by A. J. Sass
There is nothing remotely "controversial" in @sassinsf.com's ANA ON THE EDGE. Just a 12yo navigating the world of competitive ice skating and exploring gender. It's a beautiful read. I'm proud to have worked with A.J. on it. Horrific that a teacher would be put on leave simply for shelving the book.
Federal judge dismisses Ohio teacher’s lawsuit over LGBTQ+ classroom books | WCMH buff.ly/aJCOcCj
October 20, 2025 at 10:52 PM
There is nothing remotely "controversial" in @sassinsf.com's ANA ON THE EDGE. Just a 12yo navigating the world of competitive ice skating and exploring gender. It's a beautiful read. I'm proud to have worked with A.J. on it. Horrific that a teacher would be put on leave simply for shelving the book.
Reposted by A. J. Sass
I've read two of the books in this case, @sassinsf.com's ANA ON THE EDGE and @kylelukoff.bsky.social's TOO BRIGHT TO SEE, and they are so, so good. Some kids will really relate to them, and other kids will learn what it's like to be a person like the character in the book. All good. Right?
Federal judge dismisses Ohio teacher’s lawsuit over LGBTQ+ classroom books | WCMH buff.ly/aJCOcCj
October 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
I've read two of the books in this case, @sassinsf.com's ANA ON THE EDGE and @kylelukoff.bsky.social's TOO BRIGHT TO SEE, and they are so, so good. Some kids will really relate to them, and other kids will learn what it's like to be a person like the character in the book. All good. Right?