Sara Smith
LightNews LightNews
banner
smwordsmith.bsky.social
Sara Smith
@smwordsmith.bsky.social
2.2K followers 1K following 850 posts
District Librarian in CA, Graphic Novel reviewer & owner of The Graphic Library. Co-author of Manga Goes to School. Reviewer @ Booklist & School Library Journal. Esports coach. #GraphicLibrary, #EduSky #LibrarySky, #TLSky She/her. www.graphiclibrary.org
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
smwordsmith.bsky.social
Sara Smith @smwordsmith.bsky.social · Dec 10
Our book is out and in the world!

I’m so proud of this project from @mangalibrarian.bsky.social, @bespokelib.bsky.social, @st741.bsky.social, Emily Ratica, and myself! Get yours today!

#TLSky #LibSky #SchoolLibraries #Manga #MangaGTS

www.ala.org/news/2024/12...
Press release for Manga Goes to School from ALA Editions, AASL Standards-Based Learning Series.
smwordsmith.bsky.social
Navigating with You I saw everywhere and heard so much about. Dog Knight — completely under the radar for me. This sounds amazing.
jeremywhitley.bsky.social Jeremy Whitley @jeremywhitley.bsky.social · 7h
Last year Navigating with You won a few awards, but Dog Knight from me & got a very different distinction:
Last year The Dog Knight got banned.
I always suspected books of mine would get banned, but this one hit hard, because it's a book about a nonbinary kid finding their place in the world.
The cover of The Dog Knight by myself, Bre Indigo, and Melissa Capriglione. Frankie, a mixed race non-binary pre-teen holds a sword above their head, surrounded by dogs. Frankie, a mixed race non-binary teen looks at themselves in the mirror. Above their head, in a caption, they think "Do you ever feel like you don't make sense?"
January 5, 2026 at 4:23 AM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
I've updated my Publishers & Imprints list with some new folks -- @kodamatales.bsky.social, @fantagraphics.bsky.social's Takumigraphics, and @23rdstbooks.bsky.social -- & added some of the suggestions in the comments. Keep them coming, folks!
#GraphicLibrary

www.graphiclibrary.org/info--news/p...
Publishers and Imprints - Info for Librarians
An extensive list of information on comics publishers and their imprints.
www.graphiclibrary.org
January 3, 2026 at 11:56 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
I did it! 2025 reading goal achieved — 250 books! Here are some of the highlights thanks to @thestorygraph.com. My yearly Best Of post will be up within the next few days. Happy New Year everyone, and all reading is reading! ❤️😘📚
A graphic that says: your 2025 reading wrap-up, congratulations on a fantastic reading year! You finished reading 250 books, across 56,120 pages! a graphic from the StoryGraph summarizing my top genres, top authors, some of my five star books. It also includes my first and last book, and the longest and shortest book. A graph from The StoryGraph that shows the number of books and number of pages each I read month
January 1, 2026 at 3:43 AM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
This has the potential to be something amazing if Jack can get buy in and support from independent creators and libraries! I’m excited for him!
comicslibrarian.bsky.social Jack Phoenix (a comics librarian) @comicslibrarian.bsky.social · 7d
I am founding a not-for-profit website where independent comic creators and small publishers can easily sell their works to libraries, plus provide other services. Called (for now) the Comics Librarian Commons, this will be an online hub bringing independent creators and librarians together.
A two panel cartoon done in sketches introducing a not-for-profit, online hub for librarians to shop for independent comics A two-panel cartoon explaining the Artist Alley section and how to shop A two panel cartoon explaining how the works are sold and shipped and how the site will be promoted A two panel cartoon calling for folks to volunteer for the board of directors
December 28, 2025 at 11:52 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
Today's review is an absolutely stunning, gripping story from @comicstitan.bsky.social - Yan volume 1. This book grabs you from page 1 and doesn't let up all the way to the twist at the end. The large 10" format is the perfect way to enjoy these beautiful illustrations!
#GraphicLibrary #Manhua
Graphic for The Graphic Library with the cover of Yan volume 1.
December 28, 2025 at 9:41 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
Merry Christmas! Here are some 🎁for y'all: reviews! Including some of my favorite series:

🧵 Not-Sew-Wicked Stepomom, v6
👑 Villains are Destined to Die v8

and a new one @kodansha.us's Print Club -
⛸️ Blade Girl v1

Happy Holidays!

#GraphicLibrary #BookReview #Manga @izepress.com #Manhwa
Graphic for The Graphic Library with the cover of Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom volume 6 Graphic for The Graphic Library with the cover of Blade Girl volume 1 Graphic for The Graphic Library with the cover of Villains are Destined to Die volume 8
December 25, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Reposted by Sara Smith
heykellyjensen.bsky.social
This week, we learned 21 states are eager to dismantle your First Amendment Rights.

It should be bigger news.

Here's the story, and here's what you can be doing about it. These are YOUR RIGHTS that the states want to steal from you.

buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
The Blueprint of Censorship In 2026 Is Florida, Right Now
This week, we learned 21 states are eager to dismantle your First Amendment Rights. It should be bigger news.
buttondown.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:02 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
Teachers at the end of the semester/grading period be like
a close up of patrick star 's face with his eyes closed
Alt: a close up of patrick star 's face with his eyes blood shot
media.tenor.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:47 AM
Reposted by Sara Smith
heykellyjensen.bsky.social
Banger of a piece from Suzette Baker and @librarianjones.com in TIME magazine: time.com/7341120/book...
The Supreme Court Just Opened the Door to a New Era of Book Bans
The Supreme Court’s inaction puts Americans’ First Amendment rights at risk.
time.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:27 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
Some recent reviews! Check out the website for more details:

👮‍♂️SUPER PSYCHIC POLICEMAN CHOJO vol 1 - hilarious & slightly actiony!
🍽️ PASS THE MONSTER MEAT, MILADY vol 2 - delicious & romancy!
👑 ANGELICA AND THE BEAR PRINCE - made me cry in a good way 🥹

#GraphicLibrary #Manga #GraphicFiction
Graphic for The Graphic Library with the cover of Super Psychic Policeman Chojo vol 1 Graphic for The Graphic Library with the cover of Pass the Monster Meat, Milady vol 2 Graphic for The Graphic Library with the cover of Angelica and the Bear Prince
December 17, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Reposted by Sara Smith
stevehorton.mst3k.fan
Just signed the contract and can announce that my fantasy short story "The Dragonbearer of Bad News" will appear in Black Cat Weekly, possibly even in the very next issue. This is my second sale this year but the first to be published. I'll send you all a link when it's online!
December 3, 2025 at 6:12 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
I’m excited for Steve’s upcoming work, and I’m always looking for more nonfiction #graphicnovels! @historycomics.bsky.social, @noethematt.bsky.social, @monibarre.bsky.social, @comicslibrarian.bsky.social, and other comics library folks, you should give him a follow if not following already! 🤗
stevehorton.mst3k.fan Steve Horton is writing a graphic novel @stevehorton.mst3k.fan · Nov 30
I’m writing a 150 page history graphic novel and it is the most challenging thing I’ve ever worked on. But I am making progress! I’m summarizing on index cards then will be scripting in a @fredvanlente.bsky.social Word template.
gailsimone.bsky.social Gail Simone @gailsimone.bsky.social · Nov 30
IF YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE A COMIC...

Please talk about it on this thread! I would love to hear what stage you are at, what is working well, and what has proven more difficult than you thought.

Share a bit of art, if you can!

Sing your own praises, if you like!
December 1, 2025 at 4:06 AM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
Yay! More Irish tales into the universe! Look how pretty 👀
zaraslattery.bsky.social Zara Slattery aka Inksplattery @zaraslattery.bsky.social · Nov 30
I am just over half way through a graphic adaptation of an epic Irish medieval eco-fable. I've about 12-18 months left on it. I'd like to focus more on the lost habitats/sepsis, but that will come. The writer is great to work with. I've learned to love green 💚 in all its shades
Cursed Sweeney runs through an Atlantic rainforest
November 30, 2025 at 5:51 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
I hope everyone is enjoying some lovely family time or relaxing weekend snuggles & cuddles. As we all (hopefully) take some time to unwind, here are some fantastic manga for you to peruse. Both books are superb!
#GraphicLibrary #Manga #SchoolLibraries #BookReviews #BookRecommendations #Libraries
November 29, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Reposted by Sara Smith
graphicpolicy.com
Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week! 13 comics to check out! Go support your local comic shop! #comics #comicbooks
Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!
13 comics to check out this week!
graphicpolicy.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Reposted by Sara Smith
incorrectffqts.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Reposted by Sara Smith
kpossibles.bsky.social
🚀 Tapas Entertainment is hiring a Marketing Manager.

Full time, hybrid in Culver City, CA,
$95k-110k. #jobalert #marketingjobs

jobs.lever.co/tapasmedia/d...
Tapas Entertainment - Marketing Manager
Are you a passionate advocate for storytelling, particularly in the realm of webcomics and web novels? Tapas Entertainment is seeking a Marketing Manager to lead initiatives to attract and engage new ...
jobs.lever.co
November 7, 2025 at 11:08 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
I reviewed 31 books this month between @ala-booklist.bsky.social, @slj.com, and posts on my own site, including lots of vols past #1! Tons of manga content coming at you! There's even a graphic novel or two in there. Check out the monthly newsletter:
share.sender.net/campaigns/dw...
A graphic for The Graphic library that reads "The Graphic Library October 2025 reviews" and features 31 covers of graphic novels that had reviews this month.
November 2, 2025 at 6:08 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
I’m sitting on my porch, dressed as something I slapped together from the myriad of costume pieces I own, finishing ANGELICA AND THE BEAR PRINCE by Trung Le Nguyen… 1/5
Cover of Angelica and the Bear Prince
November 1, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Reposted by Sara Smith
marzgurl.com
There we go, jotted down some spoiler-free words about the movie here on Letterboxd. Even as someone who hadn't previously latched on hard to Chainsaw Man, this movie makes you feel bad for this teenager not understanding the world around him.

Also, Beam the shark guy is my new favorite guy.
October 26, 2025 at 10:55 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
ICYMI: I reviewed a BUNCH of really cool #manga for @slj.com:

ON AND OFF: WORK LIFE IMBALANCE vols 1-2
I WANNA BE YOUR GIRL vol 2
HIKARU IN THE LIGHT vol 2

THE GUY vols 1-3
FALL IN LOVE vols 1-3
FRAGRANT FLOWER vols 5-8
A WITCH'S LIFE vols 1-2

and more!
#TLchat
www.slj.com/story/hidden...
Hidden Identities and True Love | Manga Fiction Series
Hidden identities, action and survival, and, of course, true love can be found in these new and ongoing manga series.
www.slj.com
October 26, 2025 at 11:26 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
With the success of the DEMON SLAYER: INFINITY CASTLE movie, thought it might be nice to dust this one off — “Manga Essentials: Demon Slayer,” where I reviewed every volume of the manga by arc to make buying in chunks easier
#manga

@ala-booklist.bsky.social
www.booklistonline.com/products/978...
Header that says “Manga Essentials”
October 25, 2025 at 2:15 PM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
“‘Harmful material’ is a subjective term, alongside ‘indecent’ and ‘profane’ content. They’re meaningless and serve only to create panic and discord in school districts, while costing them untold amounts of taxpayer money.”

Closure, waste, & distrust — that’s the goal here, not protecting kids.
October 20, 2025 at 5:28 AM
smwordsmith.bsky.social
Me #AALS25 didn’t end how I wanted and I didn’t get to say goodbye to everyone, but I had a whirlwind of a time presenting FIVE TIMES with most of my #MangaGTS crew, meeting virtual friends IRL, and learning about valuable nonfiction & elem resources.
A collage of pictures from AASL 2025. A woman in front of the Gateway Arch; a man and a woman sit in fireside chat style with microphones; a woman holds up a book and a small sign that says “published!” And looks excited; four women stand in front of a presentation screen and smile after they’ve finished presenting; the same four women crowed around a different presentation screen after a different presentation; a woman holds up checkered flags and smiles; a woman holds up a book next to the author who just signed her book; another author and the same woman stands and smiles holding the book he just signed for her.
October 19, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Reposted by Sara Smith
librarianjones.com
Sessions and authors and exhibits and FRIENDS!!!! #AASL25
October 17, 2025 at 2:02 AM