Sonja Thomas
@bysonjathomas.bsky.social
Kidlit author | she/her | bysonjathomas.com
📗 Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
📙 Sir Fig Newton & the Science of Persistence
📗 Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
📙 Sir Fig Newton & the Science of Persistence
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
I'm going to get something up Monday but in the mean time, y'all, IMLS got a *massive* win today.
The judge in the case between 21 states and the administration blocked further dismantling of the IMLS by Trump. It'll be appealed, but we've gotta take the Ws.
www.wordsandmoney.com/in-a-major-v...
The judge in the case between 21 states and the administration blocked further dismantling of the IMLS by Trump. It'll be appealed, but we've gotta take the Ws.
www.wordsandmoney.com/in-a-major-v...
In a Major Victory, Rhode Island Judge Permanently Blocks Trump's Bid to Shutter the IMLS
In a November 21 summary judgment ruling, judge John J. McConnell held that the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the IMLS and several other federal agencies via executive order was both ill...
www.wordsandmoney.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:33 PM
I'm going to get something up Monday but in the mean time, y'all, IMLS got a *massive* win today.
The judge in the case between 21 states and the administration blocked further dismantling of the IMLS by Trump. It'll be appealed, but we've gotta take the Ws.
www.wordsandmoney.com/in-a-major-v...
The judge in the case between 21 states and the administration blocked further dismantling of the IMLS by Trump. It'll be appealed, but we've gotta take the Ws.
www.wordsandmoney.com/in-a-major-v...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
New #WriterBeware blog post: Among the most frequent publisher complaints I receive: non-payment of royalties and failure to provide sales reports. A look at three recent offenders, who collectively owe thousands that it seems unlikely authors will be able to recoup writerbeware.blog/2025/11/21/r...
Royalties in Arrears: Mango Publishing / Blushing Books / Bottlecap Press - Writer Beware
Publishers do a lot of bad things (as the archives of this blog attest), but among the most infuriating–and, often, the hardest to remedy–is the failure to pay authors the money they are due. Non-paym...
writerbeware.blog
November 21, 2025 at 6:15 PM
New #WriterBeware blog post: Among the most frequent publisher complaints I receive: non-payment of royalties and failure to provide sales reports. A look at three recent offenders, who collectively owe thousands that it seems unlikely authors will be able to recoup writerbeware.blog/2025/11/21/r...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Yes, this is a real photo.
This is how turkeys fight, biting each other's heads and pushing against each other.
Nature is amazing. And kind of weird.
This is how turkeys fight, biting each other's heads and pushing against each other.
Nature is amazing. And kind of weird.
November 19, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Yes, this is a real photo.
This is how turkeys fight, biting each other's heads and pushing against each other.
Nature is amazing. And kind of weird.
This is how turkeys fight, biting each other's heads and pushing against each other.
Nature is amazing. And kind of weird.
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
I'm editing an anthology about unlikable characters and seeking work from younger writers, 15-21. If you know of one such writer who might want to submit their work for consideration, please share this call for submissions: audacity.substack.com/p/acquired-t...
Acquired Tastes: A Call for Submissions
For younger writers, ages 15-21
audacity.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:23 PM
I'm editing an anthology about unlikable characters and seeking work from younger writers, 15-21. If you know of one such writer who might want to submit their work for consideration, please share this call for submissions: audacity.substack.com/p/acquired-t...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Granddaughter of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ author criticizes use of book title in DHS immigration crackdown operation | CNN buff.ly/re8zXyz
Granddaughter of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ author criticizes use of book title in DHS immigration crackdown operation | CNN
In the popular children’s book “Charlotte’s Web,” the title character, a spider, uses her web as an instrument of good to help secure the freedom of Wilbur, a pig on her farm.
www.cnn.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Granddaughter of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ author criticizes use of book title in DHS immigration crackdown operation | CNN buff.ly/re8zXyz
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
PNW friends! It's going to be a great festival - time for a road trip! Hope to see you there. 📚❤️📚
I'm so excited for the Poulsbo Kids' Book Festival this Sat, Nov 15th 11AM - 3PM! I'll be there with over 30 AMAZING authors and illustrators at North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo, WA. Visit lnkd.in/eGU5H5dK for more details. YAY!
#childrensbooks #libertybaybooks #kidsbooks #mglit #kidlit
#childrensbooks #libertybaybooks #kidsbooks #mglit #kidlit
November 10, 2025 at 8:50 PM
PNW friends! It's going to be a great festival - time for a road trip! Hope to see you there. 📚❤️📚
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Were you a Berenstain Bears reader? At the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at the Strong National Museum of Play, you can find original sketches from their creators—and much more! Read more in our Bookend department. https://bit.ly/47FviUF
November 12, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Were you a Berenstain Bears reader? At the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at the Strong National Museum of Play, you can find original sketches from their creators—and much more! Read more in our Bookend department. https://bit.ly/47FviUF
I'm so excited for the Poulsbo Kids' Book Festival this Sat, Nov 15th 11AM - 3PM! I'll be there with over 30 AMAZING authors and illustrators at North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo, WA. Visit lnkd.in/eGU5H5dK for more details. YAY!
#childrensbooks #libertybaybooks #kidsbooks #mglit #kidlit
#childrensbooks #libertybaybooks #kidsbooks #mglit #kidlit
November 10, 2025 at 8:03 PM
I'm so excited for the Poulsbo Kids' Book Festival this Sat, Nov 15th 11AM - 3PM! I'll be there with over 30 AMAZING authors and illustrators at North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo, WA. Visit lnkd.in/eGU5H5dK for more details. YAY!
#childrensbooks #libertybaybooks #kidsbooks #mglit #kidlit
#childrensbooks #libertybaybooks #kidsbooks #mglit #kidlit
In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times:
Sarah Weinman on the Awesome Responsibility of the Seekers and Keepers of Truth via @literaryhub.bsky.social
"A good fight begins with books. A good fight begins with all of you."
#bookbans #librarians #libraries #bannedbooks
lithub.com/in-praise-of...
Sarah Weinman on the Awesome Responsibility of the Seekers and Keepers of Truth via @literaryhub.bsky.social
"A good fight begins with books. A good fight begins with all of you."
#bookbans #librarians #libraries #bannedbooks
lithub.com/in-praise-of...
In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times
Librarians are on the front lines of history and current events, when news and change arrive at a furious clip that only quickens every day. And without libraries, my work would simply not exist. I…
lithub.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times:
Sarah Weinman on the Awesome Responsibility of the Seekers and Keepers of Truth via @literaryhub.bsky.social
"A good fight begins with books. A good fight begins with all of you."
#bookbans #librarians #libraries #bannedbooks
lithub.com/in-praise-of...
Sarah Weinman on the Awesome Responsibility of the Seekers and Keepers of Truth via @literaryhub.bsky.social
"A good fight begins with books. A good fight begins with all of you."
#bookbans #librarians #libraries #bannedbooks
lithub.com/in-praise-of...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
For the first time in the history of the Portland Book Festival, we are thrilled to share that the festival is sold out.
☂️NOTE: This means that walk-up tickets will NOT be available at the box office on festival day.
Thank you for helping us make history. ☂️ ❤️ 📚 See you all on Saturday!
☂️NOTE: This means that walk-up tickets will NOT be available at the box office on festival day.
Thank you for helping us make history. ☂️ ❤️ 📚 See you all on Saturday!
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
For the first time in the history of the Portland Book Festival, we are thrilled to share that the festival is sold out.
☂️NOTE: This means that walk-up tickets will NOT be available at the box office on festival day.
Thank you for helping us make history. ☂️ ❤️ 📚 See you all on Saturday!
☂️NOTE: This means that walk-up tickets will NOT be available at the box office on festival day.
Thank you for helping us make history. ☂️ ❤️ 📚 See you all on Saturday!
Can't wait to moderate the conversation with authors Derrick Barnes & Jose Pimienta this Sat, Nov 8 at the Portland Book Festival. Gabbie (pictured with me) says unfortunately she won't see you there. She loves books but humans not so much 😹
@literary-arts.org #diversekidlit #mglit #pdxbookfest
@literary-arts.org #diversekidlit #mglit #pdxbookfest
November 6, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Can't wait to moderate the conversation with authors Derrick Barnes & Jose Pimienta this Sat, Nov 8 at the Portland Book Festival. Gabbie (pictured with me) says unfortunately she won't see you there. She loves books but humans not so much 😹
@literary-arts.org #diversekidlit #mglit #pdxbookfest
@literary-arts.org #diversekidlit #mglit #pdxbookfest
The Check Please Moment:
Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
#yalit #bannedbooks #booksky #librarybooks
www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2025/...
Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
#yalit #bannedbooks #booksky #librarybooks
www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2025/...
The Check Please Moment: Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
We fight censorship not just for intellectual freedom, but for the young person who spends their fall break quietly finding themselves on our shelves.
www.yalsa.ala.org
November 4, 2025 at 12:47 AM
The Check Please Moment:
Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
#yalit #bannedbooks #booksky #librarybooks
www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2025/...
Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
#yalit #bannedbooks #booksky #librarybooks
www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2025/...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Things are so mean-spirited right now, this made me tear up. In the gratuitously cruel age of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Mike Johnson, it's comforting to be reminded that there still are decent human beings that walk amongst us. Thank you, Heretic Coffee in Portland.
Heretic Coffee in Portland, Oregon has announced that starting Nov 1st they will provide breakfast to those in the community who will be facing hunger due to SNAP benefits not being sent out in November.
"we know it’s not much, but we’ll do our best to keep you fed" - Heretic Coffee
#Pinks
"we know it’s not much, but we’ll do our best to keep you fed" - Heretic Coffee
#Pinks
October 28, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Things are so mean-spirited right now, this made me tear up. In the gratuitously cruel age of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Mike Johnson, it's comforting to be reminded that there still are decent human beings that walk amongst us. Thank you, Heretic Coffee in Portland.
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
It's here!!
Please join me in celebrating my delightfully creepy new book cover by the talented Kristina Kister!
In this companion novel to The Ghost of Spruce Point, it's back to Maine for a season of spooktacular summer camp.
On sale 6/2/26, available for pre-order NOW!
#middlegradebooks #kidlit
Please join me in celebrating my delightfully creepy new book cover by the talented Kristina Kister!
In this companion novel to The Ghost of Spruce Point, it's back to Maine for a season of spooktacular summer camp.
On sale 6/2/26, available for pre-order NOW!
#middlegradebooks #kidlit
October 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
It's here!!
Please join me in celebrating my delightfully creepy new book cover by the talented Kristina Kister!
In this companion novel to The Ghost of Spruce Point, it's back to Maine for a season of spooktacular summer camp.
On sale 6/2/26, available for pre-order NOW!
#middlegradebooks #kidlit
Please join me in celebrating my delightfully creepy new book cover by the talented Kristina Kister!
In this companion novel to The Ghost of Spruce Point, it's back to Maine for a season of spooktacular summer camp.
On sale 6/2/26, available for pre-order NOW!
#middlegradebooks #kidlit
Why the numbers 6-7 are driving math teachers up the wall
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/n...
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/n...
Why the numbers 6-7 are driving math teachers up the wall
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org
October 22, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Why the numbers 6-7 are driving math teachers up the wall
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/n...
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/n...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
If you want to push back against tech's encroachment into every corner of our lives, you have to read books. They're eager to create a future in which most people are illiterate and hooked on slop, a world without imagination or knowledge. Reading is resistance.
October 20, 2025 at 9:44 PM
If you want to push back against tech's encroachment into every corner of our lives, you have to read books. They're eager to create a future in which most people are illiterate and hooked on slop, a world without imagination or knowledge. Reading is resistance.
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Friends in Mass! If your Rep is on this list, get in touch and tell them to move the bill forward!
Earlier in October the House version of An Act Regarding Free Expression was passed on to the House Committee on Ways and Means. If you're Representative is on the Committee tell them to keep the ball rolling! List of committee members here: malegislature.gov/Committees/D...
House Committee on Ways and Means
malegislature.gov
October 21, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Friends in Mass! If your Rep is on this list, get in touch and tell them to move the bill forward!
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
PSYCHOPOMP & CIRCUMSTANCE is out today!
This is a Southern Gothic fantasy with family secrets, Gullah funeral traditions, a beautifully strange house, and a generous sprinkling of magic.
In hardcover, eBook, & audiobook
Available wherever books are sold.
#booksky #Blackbooksky
This is a Southern Gothic fantasy with family secrets, Gullah funeral traditions, a beautifully strange house, and a generous sprinkling of magic.
In hardcover, eBook, & audiobook
Available wherever books are sold.
#booksky #Blackbooksky
October 21, 2025 at 11:57 AM
PSYCHOPOMP & CIRCUMSTANCE is out today!
This is a Southern Gothic fantasy with family secrets, Gullah funeral traditions, a beautifully strange house, and a generous sprinkling of magic.
In hardcover, eBook, & audiobook
Available wherever books are sold.
#booksky #Blackbooksky
This is a Southern Gothic fantasy with family secrets, Gullah funeral traditions, a beautifully strange house, and a generous sprinkling of magic.
In hardcover, eBook, & audiobook
Available wherever books are sold.
#booksky #Blackbooksky
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
For those of us attending No Kings protest events tomorrow. Know your rights and remain peaceful.
REMEMBER, non-violent protest doesn't mean passivity. Done effectively, it exposes the aggression and brutality of the state enforcers.
BEING PEACEFUL serves a PURPOSE 💙✊🕊️ #NoKings
REMEMBER, non-violent protest doesn't mean passivity. Done effectively, it exposes the aggression and brutality of the state enforcers.
BEING PEACEFUL serves a PURPOSE 💙✊🕊️ #NoKings
October 17, 2025 at 4:59 PM
For those of us attending No Kings protest events tomorrow. Know your rights and remain peaceful.
REMEMBER, non-violent protest doesn't mean passivity. Done effectively, it exposes the aggression and brutality of the state enforcers.
BEING PEACEFUL serves a PURPOSE 💙✊🕊️ #NoKings
REMEMBER, non-violent protest doesn't mean passivity. Done effectively, it exposes the aggression and brutality of the state enforcers.
BEING PEACEFUL serves a PURPOSE 💙✊🕊️ #NoKings
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
PA chapter leader Katherine Locke talks with PEN American about banned books, email harassment, & more. Thread includes a link to PEN's toolkit for dealing with email harassment
For authors, email offers a way to connect with readers and professional opportunities. For some, it also becomes a pipeline for harassment. Katherine Locke, a children’s and YA author, has experienced that firsthand. (1/3)
October 16, 2025 at 5:06 PM
PA chapter leader Katherine Locke talks with PEN American about banned books, email harassment, & more. Thread includes a link to PEN's toolkit for dealing with email harassment
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
here's a piece on book bans i wrote this summer, feat. reflections and stories from authors @adibkhorram.bsky.social, @kylelukoff.bsky.social, and @katrynwrites.bsky.social as well as my own reflections. ty @electricliterature.com for publishing it!
electricliterature.com/book-bans-co...
electricliterature.com/book-bans-co...
Book Bans Continue to Threaten the Wellbeing of Authors - Electric Literature
There are societal, financial, legal, and emotional consequences to book challenges, and writers are facing the brunt of these attacks
electricliterature.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM
here's a piece on book bans i wrote this summer, feat. reflections and stories from authors @adibkhorram.bsky.social, @kylelukoff.bsky.social, and @katrynwrites.bsky.social as well as my own reflections. ty @electricliterature.com for publishing it!
electricliterature.com/book-bans-co...
electricliterature.com/book-bans-co...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
In good news (which I know I need these days), my book Drew Leclair Gets a Clue (which has been challenged in four states, and had been pulled from shelves in one county in Florida) seems to have been restored to shelves! Not sure if it's been relocated to YA but I'll take the win 🎉
October 7, 2025 at 6:15 PM
In good news (which I know I need these days), my book Drew Leclair Gets a Clue (which has been challenged in four states, and had been pulled from shelves in one county in Florida) seems to have been restored to shelves! Not sure if it's been relocated to YA but I'll take the win 🎉
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
PEN America: "Rather than overtly censoring reporters, the DoD’s revised policy now includes vague and troubling provisions that allow government officials to label reporters as ‘security risks’ and revoke their credentials simply for seeking information." pen.org/press-releas...
Pentagon's Revised Rules Seek to Intimidate Rather Than Overtly Censor Journalists
PEN America remains deeply concerned today about threatening protocols in place that have the goal of intimidating reporters and even would allow the government to revoke credentials by labelling a re...
pen.org
October 9, 2025 at 5:21 PM
PEN America: "Rather than overtly censoring reporters, the DoD’s revised policy now includes vague and troubling provisions that allow government officials to label reporters as ‘security risks’ and revoke their credentials simply for seeking information." pen.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Just an FYI for #bannedbooksweek. This fight isn't about books. It's about freedom.
#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians
#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians
October 9, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Just an FYI for #bannedbooksweek. This fight isn't about books. It's about freedom.
#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians
#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Book censorship in schools has reached a new apex, becoming a routine and expected part of school operations, particularly in states like Texas, which recorded 1,781 total bans in the 2024-25 school year.
Read more at: pen.org/report/the-n... #bannedbooksweek @txfreedomread.bsky.social
Read more at: pen.org/report/the-n... #bannedbooksweek @txfreedomread.bsky.social
October 9, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Book censorship in schools has reached a new apex, becoming a routine and expected part of school operations, particularly in states like Texas, which recorded 1,781 total bans in the 2024-25 school year.
Read more at: pen.org/report/the-n... #bannedbooksweek @txfreedomread.bsky.social
Read more at: pen.org/report/the-n... #bannedbooksweek @txfreedomread.bsky.social