CJ Penko 💡
@cjpenko.bsky.social
✏️ Awesome #kidlit person
📚 #SCBWI Ohio North Regional Advisor
❤️ Fluent in kid, animal, monster (& more recently Nazi heckling✊🏼)
🌅 Ohio North: @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social
📚 #SCBWI Ohio North Regional Advisor
❤️ Fluent in kid, animal, monster (& more recently Nazi heckling✊🏼)
🌅 Ohio North: @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social
Pinned
CJ Penko 💡
@cjpenko.bsky.social
· Oct 6
The amazing faculty and team that made for a fun and informative #scbwiohionorth Fall Conference.
Thanks to all who made it a success!
Thanks to all who made it a success!
Perhaps the warmest, most talented, inspiring group I've ever had the honor of working with.❤️ Thank you ALL for making this conference so fun and successful!! 😊
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
November 16, 2025 at 11:43 PM
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Three high schoolers founded a book club that reads some of the country's most frequently banned books after a state law removing books with sexual content was signed in 2023. Two years later, many of the books have been reshelved and parts of the law can't be enforced.
When books were being pulled from Iowa classrooms, these teens started an after-school club to read them
Three Iowa City West high schoolers founded a book club that reads some of the country's most frequently banned books after a state law removing books with sexual content was signed in 2023. Two years later, many of the books have been reshelved and parts of the law can't be enforced.
n.pr
October 20, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Three high schoolers founded a book club that reads some of the country's most frequently banned books after a state law removing books with sexual content was signed in 2023. Two years later, many of the books have been reshelved and parts of the law can't be enforced.
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Sharing this 102 year old WW2 Vet who is fighting fascism a second time.
October 19, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Sharing this 102 year old WW2 Vet who is fighting fascism a second time.
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
No Kings 10/18/2025
October 19, 2025 at 12:37 AM
No Kings 10/18/2025
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
😂 My niece is at the Phoenix Arizona. No Kings rally and sends this and I'm dead 😂 #NoKings #NoFascists
October 18, 2025 at 10:39 PM
😂 My niece is at the Phoenix Arizona. No Kings rally and sends this and I'm dead 😂 #NoKings #NoFascists
You dont need a sign.
You dont need a shirt.
All you have to do is just show up. Dont overthink it.
There are events everywhere.
Just park your car & stand outside w/ friends. ❤️✊️🇺🇸
I'm attending No Kings's event, “NO KINGS Mentor, Ohio” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
You dont need a shirt.
All you have to do is just show up. Dont overthink it.
There are events everywhere.
Just park your car & stand outside w/ friends. ❤️✊️🇺🇸
I'm attending No Kings's event, “NO KINGS Mentor, Ohio” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
NO KINGS Mentor, Ohio · No Kings
**In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.** Come join us by swinging, singing and dancing with our live band as we protest the current administration. We will have a few politicians speakin...
www.mobilize.us
October 17, 2025 at 1:03 PM
You dont need a sign.
You dont need a shirt.
All you have to do is just show up. Dont overthink it.
There are events everywhere.
Just park your car & stand outside w/ friends. ❤️✊️🇺🇸
I'm attending No Kings's event, “NO KINGS Mentor, Ohio” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
You dont need a shirt.
All you have to do is just show up. Dont overthink it.
There are events everywhere.
Just park your car & stand outside w/ friends. ❤️✊️🇺🇸
I'm attending No Kings's event, “NO KINGS Mentor, Ohio” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
That’s right! Come and celebrate with us, as I return to my birthplace of Geneva Ohio to launch Cancer Eats the Heart, at the Lake Erie Book Company! A beautiful bookstore in downtown Geneva, at the location where an old drug store used to be. People from Geneva know where I’m talking about. It’s…
Cancer Eats the Heart Book Launch this Saturday, October 18th
That’s right! Come and celebrate with us, as I return to my birthplace of Geneva Ohio to launch Cancer Eats the Heart, at the Lake Erie Book Company! A beautiful bookstore in downtown Geneva, at the location where an old drug store used to be. People from Geneva know where I’m talking about. It’s especially… Read More
pauljessup.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:05 AM
That’s right! Come and celebrate with us, as I return to my birthplace of Geneva Ohio to launch Cancer Eats the Heart, at the Lake Erie Book Company! A beautiful bookstore in downtown Geneva, at the location where an old drug store used to be. People from Geneva know where I’m talking about. It’s…
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
These folks at @climatedefiance.bsky.social rock.
October 16, 2025 at 3:58 PM
These folks at @climatedefiance.bsky.social rock.
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
OPINION: "J. Janice Coleman's quilt points to Toni Morrison’s examination of the psychological trauma and systemic destruction seen in Black communities when family members are displaced," LaWanda Dickens writes.
Opinion | How a Quilter Commemorates Toni Morrison’s Legacy
LaWanda Dickens writes about how J. Janice Coleman’s quilts share themes with the late author Toni Morrison’s books.
buff.ly
October 16, 2025 at 4:15 PM
OPINION: "J. Janice Coleman's quilt points to Toni Morrison’s examination of the psychological trauma and systemic destruction seen in Black communities when family members are displaced," LaWanda Dickens writes.
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Joining the fight for democracy can start with a simple cup of coffee. ☕️
We're excited to launch Campus Coffees for Change – a new way for college students to connect with their campus community through good coffee & even better conversation.
Visit: democracyforward.org/campus-coffees-for-change
We're excited to launch Campus Coffees for Change – a new way for college students to connect with their campus community through good coffee & even better conversation.
Visit: democracyforward.org/campus-coffees-for-change
October 16, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Joining the fight for democracy can start with a simple cup of coffee. ☕️
We're excited to launch Campus Coffees for Change – a new way for college students to connect with their campus community through good coffee & even better conversation.
Visit: democracyforward.org/campus-coffees-for-change
We're excited to launch Campus Coffees for Change – a new way for college students to connect with their campus community through good coffee & even better conversation.
Visit: democracyforward.org/campus-coffees-for-change
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Good morning! Today would be a great day to call your local TV and radio stations to ask them to please make sure they have a crew covering the No Kings protest on Saturday. Tell them the locations in case they don't know. And tell them you'll be watching for the coverage.
October 16, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Good morning! Today would be a great day to call your local TV and radio stations to ask them to please make sure they have a crew covering the No Kings protest on Saturday. Tell them the locations in case they don't know. And tell them you'll be watching for the coverage.
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
THIS
THIS
THIS
THISSSSSSSSSSS
THIS
THIS
THISSSSSSSSSSS
I have been to two No Kings protests and they are filled with normies and people with funny signs and families and they are just the most wholesome protests imaginable
that's all people are going to see, man - their friends and neighbors out there saying we don't want this
that's all people are going to see, man - their friends and neighbors out there saying we don't want this
Johnson: "We call it the Hate America Rally that will happen Saturday. Let's see who shows up for that. I bet you you'll see Hamas supporters, I bet you'll see antifa types, I bet you'll see Marxists on full display, people who don't want to stand and defend the foundational truths of this republic"
October 15, 2025 at 8:49 PM
THIS
THIS
THIS
THISSSSSSSSSSS
THIS
THIS
THISSSSSSSSSSS
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
They restored all the titles & I want to point out that the reasoning was (stars are mine lol):
"... and in light of the *****overwhelming feedback from our community****** the Georgia HRRB State Steering Committee has voted to reinstate all 20..."
so, BE LOUD AS HELL & PROTECT THE RIGHT TO READ
"... and in light of the *****overwhelming feedback from our community****** the Georgia HRRB State Steering Committee has voted to reinstate all 20..."
so, BE LOUD AS HELL & PROTECT THE RIGHT TO READ
October 15, 2025 at 8:49 PM
They restored all the titles & I want to point out that the reasoning was (stars are mine lol):
"... and in light of the *****overwhelming feedback from our community****** the Georgia HRRB State Steering Committee has voted to reinstate all 20..."
so, BE LOUD AS HELL & PROTECT THE RIGHT TO READ
"... and in light of the *****overwhelming feedback from our community****** the Georgia HRRB State Steering Committee has voted to reinstate all 20..."
so, BE LOUD AS HELL & PROTECT THE RIGHT TO READ
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Remember why you're fighting so hard.
If it's to get even on the Oval Office occupant, he's almost definitely better at revenge than you and I are.
I have two daughters who will be around long after I'm gone, and many others I love. That, and I'm a sucker for justice.
That's my why. What's yours?
If it's to get even on the Oval Office occupant, he's almost definitely better at revenge than you and I are.
I have two daughters who will be around long after I'm gone, and many others I love. That, and I'm a sucker for justice.
That's my why. What's yours?
October 15, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Remember why you're fighting so hard.
If it's to get even on the Oval Office occupant, he's almost definitely better at revenge than you and I are.
I have two daughters who will be around long after I'm gone, and many others I love. That, and I'm a sucker for justice.
That's my why. What's yours?
If it's to get even on the Oval Office occupant, he's almost definitely better at revenge than you and I are.
I have two daughters who will be around long after I'm gone, and many others I love. That, and I'm a sucker for justice.
That's my why. What's yours?
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
👇
Bring as many American flags to No Kings as you can.
Scalise refers to No Kings as the "Hate America Rally"
October 15, 2025 at 5:01 PM
👇
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Make your plans for #NoKings. This Saturday, October 18th.
Free speech is action. Protestors believe that action has meaning. Protestors are exercising the rights enshrined in the Constitution. For me, protest is about love of country.
I'll be there. Please join in.
www.nokings.org
Free speech is action. Protestors believe that action has meaning. Protestors are exercising the rights enshrined in the Constitution. For me, protest is about love of country.
I'll be there. Please join in.
www.nokings.org
No Kings
As the president escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS non-violent movement continues to rise stronger. We are united once again to remind the world: America has No Kings and the power ...
www.nokings.org
October 15, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Make your plans for #NoKings. This Saturday, October 18th.
Free speech is action. Protestors believe that action has meaning. Protestors are exercising the rights enshrined in the Constitution. For me, protest is about love of country.
I'll be there. Please join in.
www.nokings.org
Free speech is action. Protestors believe that action has meaning. Protestors are exercising the rights enshrined in the Constitution. For me, protest is about love of country.
I'll be there. Please join in.
www.nokings.org
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Registration for the SCBWI 2026 New York Conference opens TODAY, October 14 @ 10am PST ! 🎉
View the entire in-person line up on our website here: tinyurl.com/79hkf4ta
(and a special thank you to Merrill Rainey for making our gorgeous conference art www.littlerainey.com)
#scbwiNY26
View the entire in-person line up on our website here: tinyurl.com/79hkf4ta
(and a special thank you to Merrill Rainey for making our gorgeous conference art www.littlerainey.com)
#scbwiNY26
October 14, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Registration for the SCBWI 2026 New York Conference opens TODAY, October 14 @ 10am PST ! 🎉
View the entire in-person line up on our website here: tinyurl.com/79hkf4ta
(and a special thank you to Merrill Rainey for making our gorgeous conference art www.littlerainey.com)
#scbwiNY26
View the entire in-person line up on our website here: tinyurl.com/79hkf4ta
(and a special thank you to Merrill Rainey for making our gorgeous conference art www.littlerainey.com)
#scbwiNY26
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Our banner contest winner was announced last week, and it was @kelliearted.bsky.social! Look for her delightful art to start appearing on www.scbwi.org/regions/ohio... and elsewhere soon!
October 10, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Our banner contest winner was announced last week, and it was @kelliearted.bsky.social! Look for her delightful art to start appearing on www.scbwi.org/regions/ohio... and elsewhere soon!
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
An illustrator alerted me to the attached email. Someone is impersonating me! Offering #kidlit illustrators fake deals!
This is not me! The deal-structure/schedule is insane. The deadline is quite friendly?! 10 picture books in 3 years?!
Please let me know if you receive an email like this!
This is not me! The deal-structure/schedule is insane. The deadline is quite friendly?! 10 picture books in 3 years?!
Please let me know if you receive an email like this!
October 10, 2025 at 4:23 PM
An illustrator alerted me to the attached email. Someone is impersonating me! Offering #kidlit illustrators fake deals!
This is not me! The deal-structure/schedule is insane. The deadline is quite friendly?! 10 picture books in 3 years?!
Please let me know if you receive an email like this!
This is not me! The deal-structure/schedule is insane. The deadline is quite friendly?! 10 picture books in 3 years?!
Please let me know if you receive an email like this!
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
THESE are the promises I want to hear.
We have armed secret police kidnapping people off the street based on the color of their skin.
When we win: we will haul them before a Senate committee. The masks will come off. There will be consequences.
When we win: we will haul them before a Senate committee. The masks will come off. There will be consequences.
October 12, 2025 at 5:18 PM
THESE are the promises I want to hear.
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Good people need to start outing their ICE family members, neighbors, and community members.
They need to be made into pariahs in the places decent Americans gather.
They need to be made into pariahs in the places decent Americans gather.
October 12, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Good people need to start outing their ICE family members, neighbors, and community members.
They need to be made into pariahs in the places decent Americans gather.
They need to be made into pariahs in the places decent Americans gather.
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
The #scbwiohionorth conference Art Show people’s choice winner was @olgasmithart.bsky.social. The fantastic entries in the show were inspiring and a testament to the thriving creative community we have here in Ohio! Congrats, Olga! ❤️
October 11, 2025 at 8:42 PM
The #scbwiohionorth conference Art Show people’s choice winner was @olgasmithart.bsky.social. The fantastic entries in the show were inspiring and a testament to the thriving creative community we have here in Ohio! Congrats, Olga! ❤️
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
Yay! I still can’t believe it happened! #kidlitart #scbwi
The #scbwiohionorth conference Art Show people’s choice winner was @olgasmithart.bsky.social. The fantastic entries in the show were inspiring and a testament to the thriving creative community we have here in Ohio! Congrats, Olga! ❤️
October 11, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Yay! I still can’t believe it happened! #kidlitart #scbwi
Reposted by CJ Penko 💡
September 16, 2025 at 2:05 AM