DrDonnaB
@drdonnab.bsky.social
I love to write, read, teach, learn, create, advocate, collaborate, and find moments of joy, wonder, and delight. I recently reclaimed my voice as a CSA survivor. I'm an autistic lesbian. I love kidlit, especially MG, and chaired the Huck Award (21-22).
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Censorship in Schools.
Next week, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor.
Please take a few moments to learn a little about this important case.
Thank you to @glaad.bsky.social for putting together this Fact Sheet.
glaad.org/fact-sheet-m...
Next week, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor.
Please take a few moments to learn a little about this important case.
Thank you to @glaad.bsky.social for putting together this Fact Sheet.
glaad.org/fact-sheet-m...
Fact Sheet: Mahmoud v. Taylor, the U.S. Supreme Court Case About Banning LGBTQ-inclusive Books | GLAAD
The Supreme Court of the United States is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Mahmoud v. Taylor is about a small number of LGBTQ-inclusive children’s book...
glaad.org
April 19, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Censorship in Schools.
Next week, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor.
Please take a few moments to learn a little about this important case.
Thank you to @glaad.bsky.social for putting together this Fact Sheet.
glaad.org/fact-sheet-m...
Next week, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor.
Please take a few moments to learn a little about this important case.
Thank you to @glaad.bsky.social for putting together this Fact Sheet.
glaad.org/fact-sheet-m...
Reposted by DrDonnaB
As authors generally, and as authors for children specifically, our whole job is to remove ourselves from the page and make space for the reader. Let the reader build the world. Let the reader have the space to define the story - and their own story - for themselves. It's a great responsibilty.
April 17, 2025 at 10:36 PM
As authors generally, and as authors for children specifically, our whole job is to remove ourselves from the page and make space for the reader. Let the reader build the world. Let the reader have the space to define the story - and their own story - for themselves. It's a great responsibilty.
Reposted by DrDonnaB
I'm just gonna say it: children's authors have a responsibility to their readers. How can we expect our readers to have empathy and care for our characters if we do not first extend empathy and care (and love too. Of course love) to our readers. We have to love them first.
April 17, 2025 at 10:31 PM
I'm just gonna say it: children's authors have a responsibility to their readers. How can we expect our readers to have empathy and care for our characters if we do not first extend empathy and care (and love too. Of course love) to our readers. We have to love them first.
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Important thread. Grants aren't randomly awarded. They are won by researchers (not universities)through highly competitive & labor intensive processes. They employ dozens (or more) of people to work on priority areas. Research isn't an 'add-on' to academia - it is absolutely essential to what we do
Ok so yeah, this has quickly become the #1 misunderstanding about the canceled grants
the grants are not “subsidies” or “entitlements” to Harvard or Princeton or whatever
they aren’t going into universities’ endowments
they are competitive contracts won by these universities to do research
the grants are not “subsidies” or “entitlements” to Harvard or Princeton or whatever
they aren’t going into universities’ endowments
they are competitive contracts won by these universities to do research
There is a PR narrative quickly emerging about “entitlement” of elite universities, as if this $ is some sort of subsidy
Harvard & others must counter this quickly
The $ doesn’t flow into Harvard’s coffers - this is grant money, most of which goes to research the govt has agreed has social value
Harvard & others must counter this quickly
The $ doesn’t flow into Harvard’s coffers - this is grant money, most of which goes to research the govt has agreed has social value
April 18, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Important thread. Grants aren't randomly awarded. They are won by researchers (not universities)through highly competitive & labor intensive processes. They employ dozens (or more) of people to work on priority areas. Research isn't an 'add-on' to academia - it is absolutely essential to what we do
Reposted by DrDonnaB
It's always good to see some coverage of the world of #kidlit in the "mainstream media."
As you may know, there's an exhibit at the Eric Carle about endpapers, called "Open + Shut."
And the Guardian has covered it.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
As you may know, there's an exhibit at the Eric Carle about endpapers, called "Open + Shut."
And the Guardian has covered it.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
‘Something playful’: celebrating the art of endpapers in children’s books
New exhibition in Amherst, Massachusetts, looks at the unsung art that exists on the pages that bookend much-loved kids books
www.theguardian.com
April 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
It's always good to see some coverage of the world of #kidlit in the "mainstream media."
As you may know, there's an exhibit at the Eric Carle about endpapers, called "Open + Shut."
And the Guardian has covered it.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
As you may know, there's an exhibit at the Eric Carle about endpapers, called "Open + Shut."
And the Guardian has covered it.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Reposted by DrDonnaB
This #NationalLibraryWeek, we’re “#DrawnToFreedom” — the freedom to read, the freedom to access information, the freedom to find community — all of the opportunities our libraries provide.
Right to Read Day
The right to read is under attack. On Right to Read Day, April 7, 2025, take action to support your library and protect your freedom to read.
bit.ly
March 29, 2025 at 1:48 AM
This #NationalLibraryWeek, we’re “#DrawnToFreedom” — the freedom to read, the freedom to access information, the freedom to find community — all of the opportunities our libraries provide.
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Comrade card for 3/21/2025.
March 21, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Comrade card for 3/21/2025.
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Lifting up transgender voices in literature has always been important, but now it's more vital than ever. Share these 14 books by trans creators and/or about trans characters ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 and all year round.
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility with These Middle Grade and YA Titles
Lifting up transgender voices in literature has always been important, but now it's more important than ever. Share these 14 books by trans creators and/or about trans characters ahead of Transgender ...
www.slj.com
March 18, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Lifting up transgender voices in literature has always been important, but now it's more vital than ever. Share these 14 books by trans creators and/or about trans characters ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 and all year round.
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
Reposted by DrDonnaB
This is a beautiful book. If you haven't read it, go get a copy right now! And speak up against this ban. Support students' right to read.
I was expecting this, but I am slightly surprised to realize I had a tiny smidgen of hope this wouldn’t happen. However, it has happened. Now we wait for the April South Carolina Dept. of Education meeting which will decide whether this ban becomes official across all of South Carolina.
The Instructional Materials Review Committee just voted to remove Last Night at the Telegraph Club by @malindalo.bsky.social from all schools. This book won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
The full board will vote on whether to approve the ban on April 1.
The full board will vote on whether to approve the ban on April 1.
March 13, 2025 at 8:46 PM
This is a beautiful book. If you haven't read it, go get a copy right now! And speak up against this ban. Support students' right to read.
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Ever faced that terrifying blank page? ✏️ Join @joknowles.bsky.social on April 9 for BRAVE BEGINNINGS—a workshop to conquer first-page anxiety together. Learn to craft story openings that instantly connect with hearts. Because your unique voice matters. Register: www.scbwi.org/events/rmc-2...
March 10, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Ever faced that terrifying blank page? ✏️ Join @joknowles.bsky.social on April 9 for BRAVE BEGINNINGS—a workshop to conquer first-page anxiety together. Learn to craft story openings that instantly connect with hearts. Because your unique voice matters. Register: www.scbwi.org/events/rmc-2...
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Sometimes the worst rejections come with the best outcomes. Worth reading: lindseyexplainsitall.substack.com/p/how-many-r...
How many rejection letters have you collected?
As for me? More than 1,500, but who's counting? (Apparently, I am.)
lindseyexplainsitall.substack.com
March 10, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Sometimes the worst rejections come with the best outcomes. Worth reading: lindseyexplainsitall.substack.com/p/how-many-r...
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Instead of listening to students, educators and the experts in charge of the curriculum, school board members in a 94% white district rejected a novel set in 1921 Tulsa, Okla.
@phillewis.bsky.social writes what happened next
@phillewis.bsky.social writes what happened next
A School District Rejected a Black Author’s Book About Tulsa for Its Curriculum. Then the Community Decided to Act.
Randi Pink, author of the young adult fiction novel “The Angel of Greenwood,” talked to ContrabandCamp about how residents of a Pittsburgh suburb rallied around her book.
dlvr.it
March 6, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Instead of listening to students, educators and the experts in charge of the curriculum, school board members in a 94% white district rejected a novel set in 1921 Tulsa, Okla.
@phillewis.bsky.social writes what happened next
@phillewis.bsky.social writes what happened next
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Write, create, make your art. Don't stop.
March 5, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Write, create, make your art. Don't stop.
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Reposted by DrDonnaB
So this looks pretty amazing. www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Jason Reynolds to Release Original Audiobook
Penguin Random House Audio and Listening Library have announced 'Soundtrack,' a new YA audiobook project from Jason Reynolds, set to release on June 3.
www.publishersweekly.com
March 3, 2025 at 9:05 PM
So this looks pretty amazing. www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Baldwin: "Trump a little over a week ago said on Fox News, 'I'm not touching Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid.' And he said it multiple times. The next morning he endorsed the Republican House budget which calls for nearly a trillion dollars in cuts to Medicaid."
March 3, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Baldwin: "Trump a little over a week ago said on Fox News, 'I'm not touching Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid.' And he said it multiple times. The next morning he endorsed the Republican House budget which calls for nearly a trillion dollars in cuts to Medicaid."
This is incredibly creepy. I don't understand why so many people in the right are obsessing about other people's genitals.
I'm especially disgusted by their fixation on children's genitals.
I'm especially disgusted by their fixation on children's genitals.
The right's obsession with genitals is really what's worth talking about more here.
Absolute fixation on what's in someone's pants is not normal.
Absolute fixation on what's in someone's pants is not normal.
1. Happening now, the United States Senate is considering S9, a bill that would ban transgender people from playing sports of their gender identity from chess to darts and everything in between.
It could result in genital exams and more.
I'm covering live.
Watch:
www.senate.gov/legislative/...
It could result in genital exams and more.
I'm covering live.
Watch:
www.senate.gov/legislative/...
March 3, 2025 at 9:59 PM
This is incredibly creepy. I don't understand why so many people in the right are obsessing about other people's genitals.
I'm especially disgusted by their fixation on children's genitals.
I'm especially disgusted by their fixation on children's genitals.
Reposted by DrDonnaB
You know where you can go and not worry about breaking the economic blackout today?
Your local library! All those books and you won’t spend a penny!
Your local library! All those books and you won’t spend a penny!
February 28, 2025 at 12:27 PM
You know where you can go and not worry about breaking the economic blackout today?
Your local library! All those books and you won’t spend a penny!
Your local library! All those books and you won’t spend a penny!
This is such a good book!
February 27, 2025 at 10:24 PM
This is such a good book!
Reposted by DrDonnaB
Eighteen authors and illustrators whose LGBTQ-inclusive picture books are at the heart of an upcoming SCOTUS case issued a statement today defending their work and reminding us that all children benefit from the freedom to read. #KidLit #BookSky mombian.com/2025/02/20/a...
Authors and Illustrators of LGBTQ Picture Books at Center of Supreme Court Case Speak Out - Mombian
Eighteen authors and illustrators whose LGBTQ-inclusive picture books are at the heart of an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case about LGBTQ representation in the classroom issued a statement today defen...
mombian.com
February 20, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Eighteen authors and illustrators whose LGBTQ-inclusive picture books are at the heart of an upcoming SCOTUS case issued a statement today defending their work and reminding us that all children benefit from the freedom to read. #KidLit #BookSky mombian.com/2025/02/20/a...
Reposted by DrDonnaB
We know that the on-the-ground reality can diverge from what happens in the courts – if you are experiencing an interruption in care because of the Executive Order, reach out to the Trans Youth Emergency Project. southernequality.org/tyep/
Trans Youth Emergency Project: Supporting Families of Trans Youth
Supporting families of trans youth nationwide through the logistical and financial burdens of navigating bans on gender-affirming care.
southernequality.org
February 19, 2025 at 4:58 PM
We know that the on-the-ground reality can diverge from what happens in the courts – if you are experiencing an interruption in care because of the Executive Order, reach out to the Trans Youth Emergency Project. southernequality.org/tyep/
Reposted by DrDonnaB
This bit.
The root that tears apart your foundation begins as a seed of distrust, hate, and blame.
The seed that grew into a dictatorship in Europe didn’t arrive overnight.
It started with everyday Germans mad about inflation and looking for someone to blame.
The seed that grew into a dictatorship in Europe didn’t arrive overnight.
It started with everyday Germans mad about inflation and looking for someone to blame.
February 19, 2025 at 9:07 PM
This bit.
Reposted by DrDonnaB
It’s still February and still Black History Month.
February 18, 2025 at 1:07 PM
It’s still February and still Black History Month.
Reposted by DrDonnaB
This commission statement refers to people with Autism, ADHD, asthma, auto-immune disease, and chronic illness as a “dire threat to the American people and our way of life”.
This is a manifesto against disability.
This is the language of eugenics.
This is a manifesto against disability.
This is the language of eugenics.
Establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1.
www.whitehouse.gov
February 17, 2025 at 9:21 PM
This commission statement refers to people with Autism, ADHD, asthma, auto-immune disease, and chronic illness as a “dire threat to the American people and our way of life”.
This is a manifesto against disability.
This is the language of eugenics.
This is a manifesto against disability.
This is the language of eugenics.