iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

It’s been more than 11 years since this book was published! Find someone who looks at you the way EBYR (still) looks at THE AMAZING AGE OF JOHN ROY LYNCH.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Alton Yates turned 90 last week. He’s still one of the most inspiring people I know, and I’m so glad to be his friend.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Two of my communities — Texas authors, and creators of books for young readers — have lost a great one tonight. RIP Ben Sáenz, author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, and so much more. elpasomatters.org/2026/07/28/b...

elpasomatters.org

Renowned El Paso author, artist Benjamin Alire Sáenz dies at 71

“Ben was irrepressibly hopeful of the human spirit,” longtime friend Ruben Garcia said about Sáenz, an award-winning author whose “Aristotle and Dante” young adult novel was adapted into a movie in 20...

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Just finished this new book on De La Soul, loved it, and will be exploring its listening recommendations for MONTHS.

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Robert Flippo @booksellerbert.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

If you’re seeing the Mac Barnett quote floating around, here’s the best break down I’ve seen that addresses the book as a whole in addition to the quote

readingmiddlegrade.substack.com

Mac Barnett Is Right. Mac Barnett Is Also a Snob.

On Make Believe, the 94.7 percent quote, and what rigorous criticism of children's literature actually looks like.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Authors: “We already thought those were the same thing.”

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

If you're in Texas—or have book-loving loved ones in Texas—The Book-Loving Texan's Guide to the May 2026 School Board Elections just became available this morning. docs.google.com/document/d/1... I'm pretty sure this is the first time this semi-annual guide has mentioned me by name... 😉

docs.google.com

Book-Loving Texan's Guide to the May 2026 School Board Elections

The Book-Loving Texan’s Guide to the May 2026 School Board Elections (This is a mobilization tool. Use it to volunteer, donate, and organize in your community.) Election Day: Saturday, May 2 Early Vo...

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Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 11/03/2026

New from Kalyn Gensic: "I entered this profession just as storm clouds of the current book-banning push were starting to gather, but I enrolled in a librarian program hoping it would pass me like lamb’s blood was painted on my doorframe. And for the first three years, wishful thinking worked ..."

texasobserver.org

How a High School Librarian in Abilene Fought Back Against Moms for Liberty

I entered this profession just as the storm clouds of the current book-banning push were starting to gather; now I’m in the middle of it.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Our video series "This One's Dedicated to..." is not (yet) back with a new season of episodes, but @jennyziegler.bsky.social & I are happy to have our friend and fellow author @torreymaldonado.bsky.social return to the show to discuss the dedication he wrote for his picture book debut, JUST RIGHT.

Still image from This One's Dedicated to... Episode 73: Torrey Maldonado

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Pat Zietlow Miller (she/her) @patzmiller.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Texas is a big state, so I'm thrilled three authors put ONE CAN BE in @littlefreelibrary.bsky.social boxes there. @bartography.bsky.social and @jennyziegler.bsky.social took care of Austin, while @beckywalkerbooks.bsky.social covered Houston. Texas is our 45th state! #onecanbe #50states #texas

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

This summer will mark 25 years since I began the (eight-year!) process of making THE DAY-GLO BROTHERS. Thank you, Lori and your students, for reaffirming that it was time well-spent.

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RiotGrlErin @riotgrlerin.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

nic cage movie posters but with muppets: thread

Snuffleupagus in the movie poster for National Treasure.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

My first bookstore event of 2026 is just 8 days away! I’m excited to be spending next Wednesday evening, 1/14, with some great people at Nowhere Books in San Antonio. If you plan to be there, too… WE MATCH! Details: nowherebookshop.com/event/2026-0...

Covers of author Chris Barton’s first 25 books

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Frank Strong @frankstrong.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

I made an interactive map! This is a look at the effects Tx book-banning laws have had just *since the end of last school year*. I made it because it's easy to hear a shocking story about a book ban and then forget it and lose the larger picture. www.google.com/maps/d/viewe...

google.com

Mapping Texas Book Bans SY 25-26 - Google My Maps

Mapping Texas Book Bans SY 25-26

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Every so often, I update my as-comprehensive-as-I-can-get-it list of children's literature conferences and festivals hosted by U.S. colleges and universities. For 2026, that time has arrived! chrisbarton.info/all-the-coll...

chrisbarton.info

All the college kidlit conferences (2026 edition!) - Bartography

My updated list of U.S. College- & University-Sponsored or -Hosted Children's and Young Adult Literature Conferences, Festivals, & Symposia.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

I was asked recently to create a 4-minute video clip showing what my 45-minute (give or take) school-visit presentations look like these days, and THAT WAS HARD. But I finally managed to edit it down to these 238 seconds, and I’m actually pretty happy with what I came up with. youtu.be/4yY5mkVIkOg

youtu.be

Chris Barton author-visit excerpts, fall 2025

YouTube video by Chris Barton

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Frank Strong @frankstrong.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Please don’t take your eyes away from the damage book banning laws are doing in Texas. In Boerne ISD, a kindergarten class was forced to cancel its planned holiday party book exchange due to HB900 and SB13.

A post from Texas Freedom to Read Project featuring Grinch arms pointing to a class communication from a Boerne ISD kindergarten teacher that reads:

“Dear Families,
We regret to let you know that we are going to have to cancel our classroom book exchange for the winter party. Due to the passage of HB 900 and SB 13, we have been informed that books would need to be vetted before being sent home with students. With the quick turnaround, this won't be possible. If your child has already sent in a book, it will be returned to you.
Our room parents have worked hard and we will still have plenty of fun and engaging activities at our winter party.
Thank you for your understanding”

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

I found a wallet in the Denver airport recently. It was a few days before Thanksgiving, I was super early for my flight home, and there it was, a couple of seats down from where I waited at an almost entirely empty gate. And I thought, “Someone’s about to have a really lousy holiday week. Unless…”

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Very exciting news: WE MATCH! is now 1/4 of the way to having an EGOT! I mean, I’m assuming that the “E” in EGOT stands for Endies… 100scopenotes.com/2025/11/26/a...

100scopenotes.com

And the 2025 Endies Endpaper Awards Go To . . .

Announcing the winners of the 2025 Endies Endpaper Awards.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

I was so glad to be here to this moment. Congratulations, Frank, and here’s to all the good work to come from those you’ve inspired!

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John Lingan @johnlingan.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

For the next three weeks I’m going to share individual playlists for the 15 chapters in BACKBEATS. First up, blues legend Sam Lay, who came to Chicago as part of the Great Migration and played with Walter, Wolf, Muddy, and at the “Dylan Goes Electric” concert. King of the “double shuffle.”

music.apple.com

Backbeats: Sam Lay by John Lingan on Apple Music

Playlist · 10 Songs

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Maggie Tokuda-Hall @maggietokudahall.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Are you at NCTE? Don't worry Dr. Ann made you a great chart.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Seeing how full the #NCTE25 schedule is makes me realize how dependent I’ll be on friends’ posts to let me know which sessions to attend—and how helpful it might be to put that info out there myself. So, here’s where I’ll be on Saturday. What should I see in the meantime?

Saturday, November 22
1:15–2:30 PM
Panel: Count on It! Math-Themed Books That Will Ignite Math Lovers and Entice Math-Averse Students
Location: Room 707

Sarah Albee (Author)

Chris Barton (Author)

Shruthi Rao (Author)

Ann Marie Stephens (Author and Educator)

Moderator: Susannah Richards (Educator)

Saturday, November 22
2:45–4:00 PM
Panel: Making Brave and Bold Writing Choices
Location: Room 105

Jennifer Vincent
Chris Barton
Adam Gidwitz
Sharee Mille
Jasmine Warga
Jennifer LaGarde

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

WE MATCH! is big in Bozeman, Montana, the home city of illustrator Sharon Glick. Folks there have shown our book loads of love at our August launch and at our three public library and elementary school events this past week. Thank you, Bozeman! www.bozemandailychronicle.com/arts_and_ent...

Best Sellers November 9-15
1. "We Match!" by Chris Barton, $18.99

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

They all wanted copies of WE MATCH! and I wanted them all to have copies of WE MATCH! so… we matched!

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Boni Ashburn @boniashburn.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

We’re a small library, so we have a physical suggestion box- or patrons just ask me. I bring in probably 8/10 requests- it really does work!

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

If something you love is the product of someone in the U.S. who is self-employed or who owns or works for a small business, you need to understand how dire things are about to get. That thing you love is in jeopardy (if it wasn’t already).

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

$2,341.96. That’s what Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas says my wife and I will pay for our monthly health insurance premiums in 2026. This year, for the same coverage? It’s been $899.72. So, what are we calling this? Trump Tax? Trump Hike? Trump Gouge? Trumpremiums? Whatever, I hate it.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

That’s some good company — thank you so much, Nancy! (Ernie is listening, too.)

The best dog ever, in a contemplative pose

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

I've got some great news: It is thoroughly satisfying to share what I hope will be my last-ever update on the 2023 Texas book ban, a.k.a. House Bill 900, a.k.a. the READER Act, which is that a federal judge has stopped the law with a permanent injunction. chrisbarton.info/the-case-aga...

Graphic resembling Texas highway sign, with the silhouette of the state of Texas containing "HB 900" crossed out with a red X

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

At this morning’s school visit, I finally got asked by a student to say “6, 7.” I feel relevant at last. Also, during Q&A, after a string of students asked questions about my dog, one of their classmates asked me, “Can we *only* ask you about your dog?”

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Rebecca Solnit @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

I found this a really illuminating thread on what demonstrations do and why they matter.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Axolotl attendees, and I think they’ll agree: The No Kings march in Austin has been a joy. I saw fellow church members, former coworkers, another children’s author, an actual rock star, and above all a diverse, peaceful, and good-natured assembly of people who love this country passionately.

Marchers — including one in an axolotl costume — on Congress Avenue in Austin during today’s No Kings march

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Victor Pineiro @victorpineiro.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Remember The Great Brain??

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Deborah Heiligman (she/her) @dheiligman.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Hint: it was either me or Chris.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Who said it, @dheiligman.bsky.social or me? "The first book I remember loving...[was] A Pickle for a Nickel, and it was about a boy named William who taught the heretofore quiet parrot of his silence-loving neighbor, Mr. Bumble, to loudly repeat the title phrase." chrisbarton.info/how-do-we-ma...

chrisbarton.info

How Do WE Match? (and book giveaway) with author Deborah Heiligman - Bartography

This month I'm giving away four copies of Deborah Heiligman's new YA nonfiction book, LOUDMOUTH: EMMA GOLDMAN VS. AMERICA (A LOVE STORY).

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Who said it: @victorpineiro.bsky.social or me? "Ooh, I LOVE nonfiction about music! I recently read a massive book about the history of grunge music called Everybody Loves Our Town, and I also adore Hanif Abdurraqib’s nonfiction music books." chrisbarton.info/how-do-we-ma...

chrisbarton.info

How Do WE Match? (and book giveaway) with author Victor Piñeiro - Bartography

This month I'm giving away four copies of Victor Piñeiro's new middle grade novel, THE ISLAND OF FORGOTTEN GODS.

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Great writing and non-algorithmic recommendations of new music are worth paying for! For me, the Friday picks from Don’t Rock the Inbox are a highlight of each week. Your week could use another highlight, right?

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

My wife and I went to the movies last night and saw one battle after another. By which I mean we saw a screening of The Librarians, the powerful new documentary about the onslaught of book bans and other well-funded attacks on U.S. libraries and our freedom to read. youtu.be/Ykll4MWltsQ

youtu.be

THE LIBRARIANS | Official Trailer

YouTube video by The Librarians Film

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

We invite eligible works published in 2025 across 14 categories—including a brand new one for Best First Book of Nonfiction—with over $25,750 in prizes going to the winners.

TEXAS INSTITUTE OF LETTERS
2025 LITERARY CONTESTS NOW OPEN
Submit now! Award eligibility requires either that the author have a significant Texas connection or that the work's subject substantially concern Texas. Judges will select finalists and winners in fourteen categories for the best works published in 2025. Winners will be recognized and more than $25,000 in prizes awarded at the TIL's annual meeting, to be held on May 1-2, 2026, in College Station, Texas.
https://texasinstituteofletters.org/literary-awards

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Great reporting and writing about a terrible situation. “Deportations like Sergio’s — to fixtures of the community — are making people think, ‘This could be me next, or my favorite place next, or somebody who I talk to every day.’” wacobridge.org/2025/10/06/d...

wacobridge.org

‘Why Sergio?’ Deportation ends 36-year dream for celebrated Waco chef and family - The Waco Bridge

Sergio Garcia and his wife, Sandra, spent 36 years building a reputation for regional Mexican cuisine in Waco. It ended when ICE came to call.

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Read the book Read Raising Expectations (and Raising Hell) @jphillll.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

Bad news feels inescapable. There’s a lot of it, it goes viral, and things are getting worse. But resistance is also everywhere, and it doesn’t get the same attention. We need to share mass resistance, to inspire hope and so that more and more people join in. www.jphilll.com/p/resistance...

jphilll.com

Resistance is everywhere — it just isn't getting enough attention

Nepal, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Madagascar, and the United States

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

But “Glitter” has 7 letters. “Shark” and “Train” only 5. Oh! “Dazzle”!

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Deborah Heiligman (she/her) @dheiligman.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Do you want the chance to get a free copy of Loudmouth AND find out how @bartography.bsky.social and I "match"? Sure you do. (You'll also find out I was not a perfect child.) Read his latest post: chrisbarton.info/how-do-we-ma... #teachersky #booksky #librariansky So many other skies....

chrisbarton.info

How Do WE Match? (and book giveaway) with author Deborah Heiligman - Bartography

This month I'm giving away four copies of Deborah Heiligman's new YA nonfiction book, LOUDMOUTH: EMMA GOLDMAN VS. AMERICA (A LOVE STORY).

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

For educators and children's authors who could use a lift—and for anyone else who might wonder why educators and children's authors do what we do, despite the challenges—I want to share with you (with the sender's permission) an email I received a couple of days ago.

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Deborah Heiligman (she/her) @dheiligman.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Do Chris and I match? There's only one way to find out... Read our weird and shall I say Unique... conversation below! #booksky #kidlit #Yalit #doctors #libriansky #Spanish

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Shark vs. Train: Who will win? Congress has not authorized the use of military force.

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Dr. Michelle @lipsticklitterati.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

I grabbed my copy of We Match at the @scbwi.bsky.social #MINIMFA conference this weekend in Austin. Be sure to get a copy for all the littles in your life! #BookSky #FREADOM

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