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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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

I’m honored, Becky, and curious to find out what you’re working on. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to reading Plight of the Pelican!

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

I’m so glad this book is coming into the world. I’ve been there, and I know how much it will mean to families who have experienced that to feel seen. You’ve done such a tremendous thing for them. ❤️

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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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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Oh, man. And I’ve got a great new one to debut — but also other plans, unfortunately. Gotta mark this down for 2027!

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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

“For my mom, Carmen L. Negron, who made me and all who met her feel just right. For my village that helped raise me and for all villages who raise children. And finally for you if you see yourself in this book. — Torrey” youtu.be/eBsyY1QRasI?...

youtu.be

Torrey Maldonado (2026) - THIS ONE'S DEDICATED TO... with Jennifer Ziegler and Chris Barton

YouTube video by Chris Barton

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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

Just something to keep in mind as you travel this week — or any week: Someone you’ve never met might really appreciate your watching out for them. Or might be watching out for you. There’s no better gift.

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

I’d already been so glad that I could help, so happy that I had an opportunity to show a stranger the same sort of kindness that I’d want someone to show my kids if any of them got into a jam while far from home. But hearing about the book was a nice bonus.

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

This past week, I received a thank-you message from the person whose Thanksgiving hadn’t been lousy after all — and the news that their nephew would be receiving one of my books for Christmas.

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

When gate agents arrived, I coordinated with them and with the walletless traveler to arrange for a friend of the traveler to come pick up the wallet and arrange for its reunion with its owner.

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

I looked at the driver’s license and went into research mode. In short order, I found a social media profile for that person, sent them a message, and received a grateful midflight reply.

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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 · 01/12/2025

It was not, but if there were three of you keeping this band from me, that’s starting to smell like a conspiracy…

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Chris Barton @bartography.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

I learned about Hem just a couple of weeks ago, from another (now ex-) Bostonian. I don’t know where you all have been keeping them, but I’m glad word has finally reached me a quarter-century later…

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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

(I’m so glad we didn’t name this character “Billings” or “Missoula”!)

Trading card (front and back) for Bozeman, character in the picture book WE MATCH! by Chris Barton and Sharon Glick.

Breed: mastiff and miscellaneous
hound mix
Nicknames: Bozey, Bozo, Bozer,
Bulldozer
Weight: 85 pounds
Age: 6 months
Birthday: November 11
Littermates: 7
Walks: Not as far as you'd think-might need to be carried!
Drools: A LOT!
Grooming Tip: Don't forget to check
the face wrinkles!
Howls: Not yet! But has never really
had a reason ..
Fireworks: ARR-OOOOOOOO!!!

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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 · 30/10/2025

You’re in the Statesman now? Sweet! (I mean, not this particular story, which is hitting me very personally…)

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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 · 29/10/2025

Victor read it, and now it’s on my list!

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

If only more Texas legislators had been willing to listen to the librarians and booksellers. But who needs expertise when you've got unearned, misplaced confidence?

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

I remember the night I testified against HB 900 before a Texas Senate committee. One member arrogantly told his colleagues that there was certainly no constitutional issue with the legislation they were considering. youtu.be/sylo5-GTdpk

youtu.be

Texas author Chris Barton testifies against anti-library, anti-bookseller House Bill 900

YouTube video by Chris Barton

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