iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

I am one of the 1,350 individuals and organizations who signed the open letter to HarperCollins in support of IMLS, libraries, and library workers across the United States.

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

We’re a week away from the next Ask the Author Book Club! Hope to see you there! 📚 ✍️ @kidlitcraft.bsky.social #amwriting

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

Are you going to #NCTE2024? Come hang out with me and these amazing, talented, kind humans! We want to help you shake up your shelf and find books for all of your readers!

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 10/07/2024

I believe everyone has a story to tell. What’s YOUR story? 🤔 📚

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 20/06/2024

I’m thrilled to share another lovely review of THE TRUTH ABOUT TRIANGLES! 🎉🍕 Thank you SLJ!

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 14/11/2023

I had so much fun giving my first keynote at SCBWI IL's Prairie Writers and Illustrators Day. I shared how I zoomed in on details of my life to write my first three middle grade novels. I'm so grateful to the SCBWI IL team for inviting me to speak. 🧡

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 10/11/2023

I'm attending #NCTE! I love this conference—I've gone as an educator and while working in publishing, but this is my first time going as an AUTHOR. I'm so excited. You can find me on two panels with these exceptional humans!

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 05/11/2023

Such a fun time yesterday hanging out with local author friends at the Dublin public library. Shout out to the amazing @matokah.bsky.social, @keelyinkster.bsky.social, and @sallye.bsky.social! Check out their books if you haven’t already!

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 18/10/2023

✨NOW BOOKING!✨ I LOVE author visits with young readers! Bring me to your school, library, or event virtually or in-person. (I'm happy to travel!) 💻 ✈️

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 16/10/2023

🍕🍕🍕COVER REVEAL🍕🍕🍕 I'm so excited to deliver the cover for THE TRUTH ABOUT TRIANGLES, my third middle grade novel from HarperCollins Children's which will be fresh out of the oven May 21, 2024! (YES! You can pre-order your copy today!)

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 13/10/2023

You wanna know one of the best feelings in the world? 🤔 Typing "THE END" on a first draft of a 71,000 word middle grade fantasy novel on a Friday afternoon. 😍

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 06/10/2023

On October 16, I'll post the cover to socials. If you're willing to share, comment below with "I'm in!" and/or your favorite pizza topping! I'll tag you in the post so you know when it's up. Thank you in advance for your consideration! 🙏

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 06/10/2023

I'm TEN DAYS AWAY from revealing the cover for my third middle grade novel, THE TRUTH ABOUT TRIANGLES, which will be fresh out of the oven May 21, 2024! 🍕 This cover is PIZZA PERFECT, and I want YOUR help sharing it with the world.

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 04/10/2023

This month, I encourage you to dig into the past and learn about LGBTQ+ heroes like Albert D.J. Cashier. Share what you learn widely. Fight to keep LGBTQ+ books and history in libraries and schools. We need allies and coconspirators to join us. We are stronger together. (9/)

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 04/10/2023

We've made a lot of progress since I was a kid, but the work is far from done. LGBTQ+ books are challenged, banned, and censored at an alarming rate across the United States. When these books are removed from classrooms and libraries, children are being actively harmed. (8/)

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 04/10/2023

One of the many reasons I wrote THE CIVIL WAR OF AMOS ABERNATHY is so young LGBTQ+ people know they aren't alone. We have a long and rich history of heroes who have accomplished remarkable things. We are worthy of being known, remembered, and celebrated. (5/)

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 04/10/2023

Growing up, I barely knew the LGBTQ+ community existed. When I did learn about the queer community as a pre-teen and teenager, information was sparse and often framed by bigoted rhetoric. (2/)

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 04/10/2023

Happy LGBTQ+ History Month! A thread! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (1/)

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

Request and check out books from marginalized authors at your public library. Tell a marginalized author what their work means to you. There are many other things you do; I’ve listed three fantastic resources in my post.

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

(Even if a marginalized author’s books aren’t publicly banned/challenged, their books have likely been banned by sweeping legislation in one of several states actively working to limit access in schools and libraries.) Get involved in your community and attend school board meetings.

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

A LOT! Write your Congress person and state representatives demanding action against book bans and supporting access to literature. Vote. Purchase, read, and promote books from marginalized authors, not just books that have been banned.

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

What can you do to fight against book bans, challenges, and censorship?

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

Don’t be fooled. No one is “protecting children” by removing these books. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, hate, and bigotry are tools individuals use to gain/maintain control and power in systems of white supremacy and heteronormative culture.

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

Books from LGBTQIAP+ and BIPOC authors are the top targets. Books with queer content are being labeled as “pornography” and framed as “grooming” children. Books about BIPOC characters and experiences are being pulled for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

First and foremost, I’m angry. My anger stems from the gutting disappointment, disgust, and sadness that books from marginalized authors, like me, are being censored, challenged, and banned across the United States.

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 02/10/2023

It’s 📚Banned Books Week📚 (Oct 1-7, 2023), and I have a few thoughts. 🤔👇

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Michael Leali @michaelleali.bsky.social · 01/10/2023

I love seeing my books out in the wild! Shout out to Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma! 💚

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