iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 19h

Did you know that We Need Diverse Books is already hard at work combatting book bans? In 2025, we launched the Unbanned Book Network — our newest initiative that combats the sharp rise in book bans by filling classroom shelves with diverse titles that have been banned/challenged. 📖 bit.ly/WNDB-UBN

Graphic with a pastel purple checkered tablecloth background. The graphic is titled “Most Requested Titles in the Unbanned Book Network — and Other Updates”. At the center of the graphic is an illustration of a shopping basket filled with three books: “Miles Morales: Spider-Man”, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”, and “Warrior Girl Unearthed”.

Graphic with a pastel purple checkered tablecloth background. This slide is titled “What is the Unbanned Book Network?” and contains the following description: “The Unbanned Book Network, first launched by WNDB in 2025, is designed to improve literacy rates at K-12 public schools and fight book bans that have disproportionately targeted diverse creators and stories. The Network works by addressing three key areas: Distributing diverse books and resources to schools affected by censorship; Connecting classrooms with a diverse Author Ambassador; and Providing training, webinars, resources, and community for participating schools/teachers.”

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Lee & Low Books @leeandlow.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Let books be. Let books represent the beautiful, diverse world we live in and the many (oftentimes difficult) moments of life that readers of all ages experience. Let books serve as windows and mirrors, and let them do their job of saying “Hey, you’re not alone.”

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Jocelyn Rish @jocelynrish.com · 06/10/2026

Today, I'm sharing this Banned Books Week Bingo card from Freedom to Read SC. Check off as many as you can this week! And follow great organizations like @authorsabb.bsky.social @penamerica.bsky.social @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social @everylibrary.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Cover Reveal! I AM A WARRIOR by Bridget George Heartdrum, 2027): With a message of strength and love, Bridget George celebrates Indigenous culture and centers children in their communities in this joyful read-aloud picture book. @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social @harperkids.bsky.social #KidLit

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Now available! LIKE GLASS by Jen Ferguson (Métis and white), cover art by Alanah Jewell (Oneida Nation of the Thames)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 13-up. @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #BookSky

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

It’s #BannedBooksWeek, which means it’s the perfect time to dispel common myths and misconceptions about the prevalence and impacts of book bans across the United States. Here are five common myths about book banning that everyone should know the truth about 🧵

Gold-colored graphic depicting an illustration of a group of young people lounging in a book store, sitting on the hardwood floor, and reading books together. There are illustrations of bookshelves decorated with books, knick knacks, plants, and cactuses in the background. The graphic is titled “5 Myths You Should Know About Book Banning”.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

🚨 Applications for WNDB’s Walter Dean Myers Grants are officially open! 💻 bit.ly/2026WalterGrants 📅 Applications close at 11:59 PM on October 31st, 2026

Red graphic titled “Walter Grants: Applications Now Open”. A subtitle beneath that says, “$2000 grant opportunity for diverse, unpublished writers and illustrators.” In the lower left hand corner is an illustration of a writer sitting at a table and typing on their laptop. In the lower right hand corner is a light blue starburst that says, “Accepting Applications Through October 31st”.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

🔔 Now accepting applications for the 2027 Creative Writing Awards! 📝 bit.ly/2027CWA Penguin Random House is partnering with We Need Diverse Books for the 2027 CWAs, awarding high school seniors $10,000 scholarships — including the inaugural Marjane Satrapi Award for Graphic Novel.

Orange and white graphic titled “Applications Open: 2027 Creative Writing Awards”. Body text beneath says, “Penguin Random House and We Need Diverse Books will be awarding seven $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors”. Underneath the text is an illustration of two students sitting on oversized stacks of books and typing on their laptops. There is a doodle of a piggy bank wearing a graduation cap floating between them. On the right-hand side, there’s an illustration of a yellow post-it note that says, “Introducing the new Marjane Satrapi Award for Graphic Novel!” Along the bottom of the graphic are the logos for Penguin Random House, the Creative Writing Awards, and We Need Diverse Books.

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Freedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Banned Books Week is coming! Oct. 4–10, we’re celebrating the freedom to read and shining a light on censorship in schools and libraries. Follow along for challenged books, resources, and ways to turn awareness into action. #BannedBooksWeek #FreedomToRead #ReadFreely

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Kirkus Reviews Audio: "Words and phrases are often repeated in this verse format, but Adams is able to deepen the feeling with each repetition." Note: Kirkus Earphones Award. #BookSky @kauawrites.bsky.social @audiofilemagazine.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

It's the 5th anniversary of Heartdrum, an acclaimed imprint featuring heartfelt, groundbreaking & unexpected books highlighting the present & future of Native peoples & strength of young Indigenous heroes. We've published nearly 50 books with more to come! #KidLit @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Celebrating Five Years of Heartdrum: an imprint centering Indigenous stories, authors, and illustrators! Graphic with geometric turquoise design against light yellow. Cover art showing: AN EXPANSE OF BLUE, JUST LIKE GRANDMA, A LETTER FOR BOB, STRONGER THAN, LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, REZ BALL, JO JO MAKOONS (BOOK 6), LOOKING FOR SMOKE, HEALER OF THE WATER MONSTER, RAVEN, RISING and WE STILL BELONG.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Gear up for the Fall season — and #BannedBooksWeek — with new WNDB merch! Whether you want to show your support for the freedom to read or show off your love of books, we have three new designs available in a variety of styles! Check out our Bonfire store for listings. 🛒 bit.ly/WNDB-store

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Last call for pre-orders! UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN: DONADAGOHVI, written by Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee), illustrated by Morgan Thompson (Cherokee)(Heartdrum, 2026) Ages 4-up. @harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Join us on 9/24 for Show Up, Speak Up: Vote for the Freedom to Read — a virtual variety show featuring a star-studded lineup of freedom to read champions celebrating books, authors, and readers. Let’s make our voices heard in this collective call to action! Register ➡️ tinyurl.com/ShowUpSp...

Dark turquoise graphic with an illustration of hands holding up paper ballots and picket signs that say, “Vote”. The graphic is titled, “Show Up, Speak Up! Vote for the Freedom to Read”. Beneath that is a gold bubble displaying the date September 24th, 2026. A subtitle says, “A virtual community action telethon featuring a star-studded lineup of freedom to read champions celebrating books, authors, and readers.” And below that is a custom URL that will direct users to register for this event: “tinyurl.com/ShowUpSpeakUp”.

Dark turquoise graphic with an illustration of hands holding up paper ballots and picket signs that say, “Vote”. This graphic outlines which featured speakers will be present at the Show Up, Speak Up event, including: Jerrold Connors, Jerry Craft, Alan Gratz, Shannon Hale, Martha Hickson, Ellen Hopkins, Adib Khorram, Maris Kreizman, Sarah MacLean, Don Martin, Julie Miller, Ann Patchett, Amanda Timpson, and Edward Underhill. Below the author list is a custom URL that will direct users to register for this event: “tinyurl.com/ShowUpSpeakUp”.

Dark turquoise graphic containing all the logos for: Red Wine & Blue Civics, Florida Freedom to Read Project, Authors Against Book Bans, Texas Freedom to Read Project, Seat, EveryLibrary, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Let Utah Read, Freedom to Read Project, Arkansas Right to Read Project, PENAmerica, We Are Stronger Than Censorship, I Support #FReadom, Publishing Professionals Against Book Bans, Lee & Low Books, LibroFM, We Need Diverse Books, Judging By the Cover Bookstore, The Novel Refuge, Eureka Books, The Book Wyrm and Other Oddities, Literally A Bookshop, The Authors Guild, American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom, Zinn Education Project, Pagestreet Publishing, All She Wrote, Garden Wall Bookshop, Azantian Literary Agent, Diversity Awareness Youth Literary Organization, Lioness Books, Children’s Book Council, California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Steamy Lit, and American Booksellers Association.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Celebrate #LatineHeritageMonth by reading (or pre-ordering!) these 2026 releases by Latine authors and artists! 2026 has been an incredible year for new Latine book releases, and we’ve compiled 27 of those releases here that we think would make the perfect additions to your TBR—or wishlist!

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

⛰️ COVER REVEAL ⛰️ We’re so excited to reveal the cover for PROJECT JUNI by Kaitlyn San Miguel, an exhilarating new verse novel forthcoming from Lerner Books in March 2027! 🎨 Cover design by Viet Chu 🛒 bit.ly/ProjectJuniBook

Green graphic with an illustration of a dark blue mountain dominating the background. Bold text at the top of the graphic says, “Cover Reveal”. Beneath the text is a mock-up hardcover book displaying the cover for “Project Juni” by Kaitlyn San Miguel, forthcoming from Lerner Books on March 2nd, 2027. The cover illustration has a bright lime green background and a blue water droplet at the center which says, “Project Juni”. There is a bright pink silhouette of a rock climber appearing to scale the droplet on the left hand side.

Green graphic with an illustration of a dark blue mountain dominating the background. This slide contains the following synopsis for “Project Juni”: “Rock climbing is seventeen-year-old Junilyn's lifeline—a way for her to feel in control of something and connect with her much-older sister, Bea. But now Bea has moved away and Juni's relationship with her boyfriend is deteriorating, throwing her post-high-school plans into doubt. After the latest explosive fight with her boyfriend, she embarks on a solo rock climb to clear her head. On a cliffside she's never tried before. Without telling anyone where she is. As a storm rolls in. During the dangerous climb, Juni wrestles with her past, present, and future, explored through a dual timeline in this taut verse novel.”

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

“We look forward to seeing you for our upcoming Native Ways of Knowing Book Club Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time), where we are featuring Cynthia Leitich Smith." Register: bit.ly/NWOK-Learn @harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

Author photo of Cynthia Leitich Smith. Native Ways of Knowing Book Blub Club. Picture book: HERE COME THE GRANDMAS! Grandmas gathered behind kids. Anthology: LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN: INTERTRIBAL STORIES (Native people gathered at drive-in restaurant.)

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

🪦 DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT 🪦 MONSTER MOON RISING is a middle grade horror anthology from We Need Diverse Books, about twelve kids facing the monsters of their nightmares on the night of a Super Blood Moon. Forthcoming from @randomhousekids.bsky.social in Summer 2027.

Dark purple graphic decorated with spooky details like spiderwebs along the top and a creepy graveyard at the bottom. The graphic is titled “Book Deal Announcement” and displays a screenshot of a Publishers Marketplace announcement for “Monster Moon Rising”, edited by Ellen Oh. Announcement text: “Ellen Oh, ed.’s Monster Moon Rising, a horror anthology from We Need Diverse Books, in which creatures from folklore awaken across the world on the night of a Super Blood Moon, and 12 kids must confront the monsters of their nightmares before it’s too late, with a foreword by Soman Chainani and contributions from Samira Ahmed, Tracey Baptiste, Shakirah Bourne, Huda Fahmy, Lamar Giles, Donna Barba Higuera, Malia Maunakea, Ellen Oh, Dan Poblocki, Kristen Simmons, Ronald L. Smith, and Susan Tan, to Phoebe Yeh at Crown Children’s, with Daniela Cortes editing, for publication in summer 2026, by Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary & Media, on behalf of We Need Diverse Books (world)."

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Congratulations to Heartdrum debut author @kauawrites.bsky.social (Kanaka Maoli/Native Hawaiian)! AN EXPANSE OF BLUE is a finalist for the 2026 Golden Poppy, award by California Independent Booksellers Alliance (CALIBA). #BookSky @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Giveaway! Leave a comment at the end of the linked post by Oct. 15 for a chance to win a copy of Here Come the Grandmas! by Cynthia Leitich Smith & @aphelandraw.bsky.social (Heartdrum) www.umakrishnaswami.com/blog/formida... #KidLit #Giveaway @harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

You’re invited to become a Story Defender! 🛡️📚 The Story Defenders are WNDB's community of monthly donors. These are the supporters who show up not once a year, but consistently — giving every month to make sure we can say yes to as many requests that come our way. 💻 diversebooks.org/giv...

Dark blue graphic with sun rays emerging from the center and white clouds dotting the border. The graphic is titled “Become a Story Defender” and displays an illustration of a young Black girl sitting cross-legged and reading a book silently to herself. There are stacks of books behind her. A subtitle says, “WNDB’s community of monthly donors—now with exclusive perks and gifts!” Bright blue bubbles surrounding the reading girl denote special perks that come with becoming a WNDB Story Defender, such as: limited edition swag items, exclusive insider updates, and Bonfire discount codes. At the bottom of the graphic is bold text that says, “Join Today” and the following URL: “DiverseBooks.org/give-monthly”.

Dark blue graphic with open books along the borders and an illustration of a young family reading together as they sit together in front of colorful bookshelves. Body text says, “We recently launched The Story Defenders, WNDB's community of monthly donors. These are the supporters who show up not once a year, but consistently — giving every month to make sure we can say yes to the writer who needs a mentor, the teacher who needs books, the teen who needs to see themselves in a story.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

🗝️ COVER REVEAL 🗝️ We’re thrilled to share a first look at the cover for PAWN’S FATE, sequel to HEART’S GAMBIT, by J.D. Myall! PAWN’S FATE will be published by Wednesday Books / @macmillanusa on August 17th, 2027 ❤️ 📖 Learn more: bit.ly/hearts-gambit

Promotional graphic with a background that looks like red and black brushstrokes on a canvas. Within a golden gilded frame is a mock-up hardcover book showing the cover for “Pawn’s Fate” by J.D. Myall. Underneath the cover is the book’s release date: August 17th, 2027.

Promotional graphic with a background that looks like red and black brushstrokes on a canvas. Contains the following synopsis, in part: “Emma and Malcolm must race against time to save his sister in the thrilling sequel to ‘Heart's Gambit’ where high stakes magic and unforgettable romance meet. After defeating a curse that pitted their families against one another in a vicious competition of survival, Malcolm and Emma are finally ready to just enjoy what they do best–magic, entertaining, and falling deeper in love with one another. But just as their families have finally found peace with the horrors of their pasts, Malcolm’s sister Jayla goes missing, leaving a trail of blood in her wake. In order to find her, Emma and Malcolm must once again participate in a merciless game where only one of them can survive. But in a world built on illusion, is their love strong enough to save them twice?”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

🔔 Now accepting 2027 Mentorship applications! Interested in participating in our annual Mentorship Program, where we pair emerging writers & illustrators from diverse backgrounds with experienced professionals in the field? Visit the link below (🔗 also in bio) to apply! 💻 bit.ly/2027mentorship

Bright green graphic titled “Applications Now Open: 2027 Mentorships”. Beneath the title, there is a bright pink illustration of a person writing by hand in a notebook. A bright blue circular sticker on the left hand side denotes that the deadline for this application is September 30th, 2026. Beneath the illustration of the writer is a white bubble that says, “Apply for a year-long mentorship with a published author/artist”. At the bottom of the graphic is a hot pink bubble that says, “Apply online today” followed by the URL “bit.ly/2027mentorship”, which will direct folks to the Google Form application.

Bright green graphic designed to look like an open manila folder with a stack of papers clipped inside. The topmost page is titled “About WNDB’s Mentorship Program”. Contains the following description: “The WNDB Mentorship Program aims to support writers and illustrators by pairing them with an experienced professional in the field. Our mentors work one-on-one with a mentee and their completed draft of a manuscript over the course of a calendar year, offering advice to improve craft and to better understand the publishing industry. For the 2027 mentorship cycle, WNDB is offering seventeen mentorships split amongst the following categories: Picture Book (PB), Middle Grade (MG), Young Adult (YA), and Illustration (IL).”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

August is #TransgenderHistoryMonth! It’s a time to honor the history and contributions of transgender historymakers, pioneers, and trailblazers, and affirms the presence of trans folks everywhere. For an intersectional look at trans history, we encourage you to pick up any one of these 17 titles!

Pink, blue, and white graphic titled “17 Nonfiction Books About Trans History”. At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of trans-spec folks wearing various shades of pink, blue, and purple and holding hands with each other as they dance in a circle.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Back-to-School season is officially in full swing! Here are 24 diverse books to get students (of all ages) excited about being back in the classroom for a new school year 🍎📚 These stories are all set in schools and/or about starting a new school, going back to school, or navigating the classroom!

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The Horn Book: “makes inventive use of the page as a visual medium. Her imagery evokes emotions and experiences ranging from isolation, helplessness, and loneliness to self-confidence, courage, and freedom.” @kauawrites.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #BookSky

$Layered: Turquoise background, blue tropical flower graphic, cover art above the quote that follows: Native Hawaiian girl in profile, flower in her hair, outline of a bird in the background, title (AN EXPANSE OF BLUE) in yellow. The Horn Book: “Adams’s verse novel makes inventive use of the page as a visual medium. Her imagery evokes emotions and experiences ranging from isolation, helplessness, and loneliness to self-confidence, courage, and freedom. While Aouli experiences loss and changes in her relationships, she also gains self-trust, romantic love, and connection to her ancestors.” ABOUT AN EXPANSE OF BLUE by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams (Kanaka Maoli/Native Hawaiian), cover art by JT Ojerio (Kanaka Maoli/Native Hawaiian)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 13-up. Fans of THE POET X will fall for this powerful, romantic debut novel-in-verse about a Native Hawaiian girl’s fight to find belonging in a fracturing family, sharing a message of love with resounding emotional truth. ★ Booklist (starred): “…creative placement of spare, expressive free verse on pages generous with white space will appeal to both literary and reluctant readers, as will Aouli’s fervent love for her sister and Nalu, for the blue sky, and for the big blue sea.” ★ Publishers Weekly (starred): “Via distinctive and emotionally resonant verse, Adams crafts an evocative story about identity, devotion, and belonging.“ ★ Shelf Awareness (starred): “…as is so often true of poetry, its specificity is what lends to its universality—in the wide expanse of space between Aouli’s words, anyone might find a piece of themselves reflected.”$

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

“An enjoyable read-aloud about the essential part grandmothers play in a child’s world and the joy they bring to their families and community.” —School Library Journal HERE COME THE GRANDMAS! by Cynthia Leitich Smith & Aphelandra. @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

WNDB is proud to be a Featured Story District Organization for the Library of Congress National Book Festival, happening this weekend at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.! 📍Find us in the Story District - Hall D, North Building, 2nd Floor 💻 loc.gov/bookfest

Graphic with a dark blue starry background. The graphic has title text that says, “Come See We Need Diverse Books at the Library of Congress National Book Festival”. At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of the library congress building surrounded by books floating through the air. At the top of the graphic is a light blue banner with the date of the festival, Saturday August 22nd, and the area where WNDB will be located at the festival, the Story District (Hall D).

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Say hello to our 2027 Mentors 😎📚 In our annual Mentorship Program, we pair aspiring creators with published authors to hone their craft, learn about publishing, and launch their careers. Applications for the 2027 Mentorship cycle will be open starting in early September, so stay tuned for more!

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Happy #WomenInTranslationMonth! WITMonth is an annual celebration of women writers from around the world who are writing in languages other than English, as an opportunity to spotlight that they deserve to be read widely, read often, uplifted, and appreciated for their literary accomplishments 📚❤️

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

August is #FatLiberationMonth, a month-long celebration founded by NAAFA, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance! Body diversity is part of diversity, and that’s why we’re sharing 55 titles starring fat main characters and featuring fat positive representation 📚❤️

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Phil Bildner @philbildner.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

**Federal Book Ban Bill Update** Thank you to @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social for creating these useful graphics. Federal book banning bills are currently advancing through both the House and Senate. We are not powerless to stop them. Now is the time to do your part. Speak out. Spread the word.

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Celebrate the new school year with Heartdrum young adult books: cynthialeitichsmith.com/heartdrum-a-... #BookSky @kauawrites.bsky.social @byrongraves.bsky.social @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

🎶 Prepare to get lost in the rhythm of TO HER OWN BEAT by Brinda Shah, forthcoming from Chronicle Kids Books (Chronicle Books) on April 13th, 2027! 🎨 Cover illustration by Kush 🌟 TO HER OWN BEAT is available to pre-order now!

Bright pink graphic with a bold pattern of neon yellow flowers with bright green leaves in the background. At the center of the graphic is the book cover for “To Her Own Beat” by Brinda Shah, forthcoming from Chronicle Kids Books on April 13th, 2027. The book cover is a deep shade of blue and depicts a young Indian girl wearing traditional garb as she performs a traditional Bharatanatyam dance. She is surrounded by bright gold flowers and green leaves. At the bottom of the graphic is the book’s release date.

Bright pink graphic containing the following synopsis: “Thirteen-year-old Sumati Soni knows how to be a good kid. She holds her tongue when relatives comment on her body. Stays quiet when a classmate throws hurtful words her way. Ignores those who make her Bharatanatyam dance class feel like torture. She knows she should always show respect—after all, her name means “good thoughts” in Sanskrit—and she tries to express herself through poetry and dance without offending anyone. But as she prepares to perform a solo in dance class and at her sister’s wedding, the pressure builds. Even the people she hoped would be on her side, including her best friend and her mother, don’t seem to have her back. Now Sumati must learn to speak up and confront the generational beauty standards that have shaped how she sees herself—or continue to be weighed down by it all.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

⚠️ Federal Book Banning Bills—both old and new—are advancing through the House and Senate, and your action is needed more than ever. Wondering what H.R. 7661, S.4925, and Arkansas Act 372 are? We have some basic primers for you to learn more about these dangerous proposed bills and law amendments.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

🚨 Calling All Romance Writers! Romancing the Craft is a 1-day conference aimed toward marginalized romance writers which offers them programming to develop their craft, learn from masters of the genre, and advance their careers through valuable networking opportunities. ❤️ bit.ly/RTC-2026

Graphic promoting the “Romancing the Craft” workshop. The graphic notes that tickets are on sale now and displays an illustration of a ticket that says, “Join Today: Romancing the Craft - A conference aimed in helping marginalized unpublished and published romance authors. One day writer’s conference.” The conference date and location is noted in the lower left hand corner: New York City, September 12th.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

We need diverse, human-created books. The publishing industry has seen a steady stream of AI-related scandals. At WNDB, we believe it’s important for everyone to educate themselves about the impacts of artificial intelligence, specifically generative AI. Here are 12 titles on the subject 🧵

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Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

So thrilled to see this cover out there and so proud of Sita. This book is beautiful. Thanks @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social!

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

💌 Mark your calendars for THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Sita Jit, forthcoming from Lerner Books on February 2nd, 2027! 🎨 Illustration by Ash Roy 🖼️ Cover design by Athena Currier 🌟 bit.ly/DistanceBetwe...

Light teal graphic with a background of white enveloped sealed with heart-shaped wax seals. At the forefront of the graphic is a teal envelope with the flap opened to reveal a book cover emerging from within. The cover shown is for “The Distance Between Us” by Sita Jit, forthcoming from Lerner Books on February 2nd, 2027. The cover shows a young Southeast Asian girl of Indian descent looking back over her shoulder towards two older Indian women, her mother and her grandmother. The background of the illustration is made up of various multi-colored pieces of lined notebook paper. There is a bright magenta starburst on the right-hand side of the cover containing the book’s publication date.

Light teal graphic with a background of white enveloped sealed with heart-shaped wax seals. There is a piece of white notebook paper at the center of the graphic, which contains the following book synopsis: “Shanti has never met her mother’s mother. But now Nani has died, and Shanti has to travel to India for a thirteen-day mourning period. There, Shanti discovers thirteen letters addressed to her, written by Nani: one letter for each day of mourning, delving into the history of her family and her people. The more she learns, the better Shanti understands the fissures that haunt her family―her parents’ divorce, her mother’s estrangement from Nani, and Shanti’s own struggle to connect with her mother. As she realizes that Nani’s history, flaws, and strength are all part of her, Shanti finds the courage to speak her own truths.”

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Reposted by We Need Diverse Books

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Cover Reveal! JO JO MAKOONS: THE FUN FIELD TRIP by Dawn Quigley and Tara Audibert (Heartdrum, 2027). @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Here are 10 recently released or soon-to-be released YA books from Indigenous authors! You can discover more on the Indigenous Reads Rising website, where we provide online resources for teachers, librarians, and readers to learn more about Indigenous books 📖🧡 📚 indigenousreadsrisin...

Graphic with a photo of thick white clouds against a bright blue sky as the background. At the center is a light blue box with rounded corners containing the title “2026 Indigenous Young Adult Releases”. Underneath the title text is an illustration of an open book, and inside the open pages is a blue buffalo running through a field of open grass. There is a gold ribbon wrapping around the buffalo that says, “Support Native Creators”. At the bottom of the graphic are the logos for We Need Diverse Books and Indigenous Reads Rising.

Graphic with a photo of thick white clouds against a bright blue sky as the background. This slide is titled “What is Indigenous Reads Rising?” followed by this description: “IndigenousReadsRising.com is an online resource where teachers, librarians, and readers can learn about books written by Indigenous authors. Indigenous Reads Rising includes a variety of best practices articles and resources for where to find more books by Native authors and illustrators, as well as extensive book lists organized by age category and topic. We also provide resources for Native writers and illustrators interested in honing their craft and applying for grants and mentorships!” Beneath the body text is a mock-up image of the homepage of Indigenous Reads Rising displayed on a laptop and a smartphone.

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Reposted by We Need Diverse Books

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Rosemary Brosnan and Cynthia Leitich Smith at Heartdrum @harperkids.bsky.social have bought THE GROUND SHIFTS, a debut middle grade novel by @ajeversole.bsky.social. @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

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Reposted by We Need Diverse Books

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

What a phenomenal four days at the @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social Native Children’s-YA Writing Intensive in Irving, Texas! @harperkids.bsky.social #KidLit

Pictured: keynote speaker Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams, Leigh Baker, hosting editor Rosemary Brosnan, agent-faculty John Cusick, workshop co-chair Christine Hartman Derr, Danielle Emerson, pro-track speaker AJ Eversole, Susan Foss, pro-track speaker Karina Iceberg, editor-faculty Alyssa Miele, Jennifer March, Meggan Taylor, Autumn Loyal Watkins, program assistant Stacy Wells, WNDB Native Fund Rep. and Leslie Stall Widener. Mostly Native women in a hotel conference room having a writing workshop.

Cynthia Leitich Smith in front of long wooden table of workshopping authors. Karina Iceberg preparing to present PP slides at the front of the conference room.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

It’s still July, which means it’s still #DisabilityPrideMonth! 🖤❤️💛🤍💙💚 Did you know that each stripe on the Disability Pride Flag represents a different category/type of disability? We’ve compiled a short list of 36 books inspired by each color of the flag for your reading pleasure!

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Rounding up 15 new & upcoming middle grade books from Indigenous authors! This list is fresh off the presses from the Indigenous Reads Rising website, where you can find even more information about Indigenous releases, such as tribal affiliation and trade reviews! 📚 indigenousreadsrisin...

Graphic with an orange, yellow, blue, and green ombre background. White text at the top of the graphic says, “2026 Indigenous Middle Grade Releases”. Underneath the title text is an illustration of an open book, and inside the open pages is a blue buffalo running through a field of open grass. There is a gold ribbon wrapping around the buffalo that says, “Support Native Creators”. At the bottom of the graphic are the logos for We Need Diverse Books and Indigenous Reads Rising.

Graphic with an orange, yellow, blue, and green ombre background. This slide is titled “What is Indigenous Reads Rising?” followed by this description: “IndigenousReadsRising.com is an online resource where teachers, librarians, and readers can learn about books written by Indigenous authors. Indigenous Reads Rising includes a variety of best practices articles and resources for where to find more books by Native authors and illustrators, as well as extensive book lists organized by age category and topic. We also provide resources for Native writers and illustrators interested in honing their craft and applying for grants and mentorships!” Beneath the body text is a mock-up image of the homepage of Indigenous Reads Rising displayed on a laptop and a smartphone.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

WNDB is proud to support Hachette Children's Group’s Raising Readers campaign 📖💛 #ReadingIsGolden This campaign aims to raise awareness that reading for fun is the single biggest predictor of a child’s future success. 🌟 JoinRaisingReaders.com

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