Sonja Thomas
@bysonjathomas.bsky.social
Kidlit author | she/her | bysonjathomas.com
📗 Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
📙 Sir Fig Newton & the Science of Persistence
📗 Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
📙 Sir Fig Newton & the Science of Persistence
In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times:
Sarah Weinman on the Awesome Responsibility of the Seekers and Keepers of Truth via @literaryhub.bsky.social
"A good fight begins with books. A good fight begins with all of you."
#bookbans #librarians #libraries #bannedbooks
lithub.com/in-praise-of...
Sarah Weinman on the Awesome Responsibility of the Seekers and Keepers of Truth via @literaryhub.bsky.social
"A good fight begins with books. A good fight begins with all of you."
#bookbans #librarians #libraries #bannedbooks
lithub.com/in-praise-of...
In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times
Librarians are on the front lines of history and current events, when news and change arrive at a furious clip that only quickens every day. And without libraries, my work would simply not exist. I…
lithub.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times:
Sarah Weinman on the Awesome Responsibility of the Seekers and Keepers of Truth via @literaryhub.bsky.social
"A good fight begins with books. A good fight begins with all of you."
#bookbans #librarians #libraries #bannedbooks
lithub.com/in-praise-of...
Sarah Weinman on the Awesome Responsibility of the Seekers and Keepers of Truth via @literaryhub.bsky.social
"A good fight begins with books. A good fight begins with all of you."
#bookbans #librarians #libraries #bannedbooks
lithub.com/in-praise-of...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
For the first time in the history of the Portland Book Festival, we are thrilled to share that the festival is sold out.
☂️NOTE: This means that walk-up tickets will NOT be available at the box office on festival day.
Thank you for helping us make history. ☂️ ❤️ 📚 See you all on Saturday!
☂️NOTE: This means that walk-up tickets will NOT be available at the box office on festival day.
Thank you for helping us make history. ☂️ ❤️ 📚 See you all on Saturday!
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
For the first time in the history of the Portland Book Festival, we are thrilled to share that the festival is sold out.
☂️NOTE: This means that walk-up tickets will NOT be available at the box office on festival day.
Thank you for helping us make history. ☂️ ❤️ 📚 See you all on Saturday!
☂️NOTE: This means that walk-up tickets will NOT be available at the box office on festival day.
Thank you for helping us make history. ☂️ ❤️ 📚 See you all on Saturday!
Can't wait to moderate the conversation with authors Derrick Barnes & Jose Pimienta this Sat, Nov 8 at the Portland Book Festival. Gabbie (pictured with me) says unfortunately she won't see you there. She loves books but humans not so much 😹
@literary-arts.org #diversekidlit #mglit #pdxbookfest
@literary-arts.org #diversekidlit #mglit #pdxbookfest
November 6, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Can't wait to moderate the conversation with authors Derrick Barnes & Jose Pimienta this Sat, Nov 8 at the Portland Book Festival. Gabbie (pictured with me) says unfortunately she won't see you there. She loves books but humans not so much 😹
@literary-arts.org #diversekidlit #mglit #pdxbookfest
@literary-arts.org #diversekidlit #mglit #pdxbookfest
The Check Please Moment:
Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
#yalit #bannedbooks #booksky #librarybooks
www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2025/...
Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
#yalit #bannedbooks #booksky #librarybooks
www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2025/...
The Check Please Moment: Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
We fight censorship not just for intellectual freedom, but for the young person who spends their fall break quietly finding themselves on our shelves.
www.yalsa.ala.org
November 4, 2025 at 12:47 AM
The Check Please Moment:
Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
#yalit #bannedbooks #booksky #librarybooks
www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2025/...
Why Censorship is a Threat to Safe Spaces
#yalit #bannedbooks #booksky #librarybooks
www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2025/...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Things are so mean-spirited right now, this made me tear up. In the gratuitously cruel age of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Mike Johnson, it's comforting to be reminded that there still are decent human beings that walk amongst us. Thank you, Heretic Coffee in Portland.
Heretic Coffee in Portland, Oregon has announced that starting Nov 1st they will provide breakfast to those in the community who will be facing hunger due to SNAP benefits not being sent out in November.
"we know it’s not much, but we’ll do our best to keep you fed" - Heretic Coffee
#Pinks
"we know it’s not much, but we’ll do our best to keep you fed" - Heretic Coffee
#Pinks
October 28, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Things are so mean-spirited right now, this made me tear up. In the gratuitously cruel age of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Mike Johnson, it's comforting to be reminded that there still are decent human beings that walk amongst us. Thank you, Heretic Coffee in Portland.
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
It's here!!
Please join me in celebrating my delightfully creepy new book cover by the talented Kristina Kister!
In this companion novel to The Ghost of Spruce Point, it's back to Maine for a season of spooktacular summer camp.
On sale 6/2/26, available for pre-order NOW!
#middlegradebooks #kidlit
Please join me in celebrating my delightfully creepy new book cover by the talented Kristina Kister!
In this companion novel to The Ghost of Spruce Point, it's back to Maine for a season of spooktacular summer camp.
On sale 6/2/26, available for pre-order NOW!
#middlegradebooks #kidlit
October 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
It's here!!
Please join me in celebrating my delightfully creepy new book cover by the talented Kristina Kister!
In this companion novel to The Ghost of Spruce Point, it's back to Maine for a season of spooktacular summer camp.
On sale 6/2/26, available for pre-order NOW!
#middlegradebooks #kidlit
Please join me in celebrating my delightfully creepy new book cover by the talented Kristina Kister!
In this companion novel to The Ghost of Spruce Point, it's back to Maine for a season of spooktacular summer camp.
On sale 6/2/26, available for pre-order NOW!
#middlegradebooks #kidlit
Why the numbers 6-7 are driving math teachers up the wall
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/n...
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/n...
Why the numbers 6-7 are driving math teachers up the wall
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org
October 22, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Why the numbers 6-7 are driving math teachers up the wall
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/n...
You may have heard kids say "six, seven". We unpack what's behind the latest slang making waves in playgrounds and online.
www.npr.org/2025/10/19/n...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
If you want to push back against tech's encroachment into every corner of our lives, you have to read books. They're eager to create a future in which most people are illiterate and hooked on slop, a world without imagination or knowledge. Reading is resistance.
October 20, 2025 at 9:44 PM
If you want to push back against tech's encroachment into every corner of our lives, you have to read books. They're eager to create a future in which most people are illiterate and hooked on slop, a world without imagination or knowledge. Reading is resistance.
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Friends in Mass! If your Rep is on this list, get in touch and tell them to move the bill forward!
Earlier in October the House version of An Act Regarding Free Expression was passed on to the House Committee on Ways and Means. If you're Representative is on the Committee tell them to keep the ball rolling! List of committee members here: malegislature.gov/Committees/D...
House Committee on Ways and Means
malegislature.gov
October 21, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Friends in Mass! If your Rep is on this list, get in touch and tell them to move the bill forward!
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
PSYCHOPOMP & CIRCUMSTANCE is out today!
This is a Southern Gothic fantasy with family secrets, Gullah funeral traditions, a beautifully strange house, and a generous sprinkling of magic.
In hardcover, eBook, & audiobook
Available wherever books are sold.
#booksky #Blackbooksky
This is a Southern Gothic fantasy with family secrets, Gullah funeral traditions, a beautifully strange house, and a generous sprinkling of magic.
In hardcover, eBook, & audiobook
Available wherever books are sold.
#booksky #Blackbooksky
October 21, 2025 at 11:57 AM
PSYCHOPOMP & CIRCUMSTANCE is out today!
This is a Southern Gothic fantasy with family secrets, Gullah funeral traditions, a beautifully strange house, and a generous sprinkling of magic.
In hardcover, eBook, & audiobook
Available wherever books are sold.
#booksky #Blackbooksky
This is a Southern Gothic fantasy with family secrets, Gullah funeral traditions, a beautifully strange house, and a generous sprinkling of magic.
In hardcover, eBook, & audiobook
Available wherever books are sold.
#booksky #Blackbooksky
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
For those of us attending No Kings protest events tomorrow. Know your rights and remain peaceful.
REMEMBER, non-violent protest doesn't mean passivity. Done effectively, it exposes the aggression and brutality of the state enforcers.
BEING PEACEFUL serves a PURPOSE 💙✊🕊️ #NoKings
REMEMBER, non-violent protest doesn't mean passivity. Done effectively, it exposes the aggression and brutality of the state enforcers.
BEING PEACEFUL serves a PURPOSE 💙✊🕊️ #NoKings
October 17, 2025 at 4:59 PM
For those of us attending No Kings protest events tomorrow. Know your rights and remain peaceful.
REMEMBER, non-violent protest doesn't mean passivity. Done effectively, it exposes the aggression and brutality of the state enforcers.
BEING PEACEFUL serves a PURPOSE 💙✊🕊️ #NoKings
REMEMBER, non-violent protest doesn't mean passivity. Done effectively, it exposes the aggression and brutality of the state enforcers.
BEING PEACEFUL serves a PURPOSE 💙✊🕊️ #NoKings
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
PA chapter leader Katherine Locke talks with PEN American about banned books, email harassment, & more. Thread includes a link to PEN's toolkit for dealing with email harassment
For authors, email offers a way to connect with readers and professional opportunities. For some, it also becomes a pipeline for harassment. Katherine Locke, a children’s and YA author, has experienced that firsthand. (1/3)
October 16, 2025 at 5:06 PM
PA chapter leader Katherine Locke talks with PEN American about banned books, email harassment, & more. Thread includes a link to PEN's toolkit for dealing with email harassment
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
here's a piece on book bans i wrote this summer, feat. reflections and stories from authors @adibkhorram.bsky.social, @kylelukoff.bsky.social, and @katrynwrites.bsky.social as well as my own reflections. ty @electricliterature.com for publishing it!
electricliterature.com/book-bans-co...
electricliterature.com/book-bans-co...
Book Bans Continue to Threaten the Wellbeing of Authors - Electric Literature
There are societal, financial, legal, and emotional consequences to book challenges, and writers are facing the brunt of these attacks
electricliterature.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM
here's a piece on book bans i wrote this summer, feat. reflections and stories from authors @adibkhorram.bsky.social, @kylelukoff.bsky.social, and @katrynwrites.bsky.social as well as my own reflections. ty @electricliterature.com for publishing it!
electricliterature.com/book-bans-co...
electricliterature.com/book-bans-co...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
In good news (which I know I need these days), my book Drew Leclair Gets a Clue (which has been challenged in four states, and had been pulled from shelves in one county in Florida) seems to have been restored to shelves! Not sure if it's been relocated to YA but I'll take the win 🎉
October 7, 2025 at 6:15 PM
In good news (which I know I need these days), my book Drew Leclair Gets a Clue (which has been challenged in four states, and had been pulled from shelves in one county in Florida) seems to have been restored to shelves! Not sure if it's been relocated to YA but I'll take the win 🎉
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
PEN America: "Rather than overtly censoring reporters, the DoD’s revised policy now includes vague and troubling provisions that allow government officials to label reporters as ‘security risks’ and revoke their credentials simply for seeking information." pen.org/press-releas...
Pentagon's Revised Rules Seek to Intimidate Rather Than Overtly Censor Journalists
PEN America remains deeply concerned today about threatening protocols in place that have the goal of intimidating reporters and even would allow the government to revoke credentials by labelling a re...
pen.org
October 9, 2025 at 5:21 PM
PEN America: "Rather than overtly censoring reporters, the DoD’s revised policy now includes vague and troubling provisions that allow government officials to label reporters as ‘security risks’ and revoke their credentials simply for seeking information." pen.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Just an FYI for #bannedbooksweek. This fight isn't about books. It's about freedom.
#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians
#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians
October 9, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Just an FYI for #bannedbooksweek. This fight isn't about books. It's about freedom.
#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians
#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Book censorship in schools has reached a new apex, becoming a routine and expected part of school operations, particularly in states like Texas, which recorded 1,781 total bans in the 2024-25 school year.
Read more at: pen.org/report/the-n... #bannedbooksweek @txfreedomread.bsky.social
Read more at: pen.org/report/the-n... #bannedbooksweek @txfreedomread.bsky.social
October 9, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Book censorship in schools has reached a new apex, becoming a routine and expected part of school operations, particularly in states like Texas, which recorded 1,781 total bans in the 2024-25 school year.
Read more at: pen.org/report/the-n... #bannedbooksweek @txfreedomread.bsky.social
Read more at: pen.org/report/the-n... #bannedbooksweek @txfreedomread.bsky.social
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
What an honor!
Thank you @cybilsawards.bsky.social for including SAME PAGE in this important resource alongside these other wonderful reads.
@randomhousekids.bsky.social
@rhcbschoollibrary.bsky.social
Thank you @cybilsawards.bsky.social for including SAME PAGE in this important resource alongside these other wonderful reads.
@randomhousekids.bsky.social
@rhcbschoollibrary.bsky.social
October 7, 2025 at 11:16 AM
What an honor!
Thank you @cybilsawards.bsky.social for including SAME PAGE in this important resource alongside these other wonderful reads.
@randomhousekids.bsky.social
@rhcbschoollibrary.bsky.social
Thank you @cybilsawards.bsky.social for including SAME PAGE in this important resource alongside these other wonderful reads.
@randomhousekids.bsky.social
@rhcbschoollibrary.bsky.social
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
It was moving and impactful to watch the documentary THE LIBRARIANS, which is about freedom to read and the fight against banned books, in a roomful of librarians and writers.
#BannedBooksWeek #CensorshipIsSo1984
@debbieohi.com @jgcanada.bsky.social
#BannedBooksWeek #CensorshipIsSo1984
@debbieohi.com @jgcanada.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 5:28 PM
It was moving and impactful to watch the documentary THE LIBRARIANS, which is about freedom to read and the fight against banned books, in a roomful of librarians and writers.
#BannedBooksWeek #CensorshipIsSo1984
@debbieohi.com @jgcanada.bsky.social
#BannedBooksWeek #CensorshipIsSo1984
@debbieohi.com @jgcanada.bsky.social
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
TUESDAY! Join #UniteAgainstBookBans & Everyday Advocacy during #BannedBooksWeek for a free interactive workshop.
We’ll share:
⚒️ Practical tools to help you craft advocacy plans
💬 Interactive reflection prompts + breakout groups
✊ Strategies to confront book bans
Register today:
We’ll share:
⚒️ Practical tools to help you craft advocacy plans
💬 Interactive reflection prompts + breakout groups
✊ Strategies to confront book bans
Register today:
The 'Everyday Advocacy' Webinar is Back for Banned Books Week!
Join Unite and Everyday Advocacy on October 7 to develop new strategies to defend diverse books and amplify educators' voices! Free registration now open.
uniteagainstbookbans.org
October 2, 2025 at 12:09 AM
TUESDAY! Join #UniteAgainstBookBans & Everyday Advocacy during #BannedBooksWeek for a free interactive workshop.
We’ll share:
⚒️ Practical tools to help you craft advocacy plans
💬 Interactive reflection prompts + breakout groups
✊ Strategies to confront book bans
Register today:
We’ll share:
⚒️ Practical tools to help you craft advocacy plans
💬 Interactive reflection prompts + breakout groups
✊ Strategies to confront book bans
Register today:
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
AABB is proud to join this coalition of groups fighting for the freedom to read. Nothing gives us more hope than the understanding that while the fight may be daunting, we are not in it alone. 1/3
October 3, 2025 at 6:39 PM
AABB is proud to join this coalition of groups fighting for the freedom to read. Nothing gives us more hope than the understanding that while the fight may be daunting, we are not in it alone. 1/3
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Our report details how book censorship in schools is becoming a routine and expected part of school operations, particularly in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. And it is now being anticipated on the horizon for educators and families in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota.
October 1, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Our report details how book censorship in schools is becoming a routine and expected part of school operations, particularly in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. And it is now being anticipated on the horizon for educators and families in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota.
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
🧵 In 2025, book censorship in the United States is rampant and common. Never before in the life of any living American have so many books been systematically removed from school libraries across the country.
Read our new report "The Normalization of Book Banning" at: pen.org/report/the-n...
Read our new report "The Normalization of Book Banning" at: pen.org/report/the-n...
October 1, 2025 at 2:03 PM
🧵 In 2025, book censorship in the United States is rampant and common. Never before in the life of any living American have so many books been systematically removed from school libraries across the country.
Read our new report "The Normalization of Book Banning" at: pen.org/report/the-n...
Read our new report "The Normalization of Book Banning" at: pen.org/report/the-n...
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
Addressed a large group of Utah teachers and librarians yesterday and today, talking about challenges, both the life kind and the book kind. This seems fitting.
September 30, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Addressed a large group of Utah teachers and librarians yesterday and today, talking about challenges, both the life kind and the book kind. This seems fitting.
Reposted by Sonja Thomas
The Cybils awards are taking a hiatus this year. If you are looking for kidlit, middle grade and YA recs, please check out amazing winners from past years. Every time one of us celebrates a good book on any platform or offline, we are supporting literacy and empathy.
Books help.
Books help.
And I also love that you might not have ever seen some of these books on other awards lists or book lists, which means that having won the CYBILS award means they might make it into the hands of even more kids! ~ Laura @ Literacious
www.literacious.com/...
www.literacious.com/...
September 7, 2025 at 4:35 AM
The Cybils awards are taking a hiatus this year. If you are looking for kidlit, middle grade and YA recs, please check out amazing winners from past years. Every time one of us celebrates a good book on any platform or offline, we are supporting literacy and empathy.
Books help.
Books help.