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We Need Diverse Books

@weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

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We Need Diverse Books is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit revolutionizing what we read to create a world where everyone can find themself in the pages of a book. 🔗 bio.site/WeNeedDiverseBooks

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 12d

🔔 Apply for a Walter Dean Myers Grant today!

The Walter Dean Myers Grant program was established to provide grants of $2,000 each to promising diverse writers and illustrators who are currently unpublished. Follow the 🔗 below (also in our bio) to apply ⬇️

💻 bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp

Blue graphic with a bright pink box at the top that says, “Apply Today!” Beneath that, in all caps are the words “Walter Grants” followed by a brief description that says, “WNDB’s Walter Dean Myers Grants provide promising unpublished writers and illustrators $2000 to support their career development” To the left of the text is an illustration of a person with long black hair sitting at a desk and writing in a word doc. At the bottom of the graphic are the dates “October 1st through October 31st,” denoting the application period for Walter Grant applications. In the bottom right hand corner of the graphic is a light green box containing the URL “bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp”, which will direct folks to the application form.

Blue graphic displaying a mock-up internet browser window. At the top of the window is a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp”, which will direct folks to the application form for WNDB’s Walter Grants. Beneath that, the mock-up browser window is titled “About Walter Grants” and contains the following description: “The Walter Dean Myers Grant provides a financial boost to promising writers and illustrators from diverse backgrounds who are currently unpublished. Each grantee receives $2000 to hone their craft and support their career development. The Walter Grant can be used in a variety of ways, from attending conferences to purchasing new writing devices to covering childcare.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

Heartdrum is an acclaimed imprint featuring stories for children & teens by Indigenous authors and illustrators, curated by the one and only @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social. These beloved books emphasize the present and future of Native peoples and the strength of young Indigenous heroes.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Raven, Rising” by Christine Hartman Derr (2026)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “Raven, Rising” by Christine Hartman Derr. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “After moving to a new town and being faced with bullying and an overly-watchful vice principal, Raven wonders if the magical sweets she used to make could whip up a justice so powerful it would set everything right.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Free to Fly” by Karina Iceberg, Steph Littlebird (2026)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “Free to Fly” by Karina Iceberg and Steph Littlebird. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “In a treehouse by the sea, a grandfather shares the story of how he kept his dreams alive with thoughts of his future grandchild — who is his most precious dream of all.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Medicine Wheels” by Byron Graves (2026)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “Medicine Wheels” by Byron Graves. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “The award-winning author of Rez Ball returns with the unforgettable story of a gifted young Ojibwe athlete learning to ride in his father’s footsteps while practicing for a skateboarding championship.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“An Expanse of Blue" by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams (2026)

$Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “An Expanse of Blue" by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “Fans of The Poet X will fall for this powerful, romantic debut novel-in-verse about a Native Hawaiian girl's fight to find belonging in a fracturing family, sharing a message of love with resounding emotional truth.”$

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Shards of Silence” by Brian Lee Young (2026)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “Shards of Silence” by Brian Lee Young. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “In his first YA novel, award-winning author Brian Lee Young bridges the generational divide between a Navajo teen at an elite prep school and his great-grandmother’s experience at a federal boarding school for Indigenous students.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“The Unfinished” by Cheryl Isaacs (2026, paperback)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “The Unfinished” by Cheryl Isaacs. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “In her stunning debut, Cheryl Isaacs pulls the reader into an unsettling tale of monsters, mystery, and secrets that refuse to stay submerged.” To the right of the book cover is a bright gold starburst illustration containing the words “Paperback Release!”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Here Come the Aunties!” by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Aphelandra (2026)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “Here Come the Aunties!” by Cynthia Leitich Smith and Aphelandra. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “Joyful and warmhearted, this delightful book honors the blessings of every auntie in a child’s life, by distinguished author Cynthia Leitich Smith and illustrator Aphelandra.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Aaniin” by Dawn Quigley, Nanibah Chacon (2026)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “Aaniin” by Dawn Quigley and Nanibah Chacon. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “Using the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings, this picture book by acclaimed author Dawn Quigley and debut Diné artist Nanibah Chacon introduces universal values for living with loving recognition of a child’s own inner goodness.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Stronger Than” by Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, E.B. Lewis (2026)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “Stronger Than” by Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, and E.B. Lewis. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “Taking discovering his heritage into his own hands, Dante finds out hard truths—but also a love that shines through generations and, finally, a strength to sleep through the night.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“A Good Hide” by Karina Iceberg, Natasha Donovan (2026)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “A Good Hide” by Karina Iceberg and Natasha Donovan. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “In Alaska, Fall is moose season. When the hunt is over, the community comes together to transform the raw moose hide into something truly special, step by step, with the work of many hands.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Red Bird Danced” by Dawn Quigley (2026, paperback)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2026 Heartdrum Releases to Pre-Order”. The title featured on this slide is “Red Bird Danced” by Dawn Quigley. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “With lyrical verse and powerful emotion, Dawn Quigley tells the story of urban Native kids who find strength in connection with those who came before and in the hope that lets them take flight.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“The Others” by Cheryl Isaacs (sequel to "The Unfinished")

Pale yellow graphic titled “2025 Heartdrum Releases”. The title featured on this slide is “The Others” by Cheryl Isaacs. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “In this haunting sequel to her deliciously scary debut, Cheryl Isaacs explores the sharp edges of lingering trauma and the bonds of love that heal us.” To the right of the book cover is a downward facing arrow denoting that this book is the sequel to “The Unfinished” by Cheryl Isaacs.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Jo Jo Makoons: The Super Scary Sleepover” by Dawn Quigley, Tara Audibert

Pale yellow graphic titled “2025 Heartdrum Releases”. The title featured on this slide is “Jo Jo Makoons: The Super Scary Sleepover” by Dawn Quigley and Tara Audibert. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “There’s no “brave” without “afraid”! Jo Jo is back to face her fears, in her own special way, in the fifth book in the beloved Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Legendary Frybread Drive-In” edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Pale yellow graphic titled “2025 Heartdrum Releases”. The title featured on this slide is “Legendary Frybread Drive-In” edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “Featuring the voices of both new and acclaimed Indigenous writers, this collection of interconnected stories serves up laughter, love, Native pride, and the world’s best frybread.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Looking for Smoke” by K. A. Cobell (paperback)

Pale yellow graphic titled “2025 Heartdrum Releases”. The title featured on this slide is “Looking for Smoke” by K. A. Cobell. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “In her powerful debut novel, author K. A. Cobell weaves loss, betrayal, and complex characters into a thriller that will illuminate, surprise, and engage readers until the final word.” To the right of the book cover is a bright gold starburst illustration containing the words “Now in paperback!”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Firefly Season” Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kate Gardiner

Pale yellow graphic titled “2025 Heartdrum Releases”. The title featured on this slide is “Firefly Season” Cynthia Leitich Smith and Kate Gardiner. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “Written by the award-winning, bestselling author, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and filled with tender illustrations by Kate Gardiner, this unforgettable, warmhearted picture book is for family and the friends who become family.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“To Walk the Sky” by Patricia Morris Buckley, E.B. Lewis

Pale yellow graphic titled “2025 Heartdrum Releases”. The title featured on this slide is “To Walk the Sky” by Patricia Morris Buckley and E.B. Lewis. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “With impactful and illuminating prose, Patricia Morris Buckley tells the soaring story of the remarkable skywalkers, whose bravery and tragedies are warmly captured in moving watercolors by award-winning artist E. B. Lewis.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

“Yáadilá!” by Laurel Goodluck, Jonathan Nelson

Pale yellow graphic titled “2025 Heartdrum Releases”. The title featured on this slide is “Yáadilá!” by Laurel Goodluck and Jonathan Nelson. Beneath the book cover is a brief tagline for the book that says, “In this heartwarming and quintessentially Navajo (Diné) story, author Laurel Goodluck and illustrator Jonathan Nelson together show a big change for an Elder made easier with a creative gesture of love and care.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 1d

Celebrate Indigenous storytelling this #IndigenousPeoplesDay — and every day! — with these new and upcoming releases from Heartdrum!

Here’s every Heartdrum title that’s been published in 2025 — as well as a look ahead at forthcoming 2026 Heartdrum titles that you can pre-order today!

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 4d

🛻 COVER REVEAL! 🛻 WNDB is excited to give you all a first look at the cover for WAYS PAPI SAYS I LOVE YOU by Delia Ruiz and Carlos Vélez Aguilera, a heartfelt picture book celebrating the father-daughter bond forthcoming from Charlesbridge on March 24th, 2026!

✨ bit.ly/WaysPapiSays

Graphic with a background image depicting a clear, bright blue sky over green rolling hills in the countryside. At the center of the graphic is the cover for the upcoming picture book “Ways Papi Says I Love You” written by Delia Ruiz and illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera. The cover illustration depicts an old pick up truck sitting on a countryside road. Sitting on the edge of the truck bed is a young Mexican girl with her hair in two braids and wearing overalls. Next to her and leaning on the edge of the truck bed is a Mexican rancho wearing a broad straw hat, a long sleeve shirt, and jeans. At his feet there is a dog sitting, with its tongue hanging out of its mouth. At the top of the graphic is the release date: March 24th, 2026. At the bottom of the graphic is a tagline for the book that says, “A heartfelt celebration of the father-daughter bond.”

Graphic with a background image depicting a clear, bright blue sky over green rolling hills in the countryside. The graphic contains a book summary, which reads in part: “How many ways can Papi say I love you without saying the words? Through actions big and small, his love shines during their road trip. A heartfelt celebration of the father-daughter bond—ideal for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle. When Papi, who is always busy working at el rancho, asks Maricruz to jump in the truck with him to go get groceries for Mami, she grabs the list and sprints! Inspired by the author’s own truck rides with her father through a ranch in Mexico, Ways Papi Says I Love You connects the love languages between a father and daughter and shows the many ways love can be expressed and received. Written and illustrated by a Latine duo, Ways Papi Says I Love You is available in English and in Spanish.”

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 6d

A portion of every purchase goes to support We Need Diverse Books as we continue our mission to diversify the publishing industry and support marginalized creatives — including those who disproportionately experience book banning due to their diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 6d

Our ability to read freely matters this #BannedBooksWeek — and beyond.

Show your support for banned books and the freedom to read all year long with our new Bonfire designs! Available as ringer tees, unixsex tees, crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies, and more!

🛍️ bit.ly/WNDB-store

Light blue graphic titled “New Bonfire Apparel”. Beneath is a subtitle that says, “Show Your Support for the Freedom to Read!” Underneath the title and subtitle are three photo frames showing new Bonfire designs available for purchase in the We Need Diverse Books Bonfire storefront. From left to right, the pieces of apparel shown are a dark navy blue crewneck sweatshirt that says, “Read Banned Books” with an illustration of small book stack at the top, a light blue cotton t-shirt that says, “Read Freely” in multi-colored lettering, and a short sleeve navy ringer tee with orange accents at the collar and shirt sleeves that says “Read Banned Books”. On the right-hand side of the graphic is a yellow starburst illustration containing the words, “On sale now!” At the bottom of the graphic is a white horizontal stripe that says “Shop now” with a right-facing arrow pointing to the URL “bit.ly/WNDB-store”, which will redirect folks to the WNDB Bonfire storefront where they can purchase these d

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 7d

To aid folks in their ongoing education regarding the nature of book bans and censorship this #BannedBooksWeek (and beyond), we’re giving away a bundle of nonfiction and fiction books about the ongoing fight against book bans!

Check out our post on Instagram to enter ⬇️

📷 bit.ly/47dZjvJ

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Reposted by We Need Diverse Books

Bookshop.org @bookshop.org · 8d

#BannedBooksWeek is the perfect time to add a challenged book (or two) to your shelf. We’re partnering with @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social to offer you 20% off select challenged titles from now until October 19: bookshop.org/info/banned-...

Banned Books

bookshop.org

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