I take this hit Like a steel knife scraping flint And I have erupted into flame. A fire of fury burns in my gut but I will not let it consume me. Instead, I will breathe fire Like dragons of legend. I will be a safe harbor. I will keep those who feel the bitter cold...
Racism Smackdown
The Political Theater of Book Banning Continues…
Two new developments - One absurdist, the other about the kid lit community standing together in solidarity. 1) As reported at Book Riot by Kelly Jensen, "Barnes & Noble Being Sued in Virginia Beach Over Gender Queer, Court of Mist and Fury," "No longer is this...
Pride, Prejudice, and Creating a Safe Space at My Day Job
So over at the Independent Book Publishers Association, we're having our annual IBPA Publishing University conference this month in Orlando, Florida. We'd actually planned to be in Orlando for the conference back in 2020, but had to cancel due to the pandemic. 2021...
Naomi Osaka Stands Up for Herself and Other Women of Color
A screen shot from the Elle piece by Brea Baker on Naomi Osaka's courage In this brilliant analysis in an opinion piece for Elle, Naomi Osaka Dared To Say No, Brea Baker looks at Naomi Osaka's pulling out of the French Open and saying "No" to the media demands made on...
Antisemitism is the Core of White Nationalism – Eric Ward’s Disturbing and Important Analysis
The idea that the core of white supremacy's hatred and fear of anyone "other" - specifically Black, brown, and other people of color - is a hatred and fear of Jewish people isn't something I knew. Eric Ward is the Western States Center’s Executive Director and Senior...
Amber Ruffin’s “How Did We Get Here?” on Anti-Asian Hate Crimes
In under six minutes, Amber - a comedian who wasn't on my radar but now is - breaks down the path that got us to this current situation, with violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans spiking, and the murder of eight people – including six Asian Americans in...