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We Need Diverse Books

@weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

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

4,218 Followers  |  40 Following  |  814 Posts  |  Joined: 13.11.2024  |  2.9407

Latest posts by weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social on Bluesky

Cream colored graphic displaying a series of black lines, emulating blackout poetry. The words revealed between the strike-outs say, “Banned Books Giveaway”. The bottom half of the graphic is obscured by a torn piece of paper that says, "Enter only on Instagram!" followed by the Instagram handle @WeNeedDiverseBooks.

Cream colored graphic displaying a series of black lines, emulating blackout poetry. The words revealed between the strike-outs say, “Banned Books Giveaway”. The bottom half of the graphic is obscured by a torn piece of paper that says, "Enter only on Instagram!" followed by the Instagram handle @WeNeedDiverseBooks.

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

07.10.2025 14:44 — 👍 15    🔁 13    💬 0    📌 1
Banned Books

#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-...

06.10.2025 14:52 — 👍 118    🔁 62    💬 0    📌 6
Blue graphic with bold blue text at the center that says “Applications Open!” Above that is a light blue rectangular box that says, “Walter Grants” and beneath is another light blue rectangular box that says “October 1st through October 31st”. At the bottom is a search bar graphic containing the URL “bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp”, which will direct folks to the application form. There are white flowers, dots, and stars decorating the border of the graphic.

Blue graphic with bold blue text at the center that says “Applications Open!” Above that is a light blue rectangular box that says, “Walter Grants” and beneath is another light blue rectangular box that says “October 1st through October 31st”. At the bottom is a search bar graphic containing the URL “bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp”, which will direct folks to the application form. There are white flowers, dots, and stars decorating the border of the graphic.

🌟 Asian diaspora creatives and trans/nonbinary creatives are especially encouraged to apply!

Many thanks to Dav and Sayuri Pilkey for sponsoring Walter Grants for Asian diaspora creators in honor of the one and only Ellen Oh!

💻 bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp

02.10.2025 14:30 — 👍 3    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 0
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 “Eligibility Guidelines” and contains the following five bullet points: 1) Applicants must identify as diverse, as per WNDB’s definition of diversity. 2) Applicants must be unpublished as illustrators and/or authors (including trade publishing and self-publishing). 3) Applicant must be working toward a career as a children’s author and/or illustrator. 4) Applicant must be a U.S. resident or a refugee living in the States. 5) Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

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 “Eligibility Guidelines” and contains the following five bullet points: 1) Applicants must identify as diverse, as per WNDB’s definition of diversity. 2) Applicants must be unpublished as illustrators and/or authors (including trade publishing and self-publishing). 3) Applicant must be working toward a career as a children’s author and/or illustrator. 4) Applicant must be a U.S. resident or a refugee living in the States. 5) Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

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 the Application” and contains the following description: Visit the link above (or the WNDB website) to apply. Applications will be open from October 1st through October 31st. Applicants can expect to submit either a 10-page writing sample or illustration portfolio for consideration. In addition, there are a few short response questions about the submitted work and how applicants intend to use the grant money to further their career.”

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 the Application” and contains the following description: Visit the link above (or the WNDB website) to apply. Applications will be open from October 1st through October 31st. Applicants can expect to submit either a 10-page writing sample or illustration portfolio for consideration. In addition, there are a few short response questions about the submitted work and how applicants intend to use the grant money to further their career.”

Full eligibility guidelines and an FAQ are available on our website.

📅 Accepting applications between October 1st - October 31st, 2025*
*Submission window will close on October 31st at 11:59 PM EST

💻 bit.ly/WalterGrantsApp

02.10.2025 14:30 — 👍 1    🔁 2    💬 1    📌 0
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 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.”

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.”

🔔 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

02.10.2025 14:30 — 👍 36    🔁 25    💬 1    📌 1
Orange promotional graphic titled “Don’t Forget to Hit Submit!” Beneath is body text that says, “The deadline to apply for the 2026 CWAs is January 15th, 2026! BUT applications will automatically close once we reach 1000 submissions. Once your application is done, be sure to Hit Submit! At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details.

Orange promotional graphic titled “Don’t Forget to Hit Submit!” Beneath is body text that says, “The deadline to apply for the 2026 CWAs is January 15th, 2026! BUT applications will automatically close once we reach 1000 submissions. Once your application is done, be sure to Hit Submit! At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details.

📅 Applications close January 15th, 2026*

*NOTE: Applications will AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE once we receive 1,000 submissions. Don't be left behind! Once your application is done, HIT SUBMIT!

💻 bit.ly/CWA2026

01.10.2025 14:30 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
Orange promotional graphic titled “Where to Apply”. Beneath is body text that says, “Visit the Penguin Random House U.S. Creative Writing Awards webpage to apply. Full application and eligibility details are also available on this page.” There is a black arrow pointing down to a mock-up computer monitor displaying the landing page for the 2026 Creative Writing Awards. At the top of the page is a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details. In the bottom right hand corner there is a yellow starburst shape that says, “Apply today!”

Orange promotional graphic titled “Where to Apply”. Beneath is body text that says, “Visit the Penguin Random House U.S. Creative Writing Awards webpage to apply. Full application and eligibility details are also available on this page.” There is a black arrow pointing down to a mock-up computer monitor displaying the landing page for the 2026 Creative Writing Awards. At the top of the page is a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details. In the bottom right hand corner there is a yellow starburst shape that says, “Apply today!”

Visit the Penguin Random House U.S. Creative Writing Awards webpage to apply. Full application and eligibility details are also available on this page.

💻 bit.ly/CWA2026

01.10.2025 14:30 — 👍 0    🔁 2    💬 1    📌 0
Orange promotional graphic titled “A New Award!” There is the following description: “Penguin Random House is thrilled to introduce the inaugural Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression! Book bans are on the rise in America, limiting the kinds of books young people can access. Penguin Random House and We Need Diverse Books believe books change lives, and that everyone deserves to see themselves in a book. The writing prompt for the Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression asks young writers to consider the effects of book bans, the power of books and stories, and share about a banned book that profoundly impacted or changed their lives.” At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details.

Orange promotional graphic titled “A New Award!” There is the following description: “Penguin Random House is thrilled to introduce the inaugural Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression! Book bans are on the rise in America, limiting the kinds of books young people can access. Penguin Random House and We Need Diverse Books believe books change lives, and that everyone deserves to see themselves in a book. The writing prompt for the Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression asks young writers to consider the effects of book bans, the power of books and stories, and share about a banned book that profoundly impacted or changed their lives.” At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details.

Penguin Random House is thrilled to introduce the inaugural Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression!

01.10.2025 14:30 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Orange promotional graphic titled “Additional Details”. There is the following description: “For more than 30 years, the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards have awarded more than $3 million dollars to public high school students for their original compositions. In addition to scholarships, Penguin Random House hosts a virtual development week for the Creative Writing Awards winners each summer that includes one-on-one virtual meetings with Penguin Random House editors, networking workshops, a panel about career opportunities in publishing, and fireside chats with Penguin Random House authors. The week concludes with a virtual awards ceremony.” At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details.

Orange promotional graphic titled “Additional Details”. There is the following description: “For more than 30 years, the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards have awarded more than $3 million dollars to public high school students for their original compositions. In addition to scholarships, Penguin Random House hosts a virtual development week for the Creative Writing Awards winners each summer that includes one-on-one virtual meetings with Penguin Random House editors, networking workshops, a panel about career opportunities in publishing, and fireside chats with Penguin Random House authors. The week concludes with a virtual awards ceremony.” At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details.

For more than 30 years, the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards have awarded more than $3 million dollars to public high school students for their original compositions.

💻 bit.ly/CWA2026

01.10.2025 14:30 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Orange promotional graphic titled “Scholarship Opportunity!” Body text beneath the title text says, “Penguin Random House in partnership with We Need Diverse Books is offering six U.S. high school seniors $10,000 writing scholarships!” To the right of the text is a black and white illustration of a young student writing in a spiral notebook. There’s also a light orange starburst graphic that says, “Apply Today!” At the bottom of the graphic are the logos for Penguin Random House, the Creative Writing Awards, and We Need Diverse Books.

Orange promotional graphic titled “Scholarship Opportunity!” Body text beneath the title text says, “Penguin Random House in partnership with We Need Diverse Books is offering six U.S. high school seniors $10,000 writing scholarships!” To the right of the text is a black and white illustration of a young student writing in a spiral notebook. There’s also a light orange starburst graphic that says, “Apply Today!” At the bottom of the graphic are the logos for Penguin Random House, the Creative Writing Awards, and We Need Diverse Books.

Orange promotional graphic titled “About the CWAs”. There is the following description: “Penguin Random House is partnering with We Need Diverse Books for the 2026 Creative Writing Awards—featuring the newly-named Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression! Six first-place $10,000 prizes will be awarded in the categories of: the Chinua Achebe Freedom of Expression Award, the Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry, the Maya Angelou Award for Spoken Word, the Michelle Obama Award for Memoir, and the James Baldwin Award for Fiction. In recognition of the Creative Writing Awards previously being centered in New York City, the competition will award an additional first-place prize to the top entrant from the NYC area.” At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details.

Orange promotional graphic titled “About the CWAs”. There is the following description: “Penguin Random House is partnering with We Need Diverse Books for the 2026 Creative Writing Awards—featuring the newly-named Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression! Six first-place $10,000 prizes will be awarded in the categories of: the Chinua Achebe Freedom of Expression Award, the Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry, the Maya Angelou Award for Spoken Word, the Michelle Obama Award for Memoir, and the James Baldwin Award for Fiction. In recognition of the Creative Writing Awards previously being centered in New York City, the competition will award an additional first-place prize to the top entrant from the NYC area.” At the bottom of the graphic is an illustration of a search bar containing the URL “bit.ly/CWA2026”, which will redirect folks to the application page containing full details.

🚨 Applications for Penguin Random House's 2026 #CreativeWritingAwards are NOW OPEN!

Seniors from U.S. public high schools can apply today to win $10,000 in scholarship funds. Application and scholarship details can be found at the website below ⬇️

💻 bit.ly/CWA2026

01.10.2025 14:30 — 👍 7    🔁 4    💬 1    📌 0

Today is the last day to apply for a 2026 WNDB Mentorship!

💻 bit.ly/2026Mentorships

30.09.2025 16:01 — 👍 8    🔁 5    💬 0    📌 0
#PreDV September 29, 2025 from 8AM-8PM ET Practice your #DVpit pitches using #preDV! Give fellow #DVpit hopefuls feedback on their pitches. Got o dvpit.carrd.co for more info

#PreDV September 29, 2025 from 8AM-8PM ET Practice your #DVpit pitches using #preDV! Give fellow #DVpit hopefuls feedback on their pitches. Got o dvpit.carrd.co for more info

Today is #PreDV, the pitch practice event before #DVpit! Post your pitch drafts with #preDV from 8AM-8PM ET

Post as many pitches or revisions as you need feedback on!

Provide feedback for other participants on their pitches & make new friends!

more info at dvpit.carrd.co #writersky

29.09.2025 12:01 — 👍 76    🔁 40    💬 0    📌 4
Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. At the center of the graphic is a white pop-up window with rounded corners. At the top of the window is the logo for We Need Diverse Books, followed by the name of the organization and a subtitle denoting it as a Nonprofit Organization. Body text beneath says, “Follow us to discover & support even more diverse stories like this!” Underneath the body text is a row of bright orange icons indicating how people can engage with this post by liking, sharing, commenting, and saving. At the bottom of the white window is a light blue bubble containing the handle @WeNeedDiverseBooks.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. At the center of the graphic is a white pop-up window with rounded corners. At the top of the window is the logo for We Need Diverse Books, followed by the name of the organization and a subtitle denoting it as a Nonprofit Organization. Body text beneath says, “Follow us to discover & support even more diverse stories like this!” Underneath the body text is a row of bright orange icons indicating how people can engage with this post by liking, sharing, commenting, and saving. At the bottom of the white window is a light blue bubble containing the handle @WeNeedDiverseBooks.

Engage and follow to discover more diverse titles like this!

29.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Adult” and displays six book covers for adult books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “True Biz” by Sara Nović, “The Loudest Silence” by Olivia Janae, “Chattering” by Louise Stern, “Hearing Maud” by Jessica White, “Sounds Like Home” by Mary Herring Wright, and “Being Seen” by Elsa Sjunneson.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Adult” and displays six book covers for adult books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “True Biz” by Sara Nović, “The Loudest Silence” by Olivia Janae, “Chattering” by Louise Stern, “Hearing Maud” by Jessica White, “Sounds Like Home” by Mary Herring Wright, and “Being Seen” by Elsa Sjunneson.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Adult” and displays six book covers for adult books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language” by Nora Ellen Groce, “The Language of Home” by Raymond Luczak, “Vibrant Mosaic” by John B. Christiansen, “Empowerment and Black Deaf Persons”, “The Evidence is Life” by Anne E. Pfister, and “Photographic Memories” by Willy Conley.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Adult” and displays six book covers for adult books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language” by Nora Ellen Groce, “The Language of Home” by Raymond Luczak, “Vibrant Mosaic” by John B. Christiansen, “Empowerment and Black Deaf Persons”, “The Evidence is Life” by Anne E. Pfister, and “Photographic Memories” by Willy Conley.

📖 Adult books with d/Deaf representation

29.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Young Adult” and displays six book covers for young adult books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “Give Me a Sign” by Anna Sortino, “On the Bright Side” by Anna Sortino, “The Sunbearer Trials” by Aiden Thomas, “The Whispering Dark” by Kelly Andrew, “The Silence Between Us” by Alison Gervais, and “You’re Welcome, Universe” by Whitney Gardner.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Young Adult” and displays six book covers for young adult books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “Give Me a Sign” by Anna Sortino, “On the Bright Side” by Anna Sortino, “The Sunbearer Trials” by Aiden Thomas, “The Whispering Dark” by Kelly Andrew, “The Silence Between Us” by Alison Gervais, and “You’re Welcome, Universe” by Whitney Gardner.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Young Adult” and displays five book covers for young adult books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “The Loudest Silence” by Sydney Langford, “Someone to Daydream About” by Sydney Langford, “The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin” by Josh Berk, “Impossible Music” by Sean Williams, and “I Hear the Sunspot” by Yuki Fumino.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Young Adult” and displays five book covers for young adult books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “The Loudest Silence” by Sydney Langford, “Someone to Daydream About” by Sydney Langford, “The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin” by Josh Berk, “Impossible Music” by Sean Williams, and “I Hear the Sunspot” by Yuki Fumino.

📖 Young adult books with d/Deaf representation

29.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Middle Grade” and displays seven book covers for middle grade books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “El Deafo” by Cece Bell, “Show Me a Sign” by Ann Clare LeZotte, “Set Me Free” by Ann Clare LeZotte, “The Tea Dragon Festival” by Kay O’Neill, “Song for a Whale” by Lynne Kelly, “Hear Me” by Kerry O’Malley Cerra, and “Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess” by Shari Green.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Middle Grade” and displays seven book covers for middle grade books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “El Deafo” by Cece Bell, “Show Me a Sign” by Ann Clare LeZotte, “Set Me Free” by Ann Clare LeZotte, “The Tea Dragon Festival” by Kay O’Neill, “Song for a Whale” by Lynne Kelly, “Hear Me” by Kerry O’Malley Cerra, and “Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess” by Shari Green.

📖 Middle grade books with d/Deaf representation

29.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Picture Books” and displays four book covers for picture books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “Moses Sees a Play” by Isaac Millman; “Jack Signs”! by Karen Hardwicke & Amanda Walker; “The Deaf Musicians” by Pete Seeger, Paul DuBois Jacobs, & Gregory Christie; and “Listen by Shannon Stocker” and Devon Holzwarth.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Picture Books” and displays four book covers for picture books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “Moses Sees a Play” by Isaac Millman; “Jack Signs”! by Karen Hardwicke & Amanda Walker; “The Deaf Musicians” by Pete Seeger, Paul DuBois Jacobs, & Gregory Christie; and “Listen by Shannon Stocker” and Devon Holzwarth.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Picture Books” and displays five book covers for picture books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “Boy” by Phil Cummings & Shane Devries; “Dachy’s Deaf” by Jack Hughes; “Dancing Hands” by Joanna Que, Charina Marquez, & Fran Alvarez; “Hands and Hearts” by Donna Jo Napoli & Amy Bates; and “Butterfly on the Wind” by Adam Pottle & Ziyue Chen.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “Picture Books” and displays five book covers for picture books that contain d/Deaf representation. The titles shown are: “Boy” by Phil Cummings & Shane Devries; “Dachy’s Deaf” by Jack Hughes; “Dancing Hands” by Joanna Que, Charina Marquez, & Fran Alvarez; “Hands and Hearts” by Donna Jo Napoli & Amy Bates; and “Butterfly on the Wind” by Adam Pottle & Ziyue Chen.

📖 Picture books with d/Deaf representation

29.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “35+ Books with d/Deaf Representation”. Beneath the title text is a green bubble containing the words “for d/Deaf Awareness Month”. At the bottom of the graphic is a row of three illustrated books: an orange book, a blue book, and a green book.

Light orange graphic with a border made up of orange, blue, green, and gold blocks. The graphic is titled “35+ Books with d/Deaf Representation”. Beneath the title text is a green bubble containing the words “for d/Deaf Awareness Month”. At the bottom of the graphic is a row of three illustrated books: an orange book, a blue book, and a green book.

It’s still #DeafAwarenessMonth, a time for celebrating the d/Deaf community and shining a light on how the world can be more d/Deaf-inclusive!

Here are nearly 40 titles with d/Deaf representation for you to check out this September — or any time of year 📚💞

29.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 14    🔁 9    💬 1    📌 2
Indigenous Reads Rising; Highlighting Freedmen and Black Native Representation in Children's Literature: Photos of Pasha Westbrooke, Madelyn Goodnight, and cover of their book BRAIDED ROOTS

Indigenous Reads Rising; Highlighting Freedmen and Black Native Representation in Children's Literature: Photos of Pasha Westbrooke, Madelyn Goodnight, and cover of their book BRAIDED ROOTS

Indigenous Reads Rising; Highlighting Freedmen and Black Native Representation in Children's Literature: Photos of Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, EB Lewis, and cover of their book STRONGER THAN

Indigenous Reads Rising; Highlighting Freedmen and Black Native Representation in Children's Literature: Photos of Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, EB Lewis, and cover of their book STRONGER THAN

Indigenous Reads Rising; Highlighting Freedmen and Black Native Representation in Children's Literature: Photos of Tasha Spillet and Salini Perera, and cover of their book BEAUTIFUL YOU, BEAUTIFUL ME

Indigenous Reads Rising; Highlighting Freedmen and Black Native Representation in Children's Literature: Photos of Tasha Spillet and Salini Perera, and cover of their book BEAUTIFUL YOU, BEAUTIFUL ME

Indigenous Reads Rising; Highlighting Freedmen and Black Native Representation in Children's Literature: Photos of Kevin Noble Maillard, Juana Martinez-Neal, and cover of their book FRY BREAD: A NATIVE AMERICAN FAMILY STORY

Indigenous Reads Rising; Highlighting Freedmen and Black Native Representation in Children's Literature: Photos of Kevin Noble Maillard, Juana Martinez-Neal, and cover of their book FRY BREAD: A NATIVE AMERICAN FAMILY STORY

IndigenousReadsRising.com shines a light on Black Native and Freedmen representation in books for young readers!

Features include bibliographies for all age markets of young readers. Plus an article offering information and recommendations for further study on Freedmen is available in Resources.

24.09.2025 17:37 — 👍 16    🔁 6    💬 0    📌 0
Green graphic displaying a mock-up internet browser, and the browser window is showing a web page on the Common Sense Media website titled “Hidden Gems: Picks by We Need Diverse Books”. At the top of the graphic, black body text says, “Find more information on all these titles as well as age-based ratings and reviews from Common Sense Media at the web page below!” The search bar in the internet browser contains the URL “bit.ly/HiddenGemPicks”, which will redirect folks to the Common Sense Media website.

Green graphic displaying a mock-up internet browser, and the browser window is showing a web page on the Common Sense Media website titled “Hidden Gems: Picks by We Need Diverse Books”. At the top of the graphic, black body text says, “Find more information on all these titles as well as age-based ratings and reviews from Common Sense Media at the web page below!” The search bar in the internet browser contains the URL “bit.ly/HiddenGemPicks”, which will redirect folks to the Common Sense Media website.

Want to discover more lists and resources like this? Be sure to check out Common Sense Media for more comprehensive reviews and guides for books, movies, TV, video games, and social media!

📚 bit.ly/HiddenGemPicks

23.09.2025 14:31 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea” by Maggie Tokuda-Hall. Beneath the book cover is the following description: In a world divided by colonialism and threaded with magic, a desperate orphan turned pirate and a rebellious imperial lady find a connection on the high seas. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea” by Maggie Tokuda-Hall. Beneath the book cover is the following description: In a world divided by colonialism and threaded with magic, a desperate orphan turned pirate and a rebellious imperial lady find a connection on the high seas. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem young adult books: “The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea” by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

23.09.2025 14:31 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “The No-Girlfriend Rule” by Christen Randall. Beneath the book cover is the following description: A queer romance about a teen girl whose foray into fantasy tabletop roleplaying brings her new confidence, true friends, and a shot at real, swoon-worthy love. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “The No-Girlfriend Rule” by Christen Randall. Beneath the book cover is the following description: A queer romance about a teen girl whose foray into fantasy tabletop roleplaying brings her new confidence, true friends, and a shot at real, swoon-worthy love. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem young adult books: “The No-Girlfriend Rule” by Christen Randall

23.09.2025 14:31 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Furia” by Yamile Saied Méndez. Beneath the book cover is the following description: A powerful contemporary YA story set in Argentina, about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line—even her blooming love story—to follow her dreams. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Furia” by Yamile Saied Méndez. Beneath the book cover is the following description: A powerful contemporary YA story set in Argentina, about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line—even her blooming love story—to follow her dreams. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem young adult books: “Furia” by Yamile Saied Méndez

23.09.2025 14:31 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Black Girl You are Atlas” by Renée Watson, illustrated by Ekua Holmes. Beneath the book cover is the following description: In this semi-autobiographical collection of poems, Renée Watson writes about her experience growing up as a young Black girl at the intersections of race, class, and gender. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Black Girl You are Atlas” by Renée Watson, illustrated by Ekua Holmes. Beneath the book cover is the following description: In this semi-autobiographical collection of poems, Renée Watson writes about her experience growing up as a young Black girl at the intersections of race, class, and gender. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem young adult books: “Black Girl You are Atlas” by Renée Watson, illustrated by Ekua Holmes

23.09.2025 14:31 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “A Snake Falls to Earth” by Darcie Little Badger. Beneath the book cover is the following description: Darcie Little Badger draws on traditional Lipan Apache storytelling structure to weave another unforgettable tale of monsters, magic, and family. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Young Adult” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “A Snake Falls to Earth” by Darcie Little Badger. Beneath the book cover is the following description: Darcie Little Badger draws on traditional Lipan Apache storytelling structure to weave another unforgettable tale of monsters, magic, and family. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem young adult books: “A Snake Falls to Earth” by Darcie Little Badger

23.09.2025 14:31 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Something Like Home” by Andrea Beatriz Arango. Beneath the book cover is the following description: The Pura Belpré Honor winning novel in verse, in which a lost dog helps a lonely girl find a way home to her family…only for them to find family in each other along the way. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Something Like Home” by Andrea Beatriz Arango. Beneath the book cover is the following description: The Pura Belpré Honor winning novel in verse, in which a lost dog helps a lonely girl find a way home to her family…only for them to find family in each other along the way. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem middle grade books: “Something Like Home” by Andrea Beatriz Arango

23.09.2025 14:31 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “You are Here: Connecting Flights” edited by Ellen Oh. Beneath the book cover is the following description: A powerful and engaging exploration of contemporary Asian American identity through interwoven stories set in a teeming Chicago airport. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “You are Here: Connecting Flights” edited by Ellen Oh. Beneath the book cover is the following description: A powerful and engaging exploration of contemporary Asian American identity through interwoven stories set in a teeming Chicago airport. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem middle grade books: “You are Here: Connecting Flights” edited by Ellen Oh

23.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Marikit and the Ocean of Stars” by Caris Avendaño Cruz. Beneath the book cover is the following description: A magical middle grade debut, inspired by Filipino folklore, about a ten-year-old girl who embarks on a quest in the world of gods and spirits to save her and her family from a sinister shadow god. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Marikit and the Ocean of Stars” by Caris Avendaño Cruz. Beneath the book cover is the following description: A magical middle grade debut, inspired by Filipino folklore, about a ten-year-old girl who embarks on a quest in the world of gods and spirits to save her and her family from a sinister shadow god. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem middle grade books: “Marikit and the Ocean of Stars” by Caris Avendaño Cruz

23.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 1    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “The Secret Library” by Kekla Magoon. Beneath the book cover is the following description: Travel through time with National Book Award Finalist Kekla Magoon in a page-turning fantasy adventure about family secrets and finding the courage to plot your own life story. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “The Secret Library” by Kekla Magoon. Beneath the book cover is the following description: Travel through time with National Book Award Finalist Kekla Magoon in a page-turning fantasy adventure about family secrets and finding the courage to plot your own life story. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem middle grade books: “The Secret Library” by Kekla Magoon

23.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Kareem Between” by Shifa Saltagi Safadi. Beneath the book cover is the following description: This heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh-grade Syrian American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle school. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

Green graphic titled “Hidden Gem Middle Grade” and featuring one picture book title from Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books’ “Hidden Gem” book list. The title featured on this slide is “Kareem Between” by Shifa Saltagi Safadi. Beneath the book cover is the following description: This heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh-grade Syrian American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle school. At the bottom of the graphic, overlaid on top of a white stripe are the logos for Common Sense Media and We Need Diverse Books.

💎 Hidden gem middle grade books: “Kareem Between” by Shifa Saltagi Safadi

23.09.2025 14:30 — 👍 2    🔁 2    💬 1    📌 0

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