Robin Stevenson

Picture of Marjane Satrapi alongside a quote from her. The quote reads: The world is not divided into countries. The world is not divided between East and West. You are American, I am Iranian, we don't know each other, but we talk together and we understand each other perfectly. The difference between you and your government is much bigger than the difference between you and me. And the difference between me and my government is much bigger than the difference between me and you. And our governments are very much the same... - Marjane Satrapi, Iranian-French graphic novelist

Thinking about this quote from Persepolis creator Marjane Satrapi again.

Today, the Writers' Union of Canada announced Ira Wells as the recipient of the 2026 Freedom to Read Award.

Wells is associate professor of literature and humanities at the University of Toronto and author of On Book Banning. He also serves as President of PEN Canada.

Don't be fooled by this bill's name-- this is a book banning bill that will exclude LGBTQ books from all public schools NATIONWIDE.

Call your congresspeople and tell them to VOTE NO on this nakedly bigoted book banning bullshit.

www.congress.gov/bill/119th-c...

A Nationwide Book Ban Bill Has Been Introduced in the House of Representatives Hours after the State of the Union address, House republicans introduced legislation banning LGBTQ+ books from public schools nationwide.

A nationwide book ban bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives. Here's what you need to know about HR7661, including who is behind it, the history behind such bills, and what you need to do to stop it.

bookriot.com/hr7661-book-...

There are so many threats to so many people that I worry folks will miss this one: a federal bill that bans books about gender nonconforming and trans people from school libraries nationwide.

Banning books leads to banning people. Read the article & then call your representatives, I’m begging you.

Accessing a “powerful lens beyond the dominant Anglophone market.” Discover USBBY with President Susan Polos Susan and I have an honest discussion about the necessity of, and challenges facing, international books for children on the American market today.

Today Susan Polos of @usbby.bsky.social and I have an honest discussion about the necessity of, and challenges facing, international books for children on the American market today. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/26/a...

Kansas Sends Letters To Trans People Demanding The Immediate Surrender Of Drivers Licenses "The legislature did not include a grace period." ERIN REED FEB 25, 2026 88 5 21 Share Kansas Sate Capitol // farzinvousoughian

1. Numerous transgender people in Kansas are reporting that the state has sent them a letter demanding the immediate surrender of drivers licenses.

Those driving could be arrested, charged, and see privileges revoked.

Subscribe to support our journalism.

www.erininthemorning.com/p/kansas-sen...

As of tonight, licenses of trans people across Kansas are being invalidated en masse, enabling the overnight criminalization of an entire group of people for going about our lives. It’s often said you never know when you’re living through history, so let me assure you: that’s what’s happening now.

This is such a good book- I recommend it to people all the time.

When emotions run high around books, it’s tempting to pull a title “just in case.” But constitutional rights don’t bend to pressure.

We need clear policies, transparent processes, defined criteria, and appeals, not panic or politics.

Due process protects students and democracy.

My Bad A powerful and hilarious personal history that tells the true story of the queer ’90s and how it transformed queer life in the decades that followed.“Dee...

Delighted by my new MY BAD: A PERSONAL HISTORY OF THE QUEER NINETIES AND BEYOND banner! Order the hardcover from @hachetteus.bsky.social's website with the code MYBAD20 and get 20% off www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/hugh-...

Call for nominations for board of directors, Fundraising & Events Chair - PEN Canada Board members are expected to contribute to PEN activities, participate in quarterly board meetings, and take part in committee work.

PEN Canada is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors.

Board members are expected to contribute to PEN’s activities, attend and participate in quarterly board meetings, and take part in committee work as needed.

Learn more and apply: pencanada.ca/news/call-fo...

2/ Immigrants aren't to blame for Alberta's crumbling healthcare system, overcrowded classrooms, and strained social services — Danielle Smith and the UCP are.

Alberta to hold referendum on ‘out-of-control’ immigration amid strain on social services, budget: Smith The Alberta government intends to hold a referendum on immigrants’ status, their access to social services and federal influence over provincial laws and services in October this year.

1/ Danielle Smith’s address was a chilling moment that recalls some of the ugliest anti-immigration chapters of our country’s history.

This is what demagogues do: pit the public against the most vulnerable and blame them for the very crises their austerity policies have created.

dub.sh/NmXJBRq

I’m an Autistic classically trained chef and I wrote the food aversion acceptance cookbook and guide COLOR TASTE TEXTURE. It’s useful for all ages, no cooking experience required. My goal is to help kids avoid food related trauma and offer a balm of kindness for anyone who couldn’t escape it.

Digital ad promoting the new kidsbooknews.ca

Kidsbooknews.ca is the new home of Canadian Children's Book News. This new website will feature all the great content you depend on to discover what is happening in the Canadian children’s book world including news, articles, interviews, book lists, and more!

Interesting (disturbing) read. But in Canada, children have rights under UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the right to access information- and there's recognition that teens have an increasing right to autonomy in decision making. "Parent's rights" don't negate children's rights.

I love Calvin and Hobbes so much ❤️

Michael Nyby talking about the trends of the past few years and the challenges to books in Western Canada right now- including the impact of Action 4 Canada in pushing anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and book bans in rural BC. Really worth a listen.

Listening to this now and this section with the first guest Heather Ganshorn is SO good- if you want to understand what's happening with book bans being pushed by so-called parental rights groups in Canada, this is a great intro... AND includes really good ideas for parents about how to push back.

Image slide text reads: Let Royal Canadian Legion #264 (Kensington/Hillhurst) know you disagree with their decision to cancel an event about rising censorship & banned books: admin264@shaw.ca 403-283-5264 Small image excerpt of the Writers’ Union of Canada and the Writers’ Guild of Alberta statement. Text continues: Freedom of Expression is a fundamental right in a democratic society, it's concerning that the Legion has stated a Freedom to Read event doesn't align with government values.

We stand with The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) and @writersguildab.bsky.social, and condemn the Royal Canadian Legion No. 264 Kensington/Hillhurst’s decision to cancel their Freedom to Read Week event.

#FreedomToReadWeek #FreedomToRead #CAIABB #yycpoli #yyc #kensingtonyyc

Freedom of Expression is a fundamental right in a democratic society, it's concerning that the Legion has stated a Freedom to Read event doesn't align with government values.

If you'd like to let the Legion know you disagree with their decision you can email admin264@shaw.ca or call 403-283-5264

Careers We're hiring an Editorial Coordinator / Project Manager Remote, CanadaFull time$44,000–$46,000 TouchWood Editions is looking for an enthusiastic, collaborative, and highly motivated book lover to join...

Job alert 👇 @touchwooded.bsky.social is hiring a F/T Editorial Coordinator! Reporting to the publisher, the EC will coordinate all aspects of a book’s development, from concept to print for 10–15 frontlist titles a year.

Full posting: touchwoodeditions.com/pages/careers
Deadline to apply: March 1

Holy crap, this part- ugh: "In its cancellation note, Legion #264 suggested the organizer try booking at Calgary’s Centre for Sexuality “as their organization aligns closely with advocacy initiatives similar to yours.”

Appalling. I hope that the legion gets some pushback about this.

Missed this when it came out but looks like a great one to share and listen to for Freedom to Read week! #FTRweek

Yes! 😊

Digital graphic featuring the 2026 Freedom to Read Week poster.

Its almost Freedom To Read Week! Find ideas for how to celebrate at www.freedomtoread.ca.

If you are a Canadian author and you're not yet registered for the Public Lending Right, read this thread! Registration costs nothing and you get money every year if your books are in libraries.

Ha! Yeah, I have sent this email a few times.

Beautiful.