Harold Underdown
@hunderdown.bsky.social
I'm a children's book editor, teacher and workshop presenter, owner of The Purple Crayon website -- www.underdown.org
I post about #kidlit, but I do have opinions about other things and will share them as well.
I post about #kidlit, but I do have opinions about other things and will share them as well.
Mamdani passes the snowstorm test: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Snow-shovelling Mamdani was hard to miss as New York tackled winter storm
Mayor was a highly visible presence during icy blizzard and, unlike some of his predecessors, seemed to get things right
www.theguardian.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Mamdani passes the snowstorm test: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights) 2026 scholarship programs are open! The Nikki Grimes Scholarship in particular nudges Black Indigenous women to bring their voices to children's lit. Try a workshop or retreat! We need stories starring Black Indigenous characters.
boydsmills.org/apply-for-a-...
boydsmills.org/apply-for-a-...
January 29, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights) 2026 scholarship programs are open! The Nikki Grimes Scholarship in particular nudges Black Indigenous women to bring their voices to children's lit. Try a workshop or retreat! We need stories starring Black Indigenous characters.
boydsmills.org/apply-for-a-...
boydsmills.org/apply-for-a-...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
The violent occupation of Minneapolis started with a vlog. I've wanted to find a framework to describe Nick Shirley & others like him: "Influencer" is too quaint. "Journalist" is obviously wrong.
I landed on "slopagandist."
Gift link (open in a web browser) www.theverge.com/news/869824/...
I landed on "slopagandist."
Gift link (open in a web browser) www.theverge.com/news/869824/...
What is Nick Shirley?
Slop doesn’t need to be AI-generated
www.theverge.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:11 PM
The violent occupation of Minneapolis started with a vlog. I've wanted to find a framework to describe Nick Shirley & others like him: "Influencer" is too quaint. "Journalist" is obviously wrong.
I landed on "slopagandist."
Gift link (open in a web browser) www.theverge.com/news/869824/...
I landed on "slopagandist."
Gift link (open in a web browser) www.theverge.com/news/869824/...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
I’d love to hear a Democrats calling for a general amnesty for undocumented immigrants. They could put limits on it, like no criminal record in the last 10 years if they think it’s a step too far, but they should be reminding people that Ronald Reagan supported an amnesty back in the 1980s.
January 29, 2026 at 7:13 PM
I’d love to hear a Democrats calling for a general amnesty for undocumented immigrants. They could put limits on it, like no criminal record in the last 10 years if they think it’s a step too far, but they should be reminding people that Ronald Reagan supported an amnesty back in the 1980s.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
This has generally been the response whenever I've asked military people to review domestic police raids. But the stuff we're seeing from ICE and Border Patrol is especially bumbling and amateurish thuggery.
We asked an expert to tell us what they thought of ICE's military moves. It was worse than I thought (but the writing is great) www.wired.com/story/ice-pr...
ICE Pretends It’s a Military Force. Its Tactics Would Get Real Soldiers Killed
WIRED asked an active military officer to break down immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis and elsewhere.
www.wired.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:35 PM
This has generally been the response whenever I've asked military people to review domestic police raids. But the stuff we're seeing from ICE and Border Patrol is especially bumbling and amateurish thuggery.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Teacher & librarian friends - There are some amazing deals to be had on virtual school visits in the Publishing for Minnesota fundraiser! Here's everything in that category - bidding ends tomorrow morning! www.32auctions.com/organization...
Publishing for Minnesota
Silent auction 'Publishing for Minnesota' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Teacher & librarian friends - There are some amazing deals to be had on virtual school visits in the Publishing for Minnesota fundraiser! Here's everything in that category - bidding ends tomorrow morning! www.32auctions.com/organization...
Boyds Mills--formerly the Highlights Foundation--is taking applications for 2026 scholarships!
OUR 2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINDOW IS NOW OPEN!
Boyds Mills offers scholarships each year thanks to the generous support of our community!
Apply now!
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄
January 22 – February 9
Click the link in our bio for all the details!
Boyds Mills offers scholarships each year thanks to the generous support of our community!
Apply now!
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄
January 22 – February 9
Click the link in our bio for all the details!
January 29, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Boyds Mills--formerly the Highlights Foundation--is taking applications for 2026 scholarships!
Reposted by Harold Underdown
I hate newsroom layoffs, but they did this to themselves
CBS News and Washington Post choose worst possible moment to lay off reporters, stress punditry - right as the streets of Minneapolis are showing how journalism can beat back government lies
My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/cbs-...
CBS News and Washington Post choose worst possible moment to lay off reporters, stress punditry - right as the streets of Minneapolis are showing how journalism can beat back government lies
My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/cbs-...
CBS, Post blind themselves when America needs eyes on the ground |Will Bunch
Two iconic U.S. newsrooms slash reporting and stress opinion writing even as Minnesota proves the need for factual journalism.
www.inquirer.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:14 PM
I hate newsroom layoffs, but they did this to themselves
CBS News and Washington Post choose worst possible moment to lay off reporters, stress punditry - right as the streets of Minneapolis are showing how journalism can beat back government lies
My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/cbs-...
CBS News and Washington Post choose worst possible moment to lay off reporters, stress punditry - right as the streets of Minneapolis are showing how journalism can beat back government lies
My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/cbs-...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
"This is not legitimate. This is Donald Trump's obsession with losing the 2020 election." @dougbockclark.bsky.social @jenafifield.bsky.social for @propublica.org www.propublica.org/article/fbi-...
FBI’s Search of Georgia Election Center Is “Dangerous,” Experts Warn
The search warrant, which sought 2020 election ballots, tabulator tapes, digital data and voter rolls from Fulton County, marked what experts described as a significant escalation in President Donald ...
www.propublica.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:24 PM
"This is not legitimate. This is Donald Trump's obsession with losing the 2020 election." @dougbockclark.bsky.social @jenafifield.bsky.social for @propublica.org www.propublica.org/article/fbi-...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
"I'm coming to Boston and I'm bringing hell with me."
--Homan in February
"Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely."
-- Tom Homan in March
"I actually thought about getting up and throwing that man a beating right there in the middle of the room"
-- Homan in July, referring to a D congressman
--Homan in February
"Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely."
-- Tom Homan in March
"I actually thought about getting up and throwing that man a beating right there in the middle of the room"
-- Homan in July, referring to a D congressman
Homan: "I begged for the last two months on TV for the rhetoric to stop. I said in March -- if the rhetoric doesn't stop, there is gonna be bloodshed. And there has been. I wish I wasn't right. I don't want to see anybody die."
January 29, 2026 at 3:32 PM
"I'm coming to Boston and I'm bringing hell with me."
--Homan in February
"Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely."
-- Tom Homan in March
"I actually thought about getting up and throwing that man a beating right there in the middle of the room"
-- Homan in July, referring to a D congressman
--Homan in February
"Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely."
-- Tom Homan in March
"I actually thought about getting up and throwing that man a beating right there in the middle of the room"
-- Homan in July, referring to a D congressman
Reposted by Harold Underdown
I'm available--for #kidlit consulting and editorial work. If you're wrestling with a MG novel that isn't quite landing, working to increase the impact of a NF manuscript, sorting through and polishing multiple PB mss., I can help. Info. here and on linked pages: www.underdown.org/pced.htm
January 28, 2026 at 9:55 PM
I'm available--for #kidlit consulting and editorial work. If you're wrestling with a MG novel that isn't quite landing, working to increase the impact of a NF manuscript, sorting through and polishing multiple PB mss., I can help. Info. here and on linked pages: www.underdown.org/pced.htm
This. Think about your impact.
Using gen. A.I. to make slop imagery to go with any anti-fascist statement isn't any sort of flex as it was developed and promoted by the billionaires pushing fascism.
Just fucking stop using it.
Just fucking stop using it.
January 29, 2026 at 3:11 PM
This. Think about your impact.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Local Prosecutors Launch “FAFO” Team to Go After Feds Breaking the Law newrepublic.com/post/205831/... via @newrepublic.com
Local Prosecutors Launch “FAFO” Team to Go After Feds Breaking the Law
Prosecutors across the country have a plan to hold ICE and Border Patrol agents account—since the federal government won’t.
newrepublic.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Local Prosecutors Launch “FAFO” Team to Go After Feds Breaking the Law newrepublic.com/post/205831/... via @newrepublic.com
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Auction is now open! Time to bid generously.
I donated a virtual 45 minute school visit or Ask Me Anything call. I'll either do a prepared presentation for your school or have a call with you to talk about anything publishing related. Bidders choice.
#PublishingforMN
Auction opens Jan 29 at 12:14 am and closes on January 30 at 11:45. Act fast!
#PublishingforMN
Auction opens Jan 29 at 12:14 am and closes on January 30 at 11:45. Act fast!
January 29, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Auction is now open! Time to bid generously.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
May an American Spring come out of the depths of this harsh ICE-y winter, so the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and all the people who have died because of GOP's enabling of ICE brutality are not in vain. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Eight people have died in dealings with ICE so far in 2026. These are their stories
The high-profile killings of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good are only two among many
www.theguardian.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:30 PM
May an American Spring come out of the depths of this harsh ICE-y winter, so the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and all the people who have died because of GOP's enabling of ICE brutality are not in vain. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Winners of the Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz Awards share their reactions in @pwkidsbookshelf.bsky.social:
Renée Watson: Newbery 'Tears Of Joy'
Cátia Chien: Caldecott 'Wait, Is This What I Think It Means?'
Cynthia Leitich Smith @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social: Printz 'Genuinely Gobmacked'
#KidLit
Renée Watson: Newbery 'Tears Of Joy'
Cátia Chien: Caldecott 'Wait, Is This What I Think It Means?'
Cynthia Leitich Smith @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social: Printz 'Genuinely Gobmacked'
#KidLit
January 29, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Winners of the Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz Awards share their reactions in @pwkidsbookshelf.bsky.social:
Renée Watson: Newbery 'Tears Of Joy'
Cátia Chien: Caldecott 'Wait, Is This What I Think It Means?'
Cynthia Leitich Smith @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social: Printz 'Genuinely Gobmacked'
#KidLit
Renée Watson: Newbery 'Tears Of Joy'
Cátia Chien: Caldecott 'Wait, Is This What I Think It Means?'
Cynthia Leitich Smith @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social: Printz 'Genuinely Gobmacked'
#KidLit
Reposted by Harold Underdown
Ask Me Anything sessions with Connie Hsu, Alvina Ling, or Rotem Moscovich? These are amazing auctions.
Connie was my editor for Besos for Baby and Marta! Big and Small and remains my dream editor to this day.
Connie was my editor for Besos for Baby and Marta! Big and Small and remains my dream editor to this day.
The Publishing for Minnesota auction launches this week to support groups providing legal aid, emergency assistance, food, and community resources to those in urgent need.
www.32auctions.com/publishingfo...
www.32auctions.com/publishingfo...
Publishing for Minnesota
Silent auction 'Publishing for Minnesota' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Ask Me Anything sessions with Connie Hsu, Alvina Ling, or Rotem Moscovich? These are amazing auctions.
Connie was my editor for Besos for Baby and Marta! Big and Small and remains my dream editor to this day.
Connie was my editor for Besos for Baby and Marta! Big and Small and remains my dream editor to this day.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
THIS IS 250% TRUE.
I can’t emphasize enough that the press (and likely our national elected officials) believe people in Minneapolis are doing all this to try to get their attention.
But actually, we’re resisting this way because we lost faith that anyone would come to save us but each other.
But actually, we’re resisting this way because we lost faith that anyone would come to save us but each other.
January 29, 2026 at 4:11 AM
THIS IS 250% TRUE.
There are a lot of great items in the auction, but this... Wow.
Hey friends! Would you like to hash out world building details for your next manuscript with me and bestselling author Rae Carson? You can bid on just that in this auction to help raise funds for orgs in MN! www.32auctions.com/organization...
January 29, 2026 at 4:21 AM
There are a lot of great items in the auction, but this... Wow.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
The Publishing for Minnesota auction launches this week to support groups providing legal aid, emergency assistance, food, and community resources to those in urgent need.
www.32auctions.com/publishingfo...
www.32auctions.com/publishingfo...
Publishing for Minnesota
Silent auction 'Publishing for Minnesota' hosted online at 32auctions.
www.32auctions.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:57 AM
The Publishing for Minnesota auction launches this week to support groups providing legal aid, emergency assistance, food, and community resources to those in urgent need.
www.32auctions.com/publishingfo...
www.32auctions.com/publishingfo...
Reposted by Harold Underdown
For all the fearmongering about capital flight from New York City, there’s an exodus few want to talk about: working people.
Sky-high rents and outrageous child care costs are already pushing families out of the city they keep running.
That’s what we have to change.
That’s what we have to change.
January 28, 2026 at 6:57 PM
For all the fearmongering about capital flight from New York City, there’s an exodus few want to talk about: working people.
Sky-high rents and outrageous child care costs are already pushing families out of the city they keep running.
That’s what we have to change.
That’s what we have to change.
Reposted by Harold Underdown
This isn't mine, and I can't definitively find the original source. But I love this little bit of wisdom:
"If you're a fifteen-minute walk from a coffee shop, but the server there has to drive an hour to get to work, you don't live in a walkable city. You live in a theme park."
"If you're a fifteen-minute walk from a coffee shop, but the server there has to drive an hour to get to work, you don't live in a walkable city. You live in a theme park."
For all the fearmongering about capital flight from New York City, there’s an exodus few want to talk about: working people.
Sky-high rents and outrageous child care costs are already pushing families out of the city they keep running.
That’s what we have to change.
That’s what we have to change.
January 28, 2026 at 7:59 PM
This isn't mine, and I can't definitively find the original source. But I love this little bit of wisdom:
"If you're a fifteen-minute walk from a coffee shop, but the server there has to drive an hour to get to work, you don't live in a walkable city. You live in a theme park."
"If you're a fifteen-minute walk from a coffee shop, but the server there has to drive an hour to get to work, you don't live in a walkable city. You live in a theme park."
I'm available--for #kidlit consulting and editorial work. If you're wrestling with a MG novel that isn't quite landing, working to increase the impact of a NF manuscript, sorting through and polishing multiple PB mss., I can help. Info. here and on linked pages: www.underdown.org/pced.htm
January 28, 2026 at 9:55 PM
I'm available--for #kidlit consulting and editorial work. If you're wrestling with a MG novel that isn't quite landing, working to increase the impact of a NF manuscript, sorting through and polishing multiple PB mss., I can help. Info. here and on linked pages: www.underdown.org/pced.htm
Reposted by Harold Underdown
About my Michael L. Printz Award Call for LEGENDAY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum): www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/... @epicreads.bsky.social @curtisbrownltd.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #BookSky
Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Printz Win: ‘Genuinely Gobsmacked’
Smith describes her delight and surprise at winning the Printz Medal for 'Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories,' a compendium written by 17 Indigenous authors, which she edited.
www.publishersweekly.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:55 PM
About my Michael L. Printz Award Call for LEGENDAY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum): www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/... @epicreads.bsky.social @curtisbrownltd.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #BookSky
Reposted by Harold Underdown
My god. This child. Where is everyone? Where is the @dfl.org? where are @democrats.senate.gov and @housedemocrats.bsky.social? how can you have political power and not use it to free all of these kids?
Just visited with Liam and his father at Dilley detention center. I demanded his release and told him how much his family, his school, and our country loves him and is praying for him.
January 28, 2026 at 9:14 PM
My god. This child. Where is everyone? Where is the @dfl.org? where are @democrats.senate.gov and @housedemocrats.bsky.social? how can you have political power and not use it to free all of these kids?