Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Lynda Graham

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 4d

Submissions for the UKLA Literacy School of the Year Award are now OPEN!

To find out more about how to apply and the submissions criteria, follow the link below:

ukla.org/awards/liter...

2 4

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Jamie Smart @jamiesmart.bsky.social · 7d

Given today’s news, I was recently introduced to this piece by Patricia Routledge, and i always found it really moving.

**"I'll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often filled with worry - worry that I wasn't quite good enough, that no one would cast me again, that I wouldn't live up to my mother's hopes. But these days begin in peace, and end in gratitude."**
My life didn't quite take shape until my forties. I had worked steadily - on provincial stages, in radio plays, in West End productions - but I often felt adrift, as though I was searching for a home within myself that I hadn't quite found.
At 50, I accepted a television role that many would later associate me with - Hyacinth Bucket, of Keeping Up Appearances. I thought it would be a small part in a little series. I never imagined that it would take me into people's living rooms and hearts around the world. And truthfully, that role taught me to accept my own quirks.
It healed something in me.
At 60, I began learning Italian - not for work, but so l could sing opera in its native language. I also learned how to live alone without feeling lonely. I read poetry aloud each evening, not to perfect my diction, but to quiet my soul.
At 70, I returned to the Shakespearean stage - something I once believed I had aged out of. But this time, I had nothing to prove. I stood on those boards with stillness, and audiences felt that. I was no longer performing. I was simply being.
At 80, I took up watercolor painting. I painted flowers from my garden, old hats from my youth, and faces I remembered from the London Underground. Each painting was a quiet memory made visible.
Now, at 95, I write letters by hand. I'm learning to bake rye bread. I still breathe deeply every morning. I still adore laughter - though I no longer try to make anyone laugh. I love the quiet more than ever.
**I'm writing this to tell you something simple:**
**Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter - if you let yourself bloom again.**
Let these years ahead be your *treasure years*.
You don't need to be famous. Y…

8 90 280

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Mike Rampton @mikerampton.bsky.social · 24d

Exciting! There's No Such Thing As A Silly Question has been longlisted for the UK Literacy Association Book Awards in the Information 3-14 category alongside 19 other beautiful, fascinating titles that it is ace just to be discussed alongside. (But my book is the best.) ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

The cover of There's No Such Thing As A Silly Question, beautifully illustrated by Guilherme Karsten. It shows a boy and a huge speech bubble which contains everything from a volcano to a goldfish to a kite to a banana to a penguin. The book is published by Nosy Crow and the University of Cambridge and it would be great if you could buy it, buy loads of copies, tell all your friends to buy lots as well, thanks very much.

The first section of the longlist.

Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu. Written by Ain Heath Drew and illustrated by Erin K. Robinson (Barefoot Books)

Black History for Every Day of the Year. Written by David Olusoga, Yinka Olusoga and Kemi Olusoga; illustrated by Kemi Olusoga (Macmillan)

Bridges. Written by Magda Garguláková and illustrated by Jakub Bachorík (Post Wave Children’s Books)

Bright Birds and their brilliant brains. Written and illustrated by Kate Read (Two Hoots)

Choose Your Own Evolution. Written by Jules Howard and illustrated by Gordy Wright (Nosy Crow)

Explodapedia: The Brain. Written by Ben Martynoga and illustrated by Moose Allain (David Fickling Books)

Frog. Written by Isabel Thomas and illustrated by Daniel Egnéus (Bloomsbury)

The second section of the longlist.

Galápagos Islands: The World’s Living Laboratory. Written by Karen Romano Young and illustrated by Amy Grimes (What on Earth!)

Graphic Novel Builder: The illustrated guide to making your own comics Written and illustrated by Edward Ross (Collins)

It’s a Brave Young World. Written by Anu Adebogun and illustrated by Soofiya and Lila Cruz (Little Tiger Press)

Me and My Hair. Written by Kimberley Kinloch and illustrated by Jessica Gibson (Usborne)

Michael Rosen’s Pocket Shakespeare: A Beginner’s Guide to the Best Bits of the Bard. Written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Chris Riddell (Walker Books)

Six Queens. Written and illustrated by Lydia Monk (Macmillan)

The Endless Sea. Written by Chi Thai and illustrated by Linh Dao (Walker Books)

The History of Information. Written and illustrated by Chris Haughton (DK)

The third section of the longlist.

The Jellyfish Garden. Written by Paola Vitale, illustrated by Rossana Bossù and translated by Margaret Greenan ( Post Wave Children’s Books)

University of Cambridge: There’s No Such Thing as a Silly Question. Written by Mike Rampton and illustrated by Guilherme Karsten (Nosy Crow)

We Are Your Children. Written and illustrated by David Roberts (Two Hoots)

Who lives here? Written and illustrated by Alexandra Milton (Boxer Books)

Why Do We Sleep? Written by Cathy Evans and illustrated by Polya Plavinskaia (Cicada

2 3

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Patrick Ness @patricknessbooks.bsky.social · 24d

Absolutely DELIGHTED that Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is on the UKLA longlists. This is one chosen by teachers, and I’ve been lucky enough to win it before with A Monster Calls. What a lovely surprise to wake up to.

Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 24d

Out today! The longlists for the @uklitassociation.bsky.social UKLA Book Awards. Chosen by teachers and covering a range of genres, topics and themes, fiction and non-fiction. Check them out! #KidLitUK #UKLA26 #teachersbookawards

booksforkeeps.co.uk/longlists-fo...

2 5 50

Reposted by Lynda Graham

United Agents @unitedagents.bsky.social · 24d

📚 Longlisted!

We’re thrilled to share that Black History for Every Day of the Year by @davidolusoga.bsky.social, Yinka Olusoga & Kemi Olusoga has been longlisted for the 2026 UKLA Book Awards in the Information Books category!✨

ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

UKLA Book Awards - UK Literacy Association

UKLA Book Awards 2026: The Longlists for the 2026 UKLA Book Awards are now live! Find out which titles have been selected by the

ukla.org

3 13

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Damian Barr @damianbarr.bsky.social · 14d

Pals who love Books (that's all my pals): Get yourself a cuppa or a cocktail and sit down for some joyful readings and interviews. Elif Shafak, Jackie Kay and Julian Clary are among the guests on my books tv show. Join me and my guests on BBC iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...

BBC Scotland - The Big Scottish Book Club

Damian Barr interviews some of the biggest names in fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

www.bbc.co.uk

1 10 58

Lynda Graham @lyndajgraham.bsky.social · 15d

Thank you Just Imagine. What an interesting conversation.

Reposted by Lynda Graham

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 21d

We are so excited to announce the first Keynote Speaker of the UKLA International Conference 2026...

Maren Aukerman.

We can't wait for Aukerman to join us in Glasgow, and we hope you will too! Keep an eye out for the Call for Papers coming next week...

1 5

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Barrington Stoke @barringtonstoke.bsky.social · 24d

Huge congratulations to @alastairc.com as #REEK longlists for the @uklitassociation.bsky.social Book Awards 2026!

5 9

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · 24d

Out today! The longlists for the @uklitassociation.bsky.social UKLA Book Awards. Chosen by teachers and covering a range of genres, topics and themes, fiction and non-fiction. Check them out! #KidLitUK #UKLA26 #teachersbookawards

booksforkeeps.co.uk/longlists-fo...

6 6

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Rebecca Simpson-Hargreaves @rshargreaves.bsky.social · 24d

Such an amazing set of longlists for the book awards this year. I don't know how the teachers will shortlist, it was tough enough choosing the longlist!

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 24d

Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!

This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.

Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

5 11

Reposted by Lynda Graham

coralrumble.bsky.social @coralrumble.bsky.social · 24d

Oh my, thank you @uklitassociation.bsky.social ! So many of my favourite authors are here - what an honour to be longlisted alongside them. AND what joy to see Troika buddy, Sarah Zimman in the mix!

10 9

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Alastair Chisholm @alastairc.com · 24d

My book REEK, illustrated by the awesome @caltsoudas.bsky.social, is a #UKLA 2026 Longlistee, woohoo!🎉🎉🎉

Congratulations to everyone on the list – it's an awesome collection 👉 ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

alastairc.com/books/reek/
@barringtonstoke.bsky.social #KidLitUk @uklitassociation.bsky.social

Reek

Reek, science fiction adventure by Alastair Chisholm, published by Barrington Stoke in July 2024

alastairc.com

5 10

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Troika Books @troikabooks.bsky.social · 24d

We are delighted that two Troika books have made it to the
@uklitassociation.bsky.social awards longlist. Congratulations to @coralrumble.bsky.social and @bardymum.bsky.social
for #JakubsOtter and #WhyDidMyBrainMakeMeSayIt - brilliant publications, and well deserved. 🥂

Lots of book covers, representing the longlist for the UKLA book awards.

1 4 7

Reposted by Lynda Graham

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · Aug 29

UKLA are thrilled to announce that our 2026 International Conference will be taking place at the University of Strathclyde, GLASGOW, with the theme 'Nurturing critical imagination through language and literacy education'. Find out more: buff.ly/f97GIBI

2 2

Reposted by Lynda Graham

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · Sep 8

Applications will open September 30th, which is also when our newly reviewed guidelines and criteria will become available. Click the following link and fill out the Expression of Interest form to be the first to hear more: ukla.org/awards/liter...

Literacy School of the Year - UK Literacy Association

Sponsored by Hays Education, this Award celebrates the practices and ethos of schools in which literacy thrives.

ukla.org

2 2

Reposted by Lynda Graham

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · Sep 9

UKLA Author Sessions presents...

Previous UKLA Book Award winner, TIA FISHER in conversation about her new book, Not Going to Plan.

Join us, on September 22nd, to hear all about the novel and why she feels it is important to give space in children's literature to deal with such difficult issues.

1 1

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Lesley Parr @lesleyparr.bsky.social · 24d

I'm delighted that Fallout is on the 7-10+ longlist. Thank you @uklitassociation.bsky.social and @kidsbloomsbury.bsky.social. Congratulations to all other authors and illustrators! 💫

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 24d

Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!

This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.

Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

2 5

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Kate Gettings @kategettings.bsky.social · 24d

Delighted to have Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth by @alexlatimer.bsky.social on the 7-10 longlist, thank you!

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 24d

Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!

This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.

Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

1 5

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Pauline Bird @paulinebird.bsky.social · 24d

Great lists! Excited to be involved in supporting the teacher judges in the 3-6+ category!

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 24d

Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!

This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.

Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

1 1

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Hazel Pinner @hazelmpinner.bsky.social · 24d

I don't know how the teachers judging the 7-10+ category will manage! What a long list 🤩👏🏻 amazing to see so many books I've read in the last year and loved on this list! #UKLA

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 24d

Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!

This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.

Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

1 7

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Stephen Dilley @stephenjdilley.bsky.social · 24d

So incredibly proud of these incredible longlists (particularly the 11-14+ list which once again formed the bulk of the last few months' reading) and looking forward to working with our amazing teacher judges in Glasgow as they read and share these books with their classes!

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 24d

Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!

This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.

Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

1 2 6

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Paddy Carroll @pynchonic.bsky.social · 24d

What a brilliant selection of books. So many wonderful experiences shared through these inventive, inspiring and groundbreaking stories.

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 24d

Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!

This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.

Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

2 2

Reposted by Lynda Graham

UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 24d

Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!

This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.

Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...

2 22 31

Reposted by Lynda Graham

Sam Creighton @samcreighton.bsky.social · Aug 29

Today's discussion with fellow @uklitassociation.bsky.social Award longlisters is absolutely one of the highlights of my year. An incredibly hard task to narrow the 7-10 category down to just 20 texts but the vibrant and thoughtful discussions are an honour to witness and be part of 👏 📚 ❤️

3 1 9