Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Sep 15

What is it about boys and pink that sets people off? It’s not just colors. Stepping outside of any stereotypical gender norm seems to get books challenged. This week we're highlighting a few incredible children's books that dare to think beyond pink and share a message of acceptance. #freedomtoread

Why are people so afraid of pink?

My Shadow is Pink gets pulled into controversy.

www.onceuponaban.com

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Aug 8

Are parents really behind book bans? We asked @txfreedomread.bsky.social for their thoughts. 🤔 #freedomtoread #bannedbooks

15 22

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Aug 6

We're excited to share our latest newsletter featuring @txfreedomread.bsky.social! We had the opportunity to chat with them about SB 13 and how we can all stand up to censorship in our communities. Check it out! #freedomtoread #ireadbannedbooks

Don't Mess With Texas Libraries

The Texas Freedom to Read Project shares what to expect with SB 13 and how to stand up to censorship in your community.

www.onceuponaban.com

7 9

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Aug 4

Coming Wednesday! We can't wait to share our conversation with @txfreedomread.bsky.social. From SB 13 to how parents can protect the freedom to read in their communities, there's a lot to cover! Visit www.onceuponaban.com to sign up to get this week's newsletter. #freedomtoread #bannedbooks

1 3

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jul 21

What started as a complaint over a Pride display has turned into a multi-year debate over the future of the Fontana Regional Library System. Residents are organizing to protect their library so it stays the way it has always been, a true community center. #freedomtoread #bannedbooks #savethefrl

Library at Risk Over Pride Display

In North Carolina, Jackson County residents rally to protect the future of their library.

www.onceuponaban.com

7

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jul 15

Last Sunday our community came together to Turn the Page and celebrate the #freedomtoread! Thank you to everyone who joined us and we hope to Turn the Page again soon! #ireadbannedbooks

3

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jul 9

Hey Orange County! Free this Sunday? Join us for our summer reading event in paternship with @wave4all.bsky.social. We’ll have storytime with community leaders, a book fair with a local bookstore, crafts and more! RSVP encouraged but not required. #orangecounty #missionviejo #ocevents

1 2

Reposted by Once Upon a Ban

skellyton bones jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · Jul 8

We can still save the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Here's a practical guide to what to do right now to save not just the agency's funding but its future all together: bookriot.com/we-can-still...

We Can Still Save the Institute for Museum and Library Services

Act now to help save the Institute for Museum and Library Services and ensure the well-being of public libraries nationwide.

bookriot.com

1 140 180

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jul 7

We decided it was time to introduce ourselves. 👋
www.onceuponaban.com/p/introducin...

Introducing Ourselves

After six months, we felt it was finally time to share why we're here.

www.onceuponaban.com

1 3

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jul 7

Wow! This is so wrong. Libraries should be for everyone.

6

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jul 4

Three banned children’s picture books to add to your TBR list this holiday weekend. #letfreedomread #freedomtoread #ireadbannedbooks

1 1 5

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jul 2

Incoming transmission... July's featured book has landed! Written by @underwoodwriter.bsky.social and illustrated by @meghunt.bsky.social, Interstellar Cinderella is the story of a smart, independent heroine and it was banned by the DoD. Check out our interview with the author! #kidlit #bannedbooks

Interstellar Cinderella Quarantined

Author Deborah Underwood shares why censorship won't stop her from creating empowering characters for young readers.

www.onceuponaban.com

5

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 30

With the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling last week, many of us are left wondering what’s next. We checked back in with author @cswild.bsky.social to get her take on the ruling and where we go from here. #freedomtoread #weneeddiversebooks #kidlit #lgbtqkidlit

I Joyfully Dissent

Author Charlotte Sullivan Wild shares her response to the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling and where we go from here.

www.onceuponaban.com

1 7 15

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 30

With the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling last week, many of us are left wondering what’s next. We checked back in with author @cswild.bsky.social to get her take on the ruling and where we go from here.
#freedomtoread #weneeddiversebooks #kidlit #lgbtqkidlit

I Joyfully Dissent

Author Charlotte Sullivan Wild shares her response to the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling and where we go from here.

www.onceuponaban.com

4

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 29

Sharing some thoughts. #freedomtoread #weneeddiversebooks

3

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 26

RSVP at the QR or the link below and we'll share more information!

RSVP HERE for Turn the Page!

wavepac.nationbuilder.com

1 1

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 26

Hey Southern California! Free on July 13th? We’re excited to share that we're partnering with @wave4all.bsky.social on a summer reading event to celebrate the freedom to read! We'll have storytime with community leaders, crafts and so much more. Join us for an afternoon of summer fun and community!

1 2

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 25

Reporting back on The Complete Book of Cats. #bannedbooks #cats

1 5

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 23

It's totally terrifying! Books help kids learn about the world around them, see new perspectives and find commonalities with others. All of these bans are limiting the chance for the next generation to be more accepting than the last.

1 2

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 21

The @rainbowdefense.bsky.social (RDC) brings together volunteers to create a physical barrier from protestors so families in the DMV area can safely attend Drag Queen Story Hours. Link in bio to read our interview and learn how you can support their efforts. Photo credit @robinfader.bsky.social

1

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 21

We have moved to substack! Find us at OnceUponaBan.com.

Once Upon a Ban | Substack

We aim to shine a light on attempts to censor children’s picture books around the country. Part journalism, part book club, we read banned books and talk to activists and authors about their work prot...

OnceUponaBan.com

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 19

Why though? #bannedbooks #ireadbannedbooks #cats

3 10

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 16

When the rise in censorship begins to feel overwhelming, we like to take a page out of Mr. Rogers’ book and look for the helpers. We’re excited to introduce you to @rainbowdefense.bsky.social and Books Not Bans, two organizations that are working to ensure LGBTQ+ stories remain accessible.

Finding the Helpers

The Rainbow Defense Coalition and Books Not Bans work to ensure LGBTQ+ stories remain accessible.

www.onceuponaban.com

1 3

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 12

This month's book is Molly's Tuxedo by @vickijohnsonwrites.bsky.social. Johnson shared more with us about her love for reading and what inspired her to write Molly's Tuxedo. Link in bio to read our interview.

2 5

Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · Jun 11

The votes have been counted and the people of Huntington Beach delivered a resounding victory for the freedom to read on Tuesday night. We caught up with Carol Daus, a representative of Our Library Matters, to get her perspective on the win. #freedomtoread

Victory in Huntington Beach

Our Library Matters stood up to censorship and won.

www.onceuponaban.com

1 5