Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Joan Detz

Frank Strong @frankstrong.bsky.social · 22h

GREAT NEWS from Leander ISD. To Kill a Mockingbird, House on Mango St, and Narrative of Life of Frederick Douglass will be returned to classrooms after a massive outcry. Thanks to everyone who spoke up!!!

From an email to teachers today:

*An important update regarding the books that
were previously paused from curriculum use as a
result of concerns around Senate Bill 12.
Thirty-six of the forty books are being reinstated
to the secondary curriculum book list, with
revisions made to the curriculum to ensure TEKS
alignment and compliance with SB 12. Four
titles, Stamped, Melissa (George), Gracefully
Grayson, and The 57 Bus, will remain paused for
additional review of curriculum alignment. Please
note that all books, including these four, should
remain available, or be returned if removed, to
classroom libraries for individual student choice
reading.

1 49 170

Reposted by Joan Detz

Texas Freedom to Read Project @txfreedomread.bsky.social · 5d

Stop what you’re doing and read this op ed by @ashleyhopeperez.bsky.social right now.

Gift link:
www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outl...

First Texas schools banned my book. Now it's 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'

The problem isn't just the new state law. It's how some school leaders are reacting to it.

www.houstonchronicle.com

1 25 47

Reposted by Joan Detz

ACES: The Society for Editing @acesediting.bsky.social · 7d

Here's a look at the next #ACESchat.

2 2

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 3d

Excerpt: “Words carry weight because of the way you use them; how you place them in a sentence, how you pick one over the other, how you refuse to explain them. It gives everything away. It reveals you, the speaker” #writing #PublicSpeaking #authors

English PEN @englishpen.bsky.social · 12d

'What if I could give words to this strange, unmoored sense of belonging – of belonging nowhere and also anywhere?'

In #PENTransmissions, Deepa Rajagopalan on creating space at the centre. In partnership with @pencanada.bsky.social.
pentransmissions.com/2025/09/26/t...

There Is Never One English

Deepa Rajagopalan on creating space at the centre.

pentransmissions.com

2 3

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 3d

Let the kids read! @drtlovesbooks.bsky.social @flfreedomread.bsky.social @txfreedomread.bsky.social

PEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 5d

What was the most #bannedbook in U.S. schools in the 2024-25 school year?

Topping the list, after being banned in 23 school districts, is a 1962 novel that Time magazine named one of 100 best books of all time in 2010.

These are the 15 most-banned books in America: pen.org/banned-books...

Banned Books List 2025

What books are banned in 2025? Thousands of titles have been removed from public schools across the country.

pen.org

2

Reposted by Joan Detz

Kate Messner @katemessner.com · 4d

FYI - @authorsguild.org has an upcoming webinar for authors & illustrators. "Anthropic Settlement: What Authors Should Know" looks very worthwhile for those whose books were involved. authorsguild.org/event/anthro...

Anthropic Settlement: What Authors Should Know - The Authors Guild

Copyright holders recently secured preliminary approval of a $1.5 billion class settlement in the Bartz v. Anthropic case, in which authors Andrea Bartz, Kirk Johnson, and Charles Graeber led a class-...

authorsguild.org

1 20 17

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 4d

It takes a whole team to create a comic ⬇️⬇️⬇️

The Bride (aka Rain) I ❤️ the Monster @simplyrain.bsky.social · 4d

When speaking about comics (especially to students) always credit the artist/s with the author!

When teaching them, include everyone of importance to analysis--author/s, artist, letterer, penciler, inker, colorist, flatter...anyone listed on the title/reverse title page!

1/

Liam McGuire @liammcguire.bsky.social · 5d

Anyone have a particularly hot comic take?

1

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 4d

Excerpt: “From AI-driven health screening to the pervasiveness of cell phones, tech in education is rewriting the rules on privacy, data equity…Decisions are made in boardrooms and tech labs, it’s school nurses, often excluded from policy-making, who witness firsthand the risks”

Robin Cogan @robincogan.bsky.social · 4d

Every day, the digital transformation of schools accelerates, and with it, the potential to either safeguard or jeopardize the future of every student.
relentlessschoolnurse.com/2025/10/04/t...

The Relentless School Nurse: Digital Dilemmas – How School Nurses Can Lead on Privacy, Equity, and Safer Tech in Schools

Every day, the digital transformation of schools accelerates, and with it, the potential to either safeguard or jeopardize the future of every student. From AI-driven health screening to the pervas…

relentlessschoolnurse.com

1 1 1

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 6d

#readers #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries @drtlovesbooks.bsky.social

American Association of School Librarians (AASL) @aaslala.bsky.social · 10d

They tried to silence these stories, but they live on. Banned Books Week is almost here! Join us October 5-11 to celebrate the freedom to read and discover books that sparked debate and change. Stay tuned for events and reading lists! #BannedBooksWeek #FreedomToRead #aasl https://bit.ly/3XXdrFi

2

Reposted by Joan Detz

Aoife Barry @sweetoblivion.bsky.social · 28d

Listened to our arts & culture podcast Get Around To It yet? We’re number one in Arts in Apple podcasts in Ireland! Thanks so much to everyone who has listened in so far - please do spread the word. Listen in here: podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/g... or here open.spotify.com/episode/0Mqg...

4 8

Reposted by Joan Detz

Soroptimist International of Bristol @sibristol.bsky.social · 8d

Women’s participation in decision-making is a fundamental right. When women have a seat at the table, it leads to more diverse perspectives, better policies, & improved outcomes for society as a whole. Soroptimists #StandUpForWomenAndGirls.
#SoroptimistBristol

2 1

Reposted by Joan Detz

Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 9d

Censorship in Florida’s schools has made headlines for more than four years now, but we also have had attacks in our public libraries.

The same people pushing to ban books in our schools have landed seats on our public library boards.

Have you considered volunteering to sit on your local Board?

Freedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 9d

Ever wonder where book challenges are taking place?

This means the places meant to provide free, open access to stories, information, & ideas are being targeted the most. When public and school libraries lose books, entire communities lose opportunities for discovery, connection, & representation.

Graphic showing where boom challenges take place: 55% public libraries, 38% school libraries, 5% schools, 2% higher ed/other

5 10

Reposted by Joan Detz

skellyton bones jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 11d

$14 million dollars allocated to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was pushed through to the America 250 team to fund "Freedom Trucks"–propaganda telling a whitewashed version of history.

What's happening at IMLS is beyond budgetary concerns.

bookriot.com/imls-freedom...

The IMLS's Freedom Trucks Project Is Propaganda in Support of Historical Erasure: Book Censorship News, September 12, 2025

This week, the IMLS announced their Freedom Trucks initiative. It is blatant propaganda.

bookriot.com

54 96

Reposted by Joan Detz

Texas Freedom to Read Project @txfreedomread.bsky.social · 13d

Texas, USA: “Protecting children” from To Kill a Mockingbird and The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass since 2025. 🆒

Frank Strong @frankstrong.bsky.social · 13d

I need help getting this CRAZY censorship story out!

Last week, admins in Leander ISD emailed teachers telling them to “pause” use of 40 books relating to “DEI” that had previously been curriculum or choice reading activities.

Included on the list? To Kill a Mockingbird. #bookbans #booksky

Email to 6th-grade teachers in Leander ISD that reads:

Dear 6th Grade ELA Team,
I want to share an Important update regarding some of the texts in our book club and
whole-class reading collections. In response to new legislation outlined in Senate Bill 12 (89th
Legislature), we have conducted a review of titles currently used in secondary ELA instruction.
Because SB 12 prohibits specific types of content, several of our resources now require
additional review.
Effective immediately, please pause the use of the identified texts (linked below) in
instruction and assignments until further notice. This step is necessary to ensure our
curriculum remains in full compliance with the law.
I want to emphasize that these books are not being permanently removed. They are simply on
hold while we seek additional guidance from TASB and TEA regarding the implications of SB 12
for instructional resources. Once we receive that guidance, we will provide clear updates about
next steps. Additionally, if these books are included in your own personal classroom library, we
request that you remove them since personal classroom libraries are considered instructional
resources.
I know this timing is far from ideal and may present challenges, especially given the thoughtful
preparation you have invested in building engaging reading experiences for students. Please
know that our commitment to offering students a wide range of meaningful opportunities for
choice reading and discussion remains unchanged.
Thank you for your flexibility, professionalism, and continued dedication to our students as we
navigate this process together.
6th grade ELAR Resources
With appreciation,

List of 40 books removed from classes. Includes To Kill a Mockingbird, The House on Mango Street, The Fire Next Time, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and, weirdly, Les Miserables.

4 7

Reposted by Joan Detz

Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 13d

Need help with freedom to read advocacy?

Get the free guide from @freedomreadproject.bsky.social that covers everything you need to know to get started in your area.

www.freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_...

8 8

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 11d

Follow this news ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Texas Freedom to Read Project @txfreedomread.bsky.social · 11d

Removing To Kill a Mockingbird and The House on Mango Street from Texas classrooms does not protect Texas kids. The Texas GOP and Governor Abbott need to answer for this. Shameful.

www.fox7austin.com/news/leander...

Leander ISD pauses dozens of books in classrooms in response to state law

www.fox7austin.com

2

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 11d

Attention, authors #BookSky #publishing @cynthiayoderauthor.bsky.social

The Authors Guild @authorsguild.org · 12d

The settlement has entered preliminary approval. Congrats to the plaintiffs Andrea Bartz, Kirk Johnson, and Charles Graeber! Wondering what's next? We're here to help you navigate the process.

authorsguild.org/news/authors...

5

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 11d

#books #authors @authorsguild.org

The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 12d

ICYMI: A judge in a California court has given his preliminary approval to a settlement by tech giant Anthropic, which would see authors whose work was used by the company to train AI-models receive a share of $1.5bn 👇 #BookSky

US judge gives preliminary approval to $1.5bn Anthropic settlement with authors

ebx.sh

Reposted by Joan Detz

Helen Kennedy @helenkennedy.bsky.social · 15d

Oh dear. It seems Dr. Oz’s company sells Trump‘s big autism cure. What a crazy happenstance.

Simon Maechling & @simonmaechling
Follow
RFK Jr is set to announce Tylenol causes autism.
And then he'll push the "cure": leucovorin (folinic acid).
Who sells folinic acid? Dr. Oz's supplement company, iHerb.
The same Dr. Oz who is now the
Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Trump's administration.
Think about that: A government health official tied to the very supplement company that benefits from RFK Jr's bogus
"cure."
This isn't public health.
It's corruption dressed up as wellness.

61 2.3K 5.8K

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 15d

#librarians @drtlovesbooks.bsky.social

ACES: The Society for Editing @acesediting.bsky.social · 16d

Amanda Jones, known as "That Librarian," kicked off #ACESVCON25! “Everyone has a voice – if I, as a small librarian, from a town with two lights, can speak out, … we become one. In that small way, it can have ripple effects that we don’t even realize.” tinyurl.com/bp9rnzbt

Amanda Jones presenting at ACESVCON25 with a list of top 10 most challenged books

An image of Amanda Jones' movie poster, "The Librarians." The movie debuts October 2025.

1

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 15d

“Irresponsible” … “dangerous” (Thanks to @robincogan.bsky.social for sharing this) #women #health #SchoolNurses

Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 15d

Gupta: It is safe. That’s what the best-quality research shows. And how irresponsible, using the podium of the WH to put this out there when you’re not even offering an alternative. That is dangerous. An untreated fever is dangerous. Untreated pain in pregnancy is dangerous.

Reposted by Joan Detz

That Librarian: Amanda Jones @librarianjones.com · 16d

Thank you to American Libraries for featuring That Librarian as a “Great Reads for and About Librarians!

americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2025/09/02/o...

Our Own Stories | American Libraries Magazine

Columnist Allison Escoto reviews firsthand accounts of librarians, as well as realistic portrayals of the profession in popular culture.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org

1 3 27

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 15d

"See what your library offers" ... That might be the best advice of the week! #PublicLibraries

Kath eBOOks 👻 @kathebooks.com · 17d

My favorite places for media that aren’t terrible streaming services:
1. LIBRARY. Seriously, you have access to more stuff than you think through your library card. At my library, you can get DVDs and have access to streaming services like Hoopla and Kanopy. See what your library offers!

1

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 15d

#FoodSafety #PublicHealth @robincogan.bsky.social

Unbreaking @unbreaking.org · 19d

At USDA, attacks on workers’ rights are threatening food safety. The USDA has canceled inspectors’ union contracts, which is likely to lead to more attrition, increase workloads, and compromise inspectors’ ability to raise food safety concerns.
www.wpr.org/news/food-sa...

Food safety experts warn cuts, staff shortages could lead to preventable outbreaks

Food inspectors face increased workloads and loss of union protection, making it more difficult to notice and report safety violations at food processing plants.

www.wpr.org

1 1

Joan Detz @joandetz.bsky.social · 16d

#editors Learn about sensitivity reading #authors

Northwest Editors Guild @edsguild.bsky.social · 18d

1. Guild member @baylitconsulting.bsky.social will discuss what you need to know as an editor about sensitivity reading at our virtual meeting Monday night, 9/22. The meeting will be recorded.

Free to attend, open to all editors, registration required at www.edsguild.org/meetings-eve...

#AmEditing

Giant Pencil wearing tropical shirt and glasses. text: @EdsGuild Virtual Event. Virtual Member Meeting (open to all editors, Guild member or not!)

1 2