ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
@ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
550 followers 180 following 51 posts
Always thinking about ways to bring literature representing ALL children’s lives to readers, educators, and researchers.
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
cottonquiltsedi.bsky.social
cottonquiltsedi.bsky.social @cottonquiltsedi.bsky.social · 3d
Who do you ban from your personal reading selections? Ready to challenge that?

pearlsandrubys.slj.com/2025/10/04/c...
Challenge: Reading Beyond Our Personal Bans
Let’s fight book bans on a personal level, one book at a time. Because bans aren't only about books; they’re working to erase people and their stories.
pearlsandrubys.slj.com
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
peoplesbooktakoma.com
People's Book @peoplesbooktakoma.com · 2d
Support bookstores. Not billionaires.

Free shipping on any purchases 10/7-10/8.

See our recommendations and more:
bookshop.org/shop/peoples...

@bookshop.org
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
barringtonstoke.bsky.social
Barrington Stoke @barringtonstoke.bsky.social · 2d
It's the start of #DyslexiaAwarenessWeek in England and Wales! Did you know that the tinted paper in Barrington Stoke books helps to reduce visual stress and glare for many dyslexic readers? Find out more at: bit.ly/dyslexia-sup...
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ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social · 5d
shows.acast.com/storyshaped
Excited to see that the Storyshaped episode with @darrenchetty.bsky.social is available for everyone to hear now!
Storyshaped
A podcast about the power of stories to shape lives and change the world.
shows.acast.com
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
darrenchetty.bsky.social
Darren Chetty @darrenchetty.bsky.social · 5d
In an open letter, Walker Books 'is concerned to see the latest developments in Weymouth, particularly given the extreme reality of book banning in the US. We must ask ourselves is this the beginning of something, and what comes next?'
www.bookbrunch.co.uk/page/article...
Walker attacks The Hate U Give ban
BookBrunch - The publishing trade's daily news magazine
www.bookbrunch.co.uk
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
littlerebsprize.bsky.social
Little Rebels Award @littlerebsprize.bsky.social · 6d
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🥳CONGRATULATIONS to the first ever double prize winner of The Little Rebels Award for Radical Children’s Fiction @sarahhaggerholt.bsky.social

#KidLitUK
#UKKidLit
…a little thread on why this book matters so much ⬇️
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
edpr.bsky.social
ed public relations @edpr.bsky.social · 7d
November is Empathy Action Month and what better way to celebrate in school than by joining @amdassu.bsky.social for a FREE virtual event on Thurs 6th Nov who will whisk you on a mesmerising journey across the world with her new book, #WildJourney

Register here sevenstories.org.uk/event/author...
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
littlerebsprize.bsky.social
Little Rebels Award @littlerebsprize.bsky.social · 7d
🥳🎉CONGRATULATIONS🎉🥳

We are delighted to announce that the Winner of the 2025 Little Rebels Award for Radical Children’s Fiction is @sarahhaggerholt.bsky.social for The Fights That Make Us, published by Usborne.

Congratulations, Sarah! Our first ever double champion!!
#KidLitUK
Photo right hand corner of author Sarah Hagger-Holt. Under which is written the title of her book “The Fights That Make Us” and then “WINNER”. Left side is the book cover and, above that, a confetti shower.
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · 9d
Generous overview of characters of colour in comics&graphic novels, from stereotypes to representation. (Via gems like Ed Sec’s K Baker’s book ban)

Latest @darrenchetty.bsky.social & @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social column in @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
#UKKidsLit

booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/beyo...
Beyond the Secret Garden Drawn to the Stereotypes: Comics and Graphic Novels – Books For Keeps
booksforkeeps.co.uk
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
andrewemc.bsky.social
Andrew McCallum @andrewemc.bsky.social · 16d
With the chance to buy Beyond the Secret Garden, by Darren + @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social minus the cost of p+p + copies of Sita's latest - Phoenix Brothers, a prequel to 'Amir + George', as featured in EMC's Iridescent Adolescent
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
nicolettejones.bsky.social
Nicolette Jones @nicolettejones.bsky.social · 20d
Factsheet about migration. From Safe Passage International. @safepassageintl.bsky.social
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
littlerebsprize.bsky.social
Little Rebels Award @littlerebsprize.bsky.social · 26d
Happy hours making up bundles of #LittleRebelsAward 2025 Shortlist Bookmarks for UK primary schools distribution via a forthcoming YLG mailout🙏😌
#UKSchools
#UKKidLit
#KidLitUK

@ylglondon.bsky.social
@cilip-ylgse.bsky.social
@jakehope.bsky.social
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
carolineroche.bsky.social
Caroline Roche @carolineroche.bsky.social · Sep 6
#YLGConference. @cilipslg.bsky.social @cilip-ylgse.bsky.social now taking about the book Beyond the Secret Garden which is an absolute classic about diversity in children’s literature. It’s an absolute must-read!
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
barringtonstoke.bsky.social
Barrington Stoke @barringtonstoke.bsky.social · Sep 5
A wonderful lunch in sunny #Hastings today to celebrate the publication of #DanceOfResistance by @catwrote.bsky.social joined by fellow Barrington Stoke authors @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social and @melindasalisbury.com and the brilliant Fen Coles from @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social!
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ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social · Aug 27
I hope this will include the highlights of ESEA writing and publishing for children—so much good stuff out and coming out!
thebookseller.com
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · Aug 27
ICYMI: The Bookseller will publish a special focus on East and South East Asian (ESEA) writing and publishing. The ESEA spotlight will run in the 5th December issue 👇 #BookSky
The Bookseller to publish special focus on East and South East Asian writing and publishing
ebx.sh
Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
gpadmoreinstitute.bsky.social
George Padmore Institute @gpadmoreinstitute.bsky.social · Aug 27
Over the last few months, the George Padmore Institute (GPI) has been developing a resource to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Black Parents Movement (BPM), detailing the organisation’s history, governance, key national and international campaigns.

Check it out here: buff.ly/vQszy33 📽️
50 Years of the Black Parents Movement (BPM)
On 17 April 1975, 17-year-old Cliff McDaniel and his two friends, Keith and Chris, all students of the Stationer’s Company's School in Hornsey, were on their lunch break when they were targeted by…
youtu.be
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · Aug 22
“C Johnson has managed to extract, from a complicated history, all of the  gems & then polished them up so as she can deliver them both honestly&thoughtfully to her young audience” Dance of Resistance @catwrote.bsky.social is out 11th Sep!

Review/pre-order: www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
DANCE OF RESISTANCE: THE JOSEPHINE BAKER STORY | Letterbox Library
by Catherine Johnson with illustrations by Katie Hickey “Some people say I changed the world. I like that. I reckon this world needs a heap of changes”. Our doyenne of middle grade historical fiction ...
www.letterboxlibrary.com
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
littlerebsprize.bsky.social
Little Rebels Award @littlerebsprize.bsky.social · Aug 15
“The stories that make up this year’s shortlist reminds us that the fight for justice is nothing new.”

We were very honoured this year to be joined again by Dr. @darrenchetty.bsky.social at the shortlisting stage.

Reflecting on the shortlist, Darren said…⬇️⬇️⬇️

#KidLitUK #UKKidLit
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
darrenchetty.bsky.social
Darren Chetty @darrenchetty.bsky.social · Aug 1
So @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social are offering a 'Beyond the Secret Garden' book pack. 1 BTSG book, 24 discounted children's books & some specially written discussion plans and a voucher for training with
@ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
and me! More here:
www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
BEYOND THE SECRET GARDEN PACK Primary Key Stage 1 & 2 (Ages 5-11) *25 Books* | Letterbox Library
Inspired by the excellent resource book, Beyond the Secret Garden, co-authored by Darren Chetty and Karen Sands-O’Connor, this book pack offers a comprehensive exploration and contextual knowledge of ...
www.letterboxlibrary.com
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
littlerebsprize.bsky.social
Little Rebels Award @littlerebsprize.bsky.social · Jul 25
🤩Social Justice Books for School🤩

Every year, award organisers @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social puts together a Little Rebels Award Book Pack with:
🖤The shortlisted books/discounted
🤍Reading guides
❤️Poster
💚Stickers
🖤Bookmarks

www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...

#KidLitUK
LITTLE REBELS AWARD SHORTLIST PACK Primary Key Stage 1 & 2 (Ages 5-11) *6 Books* | Letterbox Library
Selected by Letterbox Library The Little Rebels Award recognises children's fiction (for readers aged 0-12) which promotes social justice or social equality, challenges stereotypes or is informed by a...
www.letterboxlibrary.com
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · Jul 23
… explore time travelling via Patience Agabi, tech hazards & scientific ethics via @malorieblackman.bsky.social & @heychante.bsky.social , Zanib Mian’s friendly aliens- & surgical augmentations from Kenechi Udogu
🔭🔬⚗️🧬🧪🥼🧫🕵🏿‍♀️
#KidsLit #KidsLitUK
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
letterboxlibrary.bsky.social
Letterbox Library @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social · Jul 23
MORNING COFFE ALERT☕️🥐

“Darren Chetty & Karen Sands-O’Connor seek out universal access in science-fiction writing for children”

It’s the latest Beyond the Secret Garden column: @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social & @darrenchetty.bsky.social in @booksforkeeps.bsky.social

booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/beyo...
Beyond the Secret Garden: Science and Science-Fiction – Books For Keeps
booksforkeeps.co.uk
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Reposted by Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor
littlerebsprize.bsky.social
Little Rebels Award @littlerebsprize.bsky.social · Jul 18
Darren’s debut picture book, I’m Going to Make a Friend came out in May. He & @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social co-author the #BeyondTheSecretGarden columns for @booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Some were published by @engmediacentre.bsky.social this year.

How lucky we are! Thank you @darrenchetty.bsky.social
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ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social · Jul 17
Do you read rebelliously? How many of the #LittleRebels shortlist have you read? @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social @housmansbookshop.bsky.social
booksforkeeps.bsky.social
Books for Keeps, the online children's books review journal @booksforkeeps.bsky.social · Jul 17
The shortlist for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward has been announced, one of our favourite awards. Congratulations to all the interrupters on this year's list! Winner announced in October @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social #BookSky #KidLitUK

booksforkeeps.co.uk/debut-author...
A graphic showing the covers of the six books on the shortlist for the Little Rebels Award 2025
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