#wndb
LightNews LightNews
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
Here at WNDB, we've curated another reading guide to help you celebrate Juneteenth and continue supporting Black authors—today and all year long! 📚❤️💛💚🖤
Black graphic with curved red, gold, and green stripes at the bottom. The graphic is titled, “A Reading Guide: Books to Celebrate Juneteenth”.
June 19, 2026 at 2:30 PM
runwithskizzers.bsky.social
(hilariously, I think this was bc an author got mad about wndb on facebook)
March 30, 2026 at 4:25 PM
ellenoh.bsky.social
So I just signed a brand new book project that I'm excited about & can't wait to talk about. But it is my first new book contract since September 2021. My recent book, ON THE BLOCK, was a WNDB project where all proceeds go back to WNDB and COLLIDING WORLDS OF MINA LEE, was contracted in 2019 #kidlit
November 27, 2024 at 6:47 PM
annabookwriter.bsky.social
Oh. Good.

WNDB reports only 10% of children’s books published in 2025 had any sort of disability rep, including neurodivergence.

The overall picture for diversity in publishing is grim.
June 30, 2026 at 3:22 PM
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
🚨 WNDB is committed to providing emergency grants to diverse authors & illustrators, publishing professionals, and educators experiencing dire financial need due to loss of SNAP benefits. We are now open for a new round of emergency grants, between $250 and $1,000 each.

💻 bit.ly/WNDB-emergency
Royal blue promotional graphic titled “Emergency Grants Open”. Beneath the title text is a row of three illustrations depicting boxes of food donations. At the bottom of the graphic are three rows of text with a bright gold background that contain the following message: “Diverse writers, illustrators, publishing professionals, and educators financially impacted by loss of SNAP benefits or access to food, apply for a grant today!
November 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
In response to the ongoing L.A. wildfires, WNDB is now accepting Emergency Grant applications from marginalized writers, creatives, and publishing professionals who have been financially impacted by the fires.

To apply, follow the link below ⬇️

🚨 bit.ly/WNDB-emergency
A yellow promotional graphic that says, “Emergency Grants” in bold white text, followed by an illustration of a blaring siren. White text in the lower half of the graphic says, “Diverse writers, creatives, and publishing professionals who have been financially impacted by the LA wildfires, apply for an Emergency Grant today!” At the bottom of the graphic are two yellow arrows on either side, pointing inwards towards a green search bar that contains the URL “bit.ly/WNDB-emergency” An informational graphic sharing more information about WNDB’s Emergency Fund program. The description reads as follows, “Since 2020, WNDB’s Emergency Grants have provided funding to over 120 authors, illustrators, publishing professionals, and educators experiencing financial need. Recipients may use their grant funds to cover household expenses, medical payments, debt, rent or mortgage payments, etc. In response to the ongoing LA wildfires, WNDB will be awarding emergency grants to support diverse writers, creatives, and publishing professionals impacted.” At the bottom of the graphic is an image of a green search bar that contains the URL “bit.ly/WNDB-emergency”
January 14, 2025 at 3:38 PM
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
Today is the last day to apply for a 2026 WNDB Mentorship!

💻 bit.ly/2026Mentorships
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · Sep 2
🔔 Now accepting 2026 Mentorship applications!

Want to participate in our annual Mentorship Program, where we pair emerging writers & illustrators from diverse backgrounds with experienced professionals in the field? Visit the link below (🔗 also in bio) to apply today!

💻 bit.ly/2026Mentorships
Light yellow graphic titled “2026 Mentorship Applications Now Open!” Beneath the title text is an illustration of a light-skinned person with shoulder-length brown hair sitting at a desk with a notebook open in their lap and their desktop computer showing screens full of emails and word documents. At the bottom is a search bar graphic containing the shortened URL “bit.ly/2026Mentorship”, which will redirect folks to the 2026 Mentorship application. Light yellow graphic titled “About the Mentorship Program.” Beneath the title text is a mock-up internet browser window, with the search bar at the top containing the shortened URL “bit.ly/2026Mentorship”, which will redirect folks to the 2026 Mentorship application. The program description in the browser says, “The WNDB Mentorship Program aims to support writers and illustrators by pairing them with an experienced professional in the field. Our mentors work one-on-one with a mentee and their completed draft of a manuscript over the course of a calendar year, offering advice to improve craft and to better understand the publishing industry. For 2026, WNDB is offering fifteen mentorships split amongst the following categories: Picture Book Text (PB), Middle Grade (MG), Young Adult (YA); and Illustration (IL).”
September 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM
tjalexandernyc.bsky.social
For marginalized authors affected by the LA fires
Emergency Grants
WNDB provides emergency grants to diverse authors, illustrators, publishing professionals, and educators who are experiencing dire financial need.
diversebooks.org
January 14, 2025 at 5:16 PM
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
Your impact at WNDB never goes unnoticed! Here are ten amazing things that you’ve made happen this year alongside WNDB 📚🎉
Gold promotional graphic decorated with contrasting, swooping lines. At the center is a white note that says, “10 Things You Made Possible This Year at WNDB!” At the bottom of the graphic is the logo for We Need Diverse Books.
November 17, 2025 at 3:31 PM
brianlarossa.com
Bluesky Exclusive:

The “We Need Diverse Books™” (diversebooks.org) 10th Anniversary Auction starts today! I’m donating a 30-minute portfolio-review/coaching-session, *whispers* it's okay, we can meet for a full hour *wink*.

Bid here!
⬇️
e.givesmart.com/events/Bu3/i...
⬆️

💙❤️
WNDB logo
May 16, 2024 at 4:03 PM
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
This Saturday is #IndieBookstoreDay! Did you know WNDB has an extensive directory of diverse-owned bookstores on our website? Here are all the stores we currently have listed! 🧵

💻 bit.ly/DiverseBooks...
Purple and blue graphic with an illustration of a paperclipped notecard at the center that says, “Diverse-Owned Independent Book Stores”.
April 25, 2025 at 2:59 PM
msad3.bsky.social
Mae never meant to take a life, only a name. Now, trapped in a space-bound program, she must survive deadly trials, fight alternate versions of herself, and keep her secret hidden.

But Nexxus is watching. And reality itself unravels.

#GhostPit #YA #SFF #Q #WNDB #enemiestolovers
October 30, 2025 at 3:24 PM
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
To kick off the inaugural #WeNeedDiverseBooksDay, WNDB is also committing to donating 10,000 diverse titles across the country in 2025. We believe that diverse books ought to be read and celebrated, especially now as book bans disproportionately target them.

Thank you for all your support!
Multi-colored pastel graphic with bold text that says, “To kick off the inaugural We Need Diverse Books Day, WNDB is also committing to donating 10,000 diverse titles across the country in 2025!”
April 3, 2025 at 2:42 PM
teresarobeson.com
Attention #educators: @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social has an awesome giveaway for you! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... #kidlit
WNDB Giveaway: BACK TO SCHOOL BONANZA
With this giveaway, WNDB is uplifting educators heading back to the classroom this fall. We are thrilled to give away more than TEN THOUSAND BOOKS to schools and organizations nationwide. Please not...
docs.google.com
August 29, 2025 at 7:06 PM
12x12challenge.bsky.social
Proud to participate in #showusyourincrediblebooks and share these recent or upcoming #diversebooks by #12x12PB members. See these and more at bookshop.org/lists/new-in.... #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #WNDB
May 12, 2026 at 10:49 PM
kristiewang.com
I'm so honored and thrilled to be awarded a 2025 WNDB Mentorship with @littlebadger.bsky.social ! Thank you, Darcie Little Badger, and @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social for this incredible opportunity to learn from a phenomenal writer and community.
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · Feb 7
2025 Young Adult Mentees:

Beste Filiz, mentored by Marina Budhos
Tien Taylor, mentored by Ivelisse Housman
Marie Lagos, mentored by Laekan Zea Kemp
Kristie Wang, mentored by Darcie Little Badger
A purple promotional graphic announcing the four 2025 Young Adult Mentees from WNDB’s Mentorship Program. The graphic includes two rows consisting of two mentee headshots each, which are each labeled with their name. In the upper right hand corner of their headshot is a small circular photo frame containing a headshot of the professional writer or illustrator they’re mentoring under. From top left to right, the mentees featured on this slide are: Beste Filiz, mentored by Marina Budhos; Tien Taylor, mentored by Ivelisse Housman; Marie Lagos, mentored by Laekan Zea Kemp; and Kristie Wang, mentored by Darcie Little Badger.
February 8, 2025 at 11:43 PM
kishizuka.bsky.social
We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) is launching its inaugural “We Need Diverse Books Day” April 3 to highlight the importance of access to inclusive reading. (USA TODAY)
Exclusive: ‘We Need Diverse Books’ announces inaugural reading day April 3
Nonprofit We Need Diverse Books will host the first "We Need Diverse Books Day" April 3 to encourage inclusive books in classrooms and bookshelves.
www.usatoday.com
March 18, 2025 at 6:41 PM
stephanieburgis.bsky.social
Ooh, I love this new T-shirt/sweatshirt design from We Need Diverse Books: www.bonfire.com/bookish-wndb...
Bookish | Bonfire
Help us raise funds to support diverse creators, educators, and readers everywhere!. WNDB strives to create lifelong readers and build literacy by diversifying every ...
www.bonfire.com
August 17, 2024 at 6:06 PM
ellenoh.bsky.social
Hey! I feel like I blinked & suddenly had so many new followers! Hi, I'm a MG & YA author, a founding member of WNDB, a recovering attorney, + a diet coke addict. I'm still figuring out Bluesky. I'm also on Threads and IG as elloecho and looking forward to rebuilding my #kidlit community again!
November 19, 2024 at 8:45 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
The support of We Need Diverse Books has created a sea change for Indigenous authors and illustrators. We are grateful for our friends, and we appreciate being welcomed into their circle. It's an honor to work with WNDB!
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · Apr 14
Wishing everyone a very happy #WeNeedDiverseBooksDay! 🎉📚❤️

Need some ideas for how to celebrate today? Here are eight easy ideas 🧵
Bright, multi-colored graphic with a white card in the middle that says, “Happy We Need Diverse Books Day!” Beneath the title text is an illustration of four people quietly reading books together. At the bottom of the graphic is the official date for We Need Diverse Books Day: April 14th, 2026. Bright, multi-colored graphic with a white card in the middle that says, “What is We Need Diverse Books Day?” Contains the following description: We Need Diverse Books Day was created to highlight the importance of reading books that reflect our beautifully diverse world. It’s a chance to uplift, celebrate, and take action to support diverse books and the diverse artists that create them! At the bottom of the graphic is the official date for We Need Diverse Books Day: April 14th, 2026.
April 14, 2026 at 3:34 PM
jasonlangford.bsky.social
THIS WOVEN KINGDOM x ❤️LESS HUNTER
😈 ex-princess getting revenge on the empress who killed her family
🏳️‍⚧️ oh but he's trans masc
❤️ falls for the empress's son
😭 who's hunting his dead princess self
💔 this can't end well

+ WNDB mentorship!

#WSPit #YA #F
February 25, 2026 at 7:02 PM
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
🔔 WNDB is expanding our Board of Directors, and we’re looking for professionals, educators, and creators who share our belief in the power of diverse literature!

Learn more about becoming a board member under the “about” section of our website, or visit the link below ⬇️

📚 bit.ly/WNDB-board
Purple-blue graphic with an illustration of a colorful book stack running along the right-side border. Left-aligned title text says, “Three Reasons to Join the WNDB Board of Directors”, followed by a yellow button that says, “Apply Today!” There is an illustration of a computer cursor hovering over the button on the right-hand side.
June 12, 2026 at 2:30 PM
authorsabb.bsky.social
Our friends @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social are gathering information about "soft censorship" happening in the US According to School Library Journal, soft censorship is a "quiet banishing that often comes without explanation." If you've seen it in your community, please respond to their survey
Soft Censorship of Diverse Books
WNDB is collecting information on the soft censorship of diverse books across the US. Have you witnessed soft censorship in your community? Please share your experiences below. Your response can be…
docs.google.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:36 PM
mlereads.bsky.social
oh look it’s me :)) featured by wndb :)) kind of a dream?!
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · Mar 31
8 newly released or soon to be released middle grade books containing trans rep:
Pastel pink and blue graphic displaying eight newly released or soon to be released middle grade books containing trans rep. The titles shown are as follows: “Splinter & Ash” by Marieke Nijkamp, “Glitch Girl” by Rainie Oet, “A World Worth Saving” by Kyle Lukeoff, “A Song for You and I” by K. O’Neill, “Ollie in Between” by Jess Callans (April 8th), “Athlete is Agender” by Katherine Locke & Nicole Melleby (May 13th), “Going Overboard” by Caroline Huntoon (May 27th), and “Saber-tooth” by Robin Gow (January 2026). In the upper left-hand and lower right-hand corners are wavy ribbons designed in the colors of the trans flag.
April 1, 2025 at 3:17 AM
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
🔔 WNDB is now accepting applications for 2027 Mentors!

WNDB is currently seeking traditionally published authors and illustrators from diverse backgrounds to serve as mentors for 2027!
Light pink graphic with a pink bookmark symbol at the top containing the We Need Diverse Books logo. The slide is titled “Become a WNDB Mentor!” A subtitle beneath says, “Now seeking traditionally published authors and illustrators for our 2027 Mentorship Program!” At the bottom of the graphic is a bright pink block containing a white button that says, “Applications open”. In the bottom right-hand corner is an illustration of an open notebook and a pencil writing on its pages.
May 28, 2026 at 2:30 PM