Mastodawn

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 25, 2023

Publisher Scholastic Backtracks on Isolating Works on Race and Gender https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/us/scholastic-book-fair-race-gender.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

Scholastic Backtracks on Isolating Works on Race and Gender at Book Fair

The company was faulted for the practice, which it said was an effort to help schools navigate new laws restricting books about racism and L.G.B.T.Q. identities.

The New York Times

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 22, 2023

#cats
https://lithub.com/you-had-me-at-meow-on-the-hidden-language-of-cats/

You Had Me At Meow: On the Hidden Language of Cats

“That one in there—he just sits and hisses.” The school caretaker pointed to a hole underneath the old building. I crouched down, peered in, and said, “Hello there,” to the dirty, scrawny little ca…

Literary Hub

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 11, 2023

Dedication!
#teacher #teaching
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/11/illinois-teacher-53-years-social-studies-teacher-guinness-world-record

Illinois man sets world record for 53-year career teaching social studies

Paul Durietz, 76, started job in Chicago suburb in 1970 and stages US civil war-themed days and mock political school elections

The Guardian

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 10, 2023

#literature #literarymagazines
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/10/literary-magazines-can-be-life-changing-but-they-need-more-support

Literary magazines can be life-changing – but they need more support

The UK’s literary magazine scene is crumbling due to rising print costs. But I’ll keep printing my own magazine, which gives writers of colour a voice, for as long as I can

The Guardian

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 7, 2023

#bannedbooks #bannedbooksweek
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/10/6/23901523/book-challenge-itty-bitty-kitty-corn-shannon-hale

Book challenge to ‘Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn’ halts new library books in Texas

After a challenge to Utah author Shannon Hale’s book ‘Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn,’ a Texas school district halted students’ access to all new library books

Deseret News

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 7, 2023

#bannedbooks #bannedbooksweek
https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/10/06/as-bomb-threats-reach-libraries-chicago-public-library-must-do-more-to-protect-workers-advocates-say/

As Bomb Threats Reach Libraries, Chicago Public Library Must Do More To Protect Workers, Advocates Say

Last year saw a record number of efforts to ban books — and city and suburban libraries have seen threats in recent weeks. Chicago Public Library employees said administration didn't do enough to inform staff.

Block Club Chicago

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 5, 2023

#AI
https://out.reddit.com/t3_170iddp?app_name=reddit_on_android&token=AQAAyBgfZS5H3uV_AGi2prPzjXsYIeAPafEf3V4qgXgP-LoJwV_3&url=https%3A%2F%2Farstechnica.com%2Finformation-technology%2F2023%2F10%2Ftom-hanks-warns-of-ai-generated-doppelganger-in-instagram-plea%2F

Deepfake celebrities begin shilling products on social media, causing alarm

Hanks and other celebrities have recently become targets of AI-powered ad scams.

Ars Technica

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 4, 2023

#bannedbooks #bannedbooksweek
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/04/style/book-bans-sales-authors-impact-cec/index.html

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 4, 2023

#bannedbooks #bannedbooksweek
https://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/nbc-5-investigates-uncovers-record-number-of-requests-to-challenge-books-in-chicago-area-schools-libraries/3241989/

NBC 5 Investigates uncovers record number of requests to challenge books in Chicago-area schools, libraries

NBC 5 Investigates sent out public records requests to 600 school districts and libraries. Here’s which books are being challenged and which single book…

NBC Chicago

Brad Vertrees ☕Oct 3, 2023

#bannedbooks #bannedbooksweek
https://bookriot.com/two-california-library-systems-join-books-unbanned-initiative/

Two California Library Systems Join in Granting Free Access to Banned Books for Young Readers

San Diego Public Library and LA County Library have joined the Books Unbanned initiative in time for Banned Books Week.

BOOK RIOT