It is easy to feel isolated when your passion is reading or writing because they can often be treated as solitary activities. But with the prevalence of the internet, many online platforms are bringing people from the reading and writing communities together. In this post, I've assembled a list of some of these spaces that might interest you. This is post number two in a four-part series.

It is easy to feel isolated when your passion is reading or writing because they can often be treated as solitary activities. But with the prevalence of the internet, many online platforms are bringing people from the reading and writing communities together. In this post, I've assembled a list of some of these spaces that might interest you. This is post number one in a four-part series.

Looking for a book that centers cerebral palsy? I've done my best to collect the names of as many nonmedical books as possible. Most are memoirs, autobiographies, and nonfiction, but you'll also find some children's books and a few works of fiction. If you know of a book that you think belongs on this list, let me know at contact.undergroundbookshelf@gmail.com. Please note that I have not read all of these books. I encourage you to use this list as a jumping-off point and to do your own research when selecting the book that is right for you.

Being an author is a lot of work, especially when you don't have the backing of a "big five" publisher. This series of resources is meant to support indie, self-published, and up-and-coming authors, writers, and poets. Today's article includes resources designed for professional development.

The United States prides itself on having built a system that separates church and state and upholds religious freedoms. Despite this ideal, many communities around the country have been banning books and censoring points of view that don't fit their particular set of beliefs. This censorship often deeply impacts members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community. In a similar vein, it can shut down the conversations that science-fiction and fantasy spark through metaphors and allusions. For example, The Lord of the Rings was once banned for being "satanic" in nature despite its Christian metaphors and measured commentary on good and evil.

Are you a fan of graphic novels and comic books? Personally, I find myself going to this format (and some of my favorite characters) when I need a comforting and familiar read, but still want a new story I've never read before. In this post, I share some of the resources I have found for reading graphic novels and comic books affordably. Some are free, while others include a small fee. I hope that one of these resources will help you find new books to read and enjoy within this format.

Native American Heritage Month, celebrated each November, honors the knowledge, traditions, languages, beliefs, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. Indigenous communities in the Americas have been fighting for generations to preserve their peoples and identities in the face of colonization, broken treaties, residential schools, and other injustices. Native American Heritage Month helps to raise awareness of the continued struggles that Indigenous communities face, support Native people reconnecting with their cultures and languages, and brings visibility to the continued presence of Native and First Nations peoples.

Native American Heritage Month, celebrated each November, honors the knowledge, traditions, languages, beliefs, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. Indigenous communities in the Americas have been fighting for generations to preserve their peoples and identities in the face of colonization, broken treaties, residential schools, and other injustices. Native American Heritage Month helps to raise awareness of the continued struggles that Indigenous communities face, support Native people reconnecting with their cultures and languages, and brings visibility to the continued presence of Native and First Nations peoples.

Happy Epilepsy Awareness Month! It can be hard to find literary representation for disabilities and chronic illnesses, especially when you're looking for something specific. Epilepsy representation is no different. The collection below organizes books according to age group. You'll find genres noted in parentheses for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers. While handbooks and seizure logs are the easiest books to find, I've done my best to balance those with works of fiction and memoirs as much as possible. I hope you'll find something in this collection worth reading.

Native American Heritage Month, celebrated each November, honors the knowledge, traditions, languages, beliefs, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. Indigenous communities in the Americas have been fighting for generations to preserve their peoples and identities in the face of colonization, broken treaties, residential schools, and other injustices. Native American Heritage Month helps to raise awareness of the continued struggles that Indigenous communities face, support Native people reconnecting with their cultures and languages, and brings visibility to the continued presence of Native and First Nations peoples.

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month! The most common permanently disabling birth defect, spina bifida occurs in the first 28 days of pregnancy. It impacts each individual differently depending on the location it develops on the spine and its size. There are many types of spina bifida, the most common of which are: spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. World Spina Bifida Day is celebrated annually on October 25th. Many celebrate by wearing teal on this day. Learn more about spina bifida or find a support association near you using the links below. Scroll down to find a collection of books with spina bifida representation.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized in the United States from September 15 - October 15. This period was chosen because several major holidays for a variety of Latin American countries fall within this window.