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- Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
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Our Mission
At ReadSafe Ratings, our mission is to empower authors, librarians, and readers with transparent, voluntary book content ratings.
We believe in preserving the integrity of books and upholding every author’s right to be heard—while helping parents and communities make informed choices.
We created this program in response to new threats like Texas SB13 and SB412, which make it alarmingly easy for any book to be challenged and removed based on a single complaint. Our ratings provide clear, neutral information—not censorship—so that books stay on the shelves and in the hands of readers.
Why Ratings Matter
The idea of book ratings might seem new, but it’s already a trusted practice in music, movies, and video games.
For books, a voluntary, author-led rating system does three essential things:
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Protects authors by giving them a proactive tool to address vague or arbitrary complaints.
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Supports librarians and booksellers in navigating new laws and community pressures with confidence.
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Empowers readers—including parents and teachers—to choose books that fit their needs, without restricting creativity.
Research shows that book bans disproportionately impact marginalized authors and limit access for everyone. Our system gives authors and librarians a way to push back against censorship while fostering open dialogue.
How It Works (Expanded)
Step 1: Submit Your Book
Authors submit their book manuscript, choose a rating package (Basic, Standard, or Premium), and provide basic book details.
Step 2: Neutral Content Review
Our reviewers assess the book’s content based on these clear, expanded rating definitions:
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C (Children’s Books): For children under 6—safe, positive content only.
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G (General Audiences): All ages—no strong language, violence, or adult themes.
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PG (Parental Guidance Suggested): Mild language or thematic elements—parental guidance recommended.
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PG-13 (Teen Readers): Moderate violence or sexual references—ages 13+.
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R (Mature Readers): Strong language, intense violence, explicit scenes—ages 17+.
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NC-17 (Adults Only): Explicit content or graphic violence—adults only.
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Additional Labels: EL, V, SC, DA, ST—added for even clearer context.
Step 3: Share Your Rating
Authors receive:
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Their book’s assigned rating and content warnings.
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A digital badge to promote their rating online.
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High-quality stickers (optional) to add to their book for retailers, schools, or events.
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Inclusion in the ReadSafeRatings Directory—a trusted resource for libraries, schools, and communities.
Step 4: Build Community Support
By participating, authors show that they’re responsible stewards of their stories and committed to readers’ freedom of choice.
We encourage authors and librarians to meet locally or virtually to discuss the program, build support, and advocate for creative freedom.
Join the Movement
We’re stronger together.
By joining ReadSafeRatings, you’re helping to protect your book, your voice, and the freedom of readers everywhere. Let’s stand united against censorship—and ensure every story has the chance to be heard.
Ready to get involved?
[Submit Your Book Today]
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- Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
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2025 Lone Star Literary Extravaganza
Texas Author Con
The Texas Authors Museum is thrilled to recognize the Texas Author and Reader Con as the Best Lone Star Literary Extravaganza in Texas for 2025. Now in its fourth year, this dynamic event has grown into a cornerstone of Texas’ literary scene, bringing together a vibrant mix of authors and readers from across genres and generations. Held at the Irving Convention Center, the 2025 Con was a free, family-friendly celebration that embodied everything we believe Texas literature should be—diverse, accessible, and brimming with community spirit. From science fiction and romance to horror and westerns, the event offered something for every reader, transforming the convention space into a living, breathing library of voices and stories.
What sets the Texas Author and Reader Con apart is its unwavering dedication to connection—between readers and authors, genres and generations, passion and purpose. Through interactive panels, book signings, live readings, and countless moments of inspiration, this event has elevated the literary arts while giving a powerful platform to independent voices. It is a festival that celebrates the past, present, and future of Texas storytelling. For its exceptional commitment to literacy, inclusion, and literary celebration, we proudly name the Texas Author and Reader Con the Best Lone Star Literary Extravaganza of 2025.
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- Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
- Category: Uncategorised
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2025 Lone Star Book Emporium Award
Class Bookstore
The Texas Authors Museum is proud to honor CLASS Bookstore as the Best Bookstore in Texas for 2025. More than just a retail space, CLASS Bookstore stands as a beacon of cultural empowerment, literacy, and style in the heart of its community. Founded by David and Dara Landry, CLASS is where knowledge meets fashion, and a vibrant literary culture is born. Their vision to create a Black-owned bookstore that celebrates discovery and builds a legacy of literacy is reflected in every corner of the store—from carefully curated book selections to community-centered events that welcome readers of all ages and backgrounds.
CLASS Bookstore exemplifies what it means to be a cornerstone of literary excellence in Texas. With guiding principles of Consistency, Credibility, Collaboration, and Creativity, David and Dara have not only filled a void but have built a thriving hub that uplifts and inspires. Whether helping a child discover their next adventure in reading or offering a space for book clubs and cultural conversation, CLASS Bookstore goes beyond books—it nurtures a movement. The Texas Authors Museum is proud to recognize CLASS for its outstanding contributions to the literary fabric of Texas.
Learn more about Class here: Black Owned | Class Bookstore | United States
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- Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
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The Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History is proud to present the Lone Star Author Advocate Award to B. Alan Bourgeois, whose visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have transformed the literary landscape of Texas. As the founder of the Texas Authors Institute of History, the first museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Texas authors, Alan has created a lasting tribute to over 200 years of literary contributions. His efforts have ensured that the stories of Texas authors are honored and accessible to future generations.
Beyond his work with the museum, Alan has been a relentless advocate for independent authors. He established the Texas Authors Association to help writers better market and sell their books, and he created the Lone Star Festival, uniting authors, musicians, artists, and filmmakers in a celebration of Texas creativity. Through initiatives like the Authors Marketing Event and the Authors School of Business, Alan has provided invaluable resources and support to help authors navigate the ever-evolving publishing world. His passion for storytelling and commitment to empowering others embody the spirit of the Lone Star Author Advocate Award.
Learn more about Alan here: BourgeoisMedia.com
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- Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
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2025 Rising Lone Star Author
Theo Boyd was born and raised on a farm in the small town of Whitney, Texas. Her unique name is derived from her grandmothers—Thelma and Elizabeth. In middle school, her classmates nicknamed her Theo. It stuck!
Theo grew up writing poems with her daddy, learned faith through hardship from her momma, and finished college late in life to become a high school English and Creative Writing teacher. She was awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year her first year in the classroom while continuing to write as a guest columnist for several local newspapers.
In 2019 a sudden and traumatic loss set the scene for her debut memoir, My Grief Is Not Like Yours. It was also the catalyst for her podcast, Think Theo, where she discusses complicated grief and the many layers of loss.
When she’s not writing, Theo can be found with her dog Manly by her side, walking the fields on the farm, planning her next podcast with a glass of wine, or enjoying an evening out with close friends. She and Manly currently live on the lake in her hometown of Whitney.