A tricky part of picking out which books to add to our booklist is what may be appropriate can be very subjective. Of course, the standard for each book added to the MHM bookstore is that each book will not conflict with a Biblical Worldview. Not every book will share the gospel. However each book promotes what is good, beautiful, and true in congruence to God’s Word.
The Rub
The rub comes when we have different convictions of what may or may not be appropriate (1 Corinthians 8). Again, at MHM, as long as the book is not conflicting with a Biblical Worldview, we choose to include it rather than exclude it. Sometimes that means, for example, some violence or scary content (depending on the context and the age level of the book) will be in a book.
However, there are many families that don’t want their kids exposed to these topics (and others), for a number of reasons. So when I found out about Screen It First, I was thrilled! This is an AMAZING resource for families!
Conversations that Matter
I first heard about them through the Conversations that Matter podcast, with Jon Harris. The founders of Screen It First, Jessica and Mac McCabe, explained they wanted to have more forthcoming reviews of books. However, they recognized that many of us would rather not have our names attached to a negative review. Especially if it’s about controversial topics. So they thought of creating a platform where a book can be reviewed by anyone, anonymously, without fear of reprisal.
The best part is that WE get to decide if it’s appropriate, since there are technically no written reviews. There are only highlights of the questionable parts of the book that are scanned in and are labeled as having one or more of the following content: Alcohol/Drugs, Foul Language, Dark (i.e. scary) Content, LGBTQ+, Lying, Potty Humor, Racism, Sexual Content, Violence, Misc., Explicit Content, or Nothing Found. Written reviews are incredibly helpful (we do lots here at MHM!). However, it’s great to be able to specifically see in the book where a potential issue may lie.
What a fantastic idea!
Partnership
I contacted the McCabe’s to see if there was some way we could partner. I’m so thrilled to tell you that they also thought we could have a great partnership! All of the MHM books that have already been screened at Screen It First now have a link directly to Mud Hen Mama for purchase!
But here is where all of YOU come in. There are several books on MHM that are either waiting to be reviewed or are not on the Screen It list yet at all. So if you have read a great book from MHM but can’t find it on Screen It First, upload the book! Then screen it yourself! What a great way to build community and offer your observations on books you’ve read!
Me First!
A great example of a book that is sweet but has a questionable character is Me First by Helen Lester. The book teaches about the pitfalls of self centeredness. Our family loves it! And it definitely does NOT conflict with a Biblical Worldview! However, I’ve heard from a few parents that witches are not appropriate for their children. Unfortunately, the book has a “Sand-witch” as the main character. This honestly wasn’t on my radar at all. But we want to be sensitive to the needs of families and their children.
How wonderful is it that now, families can look up books on Screen It First before purchasing! They can double check if each title will work for their family. And again, if it’s not there or hasn’t been reviewed, purchase the book and screen it to share with other families if you’ve found any kind of questionable content!
Synergy
It’s amazing what the body of Christ can do together. Share with others both Screen It First and MHM as we empower one another as well as our families with awesome, edifying books! All for His glory and our good.
And by the way, we wanted to mention that each book that has already been screened will eventually have a “Screen It” link in the description of the book at MHM. Right now, only a few books have the link. However, we are hoping within the next couple of weeks to have all of those links uploaded!
