Book reviews
I am part of various FB groups for reviewing books, and I came across a review for a book, “Fresh Start” by Gale Galligan, that honestly had me floored. This book, published by Scholastic books, is presented as a graphic novel in distribution for school bookfairs. It looks completely innocent by the cover. Absolutely nothing suspicious.
This was how the reviewer on the FB group described the book: “Title cover looks super appealing to middle graders, while flipping through, looked decent enough, no inappropriate dialogue that stood out, they reached the middle of the book and was confused about “red stain” on chair and pants and an adult giving pads to the main character… confused because all this time the book present the main character as a BOY… not as a transgender, a boy. Obviously she’s trans but it blindsides you so if the kid is deep into the read, they probably will finish the book.”
I mean, seriously? Why in the world is this garbage being peddled to Middle Schoolers???
Recipes
In a small way, this reminded me of recipes you find on the internet. I know this sounds like a stretch, but bear with me. I can’t tell you how many recipes look AMAZING from the pictures and even the fun videos that are posted by the chef. However, when I’ve tried the recipe, it is at best, meh. So disappointing.
But this? This is more like you find a recipe that looks interesting and different, so why not try it out? But if you were to look closely at the recipe, there are ingredients that are listed that if put together, they create something poisonous. However, you wouldn’t know unless you were paying attention. It not only makes the entire recipe disgusting, it will make you sick if you ingest it. Your kids can’t tell a difference, but if you were to try, you’d know.
This is the book equivalent of that kind of recipe. I looked up reviews on Amazon, and even the 5 star reviews are telling. Apparently, the pronouns that are used are actually female throughout the book, however according to one 5-star review: “This coming of age graphic novel is centered around Ollie, a character who presents as non-binary despite being referred to with female pronouns.”
They really are after our kids
In case you were on the fence and not sure, this is proof positive that there are people who want to influence our children away from our Biblical convictions. And they will stop at nothing to get a foothold in.
Books are wonderful! Clearly, I’m a huge proponent. However, we have to be incredibly careful what we allow our children to read. Not that all books by Scholastic are terrible – we have a few on our booklist. However, the more recent books that have been published have a clear agenda.
The agenda is far from obvious
The worst part is that this agenda is subtle and deceptive. The authors of these kinds of books know that the majority of parents would never allow their children to read a book that openly talks about a non-binary or transgender main character. So instead, the main character is presented on the back of the book as pretty normal. She just is trying to fit in, and allegedly, the book is all about “friendship and belonging.”
Although there may be a message of friendship and belonging in the book, that is not exclusively what the messaging is about. These kinds of books are trying to normalize what should NEVER be normalized. Confusion of genders is just one thing they’re trying to do, and in a way that’s palatable. Most children would be completely unsuspecting, as even most parents would be.
Multi-front offensive
Our children are targeted in a myriad of ways. From media to books to school to friends. Kids can handle a little of the poison. However, when they’re inundated with subtlety after subtlety, they will get the messaging loud and clear. Obviously establishing a solid Biblical Worldview at home is paramount. However, our children can still be deceived when presented with likable characters in a fun book that seem benign.
Here at Mud Hen Mama, we are dedicated to only providing books that will nurture faith, inspire purpose, and uphold truth. Families in our culture today need all the help we can get! We pray that these books will be used to further strengthen and solidify a strong foundation based on Biblical Truths that are being established in the home. I only wish I was exaggerating, but it is of upmost importance.
Choose great books that will not undermine our values! Click HERE to browse over 2,400 titles that have ALL been vetted and do not conflict with a Biblical Worldview.
