last month i found out jacqueline wilson, beloved writer of several lifechanging books, is gay. it rocked my world and i haven't stopped thinking about it. she was my favorite author in middle school and i would go to the british library to pick up her books weekly.

double act, the suitcase kid, the lottie project, candyfloss, VICKY ANGEL oh my god the first time i cried reading a book! and ofc the one i was most emotional about, my sister jodie. 12 year old tanvi was astounded.

i cannot stress how important it is for little girls to read stories about little girls. wilson dealt with so many important issues like divorce, death, grief and mental illness in a way that was possible for children to understand, empathize and relate to.

and as someone who realized later that she is bisexual, it makes me so, so happy that i grew up on her books. her voice is important, and i hope more kids get to grow up reading and responding to our voices.