I'm handling virtual reader's advisory requests, and so far this morning I have received nothing but parents asking me to get their child to read something different than what they are currently reading. A THREAD. #LibraryLife 1/

Parents are asking me to be their accomplice in shaming their 7 yo daughters for liking pink sparkly princesses. Parents who want their 12 yo sons to stop reading Big Nate over and over. Parents demanding I push didactic social problem fiction on their fantasy/sci-fi lovers. 2/

First, parents, I see you trying to do right by your children. I know parenting is hard even during the best of times, and you want your children to be feminists, antiracists, and thoughtful intellectuals who can discuss Big Ideas and take action. I get it. 3/

But let me be VERY clear: shaming children for their reading and interests is the way to build resentfulness. They will listen to you less, because they know you don't respect them. 4/

Your 7 yo daughter is finding joy in stories of beauty and sparkle and happily ever afters. This, especially during a pandemic and the stress of distance learning, is comforting. CELEBRATE IT. 5/

Your 12 yo son is re-reading Big Nate because it's funny and a known entity. It's an anchor when facing the unknown, whether because of the global mess adults are making, or because he's facing down puberty and becoming such an adult. This is comforting. CELBRATE IT. 6/

Your fantasy/sci-fi lover is already receiving messages of social action and the power of youth to change the world. In these books, they can grapple with their fear and know that good will triumph and the world will be set right. This is comforting. CELEBRATE IT. 7/

When adults are coping by reading romance novels and binging old TV shows and baking sourdough (and drinking too much), what on earth makes you think our children can't be allowed similar comforts and coping strategies? 8/

And finally, the books they are seeking out are already teaching them to be the kind of people you want them to become. They will get the rest of the way by your example, and your supportive kindness. So FOR THE LOVE OF GOD stop the nonsense. ALL READING IS GOOD READING. 9/9.