“For a child that doesn’t read, the world is a closed book.”
Those profound words were the opening line in a 1973 PSA for an organization called “Reading Is Fundamental,” or ‘RIF.’ Founded in 1966, Its national campaigns during the early 70’s and 80’s spoke to the heart of American’s concern for the then declining literacy numbers, and academic challenges facing the nation.
According to Education.net, “Americans who went to school during the 1960s ranked a respectable 3rd; those schooled in the 1970s ranked 5th. But 16- to 25-year-olds, adults who were wandering America’s School hallways during the 1980s and 1990s, ranked 14th. In short, the literacy survey records a simple, steady progression downward.”
When it comes to current rankings, RIF’s own website shares the following abysmal statistics:
“34% of children entering kindergarten lack the basic skills needed to learn how to read; 65% of 4th graders read below grade level contributing to 8,000 students dropping out of high school every day; 37% of students graduate high school at or above reading proficiency.”
If those numbers are true (and likely, they are higher), coupled with America’s education world ranking at 27% you would think the American education system along with teacher’s unions would be laser focused on improving our children’s academic experience, while giving our children the best possible start.
Well, you’d be wrong!
According to NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association), an organization whose mission statement boasts to be, “a research-based, not-for-profit organization that supports students and educators worldwide by creating
assessment solutions that precisely measure growth and proficiency,” has taken an approach that offers everything but that.
A recent article at nwea.org revealed their suggestions for “The 20 LGBTQ+ books for K–12 readers during Pride Month and throughout the year.” Couple those shocking numbers referenced earlier and the fact that only a few short months ago we ended a lockdown period. No wonder most of our children’s basic skill levels dropped significantly. Unfortunately, a significant number of those tasked with helping America’s children become more intellectually sound only desire that they be more Woke.
As parents, our advice has long been (among other things) to make sure our kids stayed in school. Now, if NWEA is, as they say, “trusted by educators in more than 9,500 schools, districts, and education agencies in 145 countries,” I’m afraid most conservatives would find themselves making sure our kids stayed away from schools. Especially when their indoctrination is not only evident, but bragged about
In fact, you may be surprised to discover find one or more these 20 books currently at your children’s schools.
Here are those books and the summaries offered:
1.‘Love Makes a Family’ written by Sophie Beer
“Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share.”
2. ‘The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish’
written by Lil’ Miss Hot Mess
“This delightful play on “Wheels on the Bus” follows a dazzling drag queen on her way to perform a show. It’s a joyful reminder to celebrate uniqueness and a great introduction to the art form of drag for small kiddos.”
..and for the pre-k market:
3. ‘Pride 123’, written by Michael Joosten
“Celebrate and march along in the Pride Parade with this lively counting board book!1 parade in the month of June. 2 DJs spin fabulous tunes. 3 families of all different types. 4 activists fight the good fight. Teach your little
ones about the Pride Parade with this colorful, energetic counting book!”
4. ‘Love in the Wild’ written by Katy Tanis
“This colorful celebration of love is based on scientists' observations of same-sex couples, adoption, non-binary gender expression and more. Author-illustrator Katy Tanis is currently earning a MA in Biology from Miami University of Ohio. Her graduate work, partnering with the Wildlife Conservation Society, explores the promotion of conservation biology through art.”
5. ‘Bathe the Cat’ written by Alice B. McGinty
“Two dads lead the way: Dad and Papa are the heads of this large and loving biracial family, mirroring illustrator David Robert’s own orientation and providing picture book readers with a positive depiction of LGBTQ+ characters in a fun and funny family story.”
..and of course, picture books for grades K–3:
6.’Calvin’ written by Vanessa and Jr. Ford
“Inspired by the authors’ child, Calvin follows a transgender boy as he prepares for his first day of school. He has worries about introducing himself to friends and teachers, but his family and classmates rally around him. It’s a great story about inclusivity and creating welcoming environments so everyone can thrive!”
7.’My Rainbow’ written by Deshanna and Trinity Neal
“Trinity is a transgender, neurodivergent kiddo in search of long hair like her dolls have. When a trip to the beauty store disappoints, Trinity’s mom springs into action, crafting a wig as radiant as her daughter. This one is a really sweet celebration of living authentically and loving without limits.”
..more picture books for the early grades:
8.Ho’onani: Hula Warrior, written by Heather Gale
“Ho’onani feels in-between. She doesn’t see herself as Wahine (girl) or Kan e(boy). She’s happy to be in the middle. But not everyone sees it that way. When Ho’onani finds out that there will be a school performance of a traditional kane hula chant, she wants to be part of it. But can a girl really lead the all-male troupe? Ho’onani has to try . .”
9.‘Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle’ written by Nina LaCour
“For one little girl, there’s no place she’d rather be than sitting between Mama and Mommy. So when Mommy goes away on a work trip, it’s tricky to find a good place at the table. As the days go by, Mama brings her to the
library, they watch movies, and all of them talk on the phone, but she still misses Mommy as deep as the ocean and as high as an astronaut up in the stars.”
10. ‘Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution’ written by Rob Sanders
“A powerful and timeless true story that will allow young readers to discover the rich and dynamic history of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement–a movement that continues to this very day.’
Why do we need to expose six and seven year olds to the gay civil rights movement? Last I checked, sex didn’t need to be PreK topic. But thanks to leftism, it gets worse!
