I got word last week that my first published book, a book for children ages 8-12, has been placed on the “Florida Do Not Read” list in classrooms. The Universal Connector: What Chase Sees in Space is a sweet story about a boy who is trying to make friends and make sense of why he can see things in space that others can’t. I have heard from so many readers, parents, and teachers that they loved the story and the message of being brave and staying true to yourself. Now this book is banned in Florida classrooms.

As a former 3rd grade teacher, I wrote this book with students in mind. I wrote this book for the kids who can’t find a book that speaks to them on the bookshelves. I wrote this book for the kid who devours so many books and wants something new. Now my book is no longer an option for those Florida students. So many thoughts and emotions ran through me when I heard the news.

1. My book made it on a list with some of my most favorite authors! Yeah!
2. Why is my book on the list?
3. This could hurt future sales and opportunities for school visits.
4. I’m still publishing the second book in this series in November. They won’t stop me.
5. If they don’t want this sweet chapter book in classrooms, they really aren’t going to want my upcoming YA novel in there!
6. You can’t please everyone. When I pitched this book to big publishing houses, I was repeatedly told I needed to bring in more current trends, especially gender identity and LBGTQIA with the fifth-grade main character. I chose not to. I did decide one of the secondary character’s parents would be same sex. That might be why the book is banned. Hmm.
7. I’m so glad I started Enchanted Moon Press LLC, where we have the freedom to publish what want.
8. Let the kids read. Let them learn. Let them discover. Let them hear stories about characters they relate to and characters that are different from themselves. Just let them read.

If you stand with the banned books, and there’s so many good ones on the list, please support us by buying copies for the young readers in your life. My book can be found at The Universal Connector: What Chase Sees in Space.

I’ve seen video of books being burned in dumpsters behind schools. It breaks my heart. Now all I can see is my book right in the middle of the pile. I stand with banned books. I will continue buying, reading, and sharing some of my favorite banned books, like Charlotte’s Web, Bridge to Terabithia, and The Kite Runner. This won’t stop me from reading and writing, and I hope it won’t stop you either. As always, thank you for your support. Happy Reading!