As homeschooling parents, we are particular about what our children learn. If the public school system does not back family values, the children can learn elsewhere. So saying, we need t be watchful of what goes into our children. Even the books they read.

When my children were learning to read, I let them read just about anything. I thought, “What could be wrong in a children’s book?” Society has changed in the last dozen years!

Fort example, I picked up a scholastic approved book. As a homeschool parent, I proofread my children’s book. As some of my children are now in college, I read along with them, aware of what is going into their minds. Good story plot but it’s the ‘extras’. The book I read was Lila and Hadley. Basically, a pre-teen going blind, needs to live with her older sister and befriends a dog. Cool. But… Then I find out the older sister has a girlfriend. Not in the way of girls, but could it not have been a boyfriend?! While my kids could learn from growth and change, learning to accept alternative lifestyles is not what I endorse. I tore the book and trashed it, not willing other families to share the book with their kids.

Some books are learn as you go. Growing up, I read Tom Sawyer. Great book. It must’ve been edited. Because as my children got older, I bought an unabridged book. Whew! Cussing. Not what I approve. Then my college son has to read it. He said he was quite disappointed. Good!

Can you make good literature without swearing or alternative lifestyles?

Over the years, I have updated my library. I only want the best. Now, Morris the Moose, is there. But so are older, classical literature volumes. There was a time I trusted my high school senior daughter to read. I let her help proofread books for the younger siblings. Anything she knew I would disapprove of, out it went.

Is this book banning? Yes. I also do not want my children to be comfortable with sinful lifestyles, whether it be speech or living or something else. They will probably get acquainted with it in the world. But let them be shocked. I am.

I am raising my children this way. I have learned Not to trust unfamiliar authors until they are tested, even when they promote themselves as Scholastic.