Books Are Windows and Mirrors: Shari Becker on Writing Inclusive Kids' Books and Fighting Bans

SPECIAL EPISODE!

What actually happens when a book gets banned, and who pays the price for it?

Heather sits down with children's author and Whale Rock Workshops founder Sheri Becker to talk about why inclusive books matter for every kid on the shelf, not just the ones who see themselves in the story. Sheri pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to write across difference, why publishers are quietly passing on great books before they're even banned, and what parents can do that actually moves the needle.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

Understand why books work as both windows and mirrors for kids, and why every bookshelf needs bothRecognize what's really driving the current wave of book bans, and why it's nothing newSupport authors, libraries, and publishers in concrete ways, from library requests to buying banned titles directly

Press play to learn why the fight over banned books is really a fight over which kids get to feel less alone.

Head over to Substack for a complete list of Shari's recommended books!

Check out programming at Whalerock Workshops!

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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