Episode 177

This episode is a true meeting of the minds. Kiri Jorgensen and I both bring years of passion and experience in children’s literature to the table—and this conversation might just change the way you see your family’s bookshelf.

The world of children’s publishing has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. What once felt simple and safe is now layered with hidden social agendas and stories that often work against the virtues we’re trying to nurture in our kids.

If you’ve ever been told that “as long as they’re reading, it’s fine,” this episode will gently challenge that idea. Not every book deserves a place in your child’s hands, and discernment matters more than ever.

We’re diving deep into how to spot truly good books, why quality matters more than quantity, and what you can do to raise thoughtful, well-read kids in today’s publishing climate.

Parents—you do not want to miss this one.

Kiri’s Bio: Kiri Jorgensen is the Publisher and Senior Editor at Chicken Scratch Books. She is also a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, and most importantly wife and mother. Her involvement in the world of children’s literature spans almost three decades with perspective from many angles—writer, editor, organization leader, and writing instructor for both kids and adults. She also taught school for 16 years where she specialized in gifted and rural education. She loves all books middle grade, but in her heart, she is a teacher. Chicken Scratch Books lets her combine all her passions. Besides the world of teaching and story, Kiri loves gardening, sewing quilts, being in nature, and bragging about her four amazing kids. She lives with her husband and a plethora of animals in rural Montana, where she cooks her meals on a wood-burning cookstove and is grateful every day for being right where she is.

In this episode, Kiri & I talk about:

Chicken Scratch Books: middle grade fiction without hidden social agendas
Traditional American values
Why Kiri started Chicken Scratch Books
The drastic shift in children’s publishing world—and why we should be concerned as parents
Quality, clean literature for kids
How motherhood changed my perspective
Writers are required to bring liberal agenda into their
The political agenda in children’s literature
Kids don’t naturally connect over demographics
Relatable motives are what connects kids to a character
How my degrees in children’s literature are for my kids more than anything else
Podcast Docuseries: Sold A Story
Books are competing with short attention spans
Handing our kids fodder to read
Parents are so desperate for their kids to read anything that they’ll hand them anything regardless
Don’t choose books based on what is most popular
From shock to acceptance
The “stuff” in the background
The power of normalization and the shifts that happen in our kids’ brains when they read
We have to make sure our kids “stay shocked”
Ideas for helping your kids study literature
Teaching our kids discernment through books
Warning about audiobooks: avoid abridged versions
Character development in books affects our children’s budding character
Qualities, habits, and attitudes of characters in books get taken on by our children as they read
Children are vulnerable and impressionable—the children’s publishing world takes advantage of this
(very) popular children’s books that are examples of terrible children’s literature
Why our children need guidance when choosing books
Indirect messaging our kids are picking up reading “approved” middle grade books
Why it’s important that parents know the storylines of books their kids are reading and understand the messages and politics that are being taught through fiction novels
Not so hidden social agendas of entitlement and activism
Activism out of anger: “My life gets meaning by being angry at someone else and trying to force them to do what I want them to do.”
Anti-virtuous attitudes in children’s literature
The culture we bring into our homes—and why it’s so important to intentionally teach virtues and create an intentional family culture
Children’s books and movies used to support parents’ efforts, now they do the opposite
Charlotte Mason living book suggestions
Seek out personal examples of
What virtues and values do you want to teach your children? Make a list!
Practical things parents can do to seek out decent children’s literature
No need to be really obvious (i.e. “you need to be like this character”)…if it’s a good book, your child will relate to the character without hounding
“Books and media can be really powerful tools to teach and reinforce the virtues that you want instilled in your kids”
Parents have control over what media comes into our homes
Have a kid who doesn’t want to read? Do read-alouds!
Every parent has power
Reading aloud is DOABLE. It’s doable and powerful.
There’s value and purpose in every season of parenting
“Embrace who you are, where you are, and look for ways to be grateful for each of the experiences that you’re having along the way because they do culminate into what you become.” -Kiri Jorgensen
Where you can connect with Kiri and shop for Chicken Scratch Books