Tasslyn Magnusson is a passionate advocate for children’s literature, known affectionately as „kid lit.“ She believes that children’s books play a crucial role in shaping young minds and helping them develop into well-rounded individuals. However, Magnusson is concerned about the increasing efforts to ban books from school libraries, a trend that has been on the rise in Wisconsin and across the country.
In Wisconsin, Magnusson and her colleagues at PEN America found that the state was the second-leading state nationally in the number of school library book removals. This was largely due to one parent in the Elkhorn Area School District who requested a review of 444 books. Similar debates around book bans are happening in other districts in the state, including Magnusson’s own town of Prescott.
As an aspiring children’s author, Magnusson became involved in the kid lit community on social media after completing a master’s degree in writing for children and young adults. She noticed that some of her favorite authors, like Laurie Halse Anderson, were facing challenges with their books being removed from shelves. Inspired by Anderson’s call to track book bans, Magnusson created a spreadsheet to document these incidents, which quickly gained popularity among authors and librarians.
The emotional toll of book ban debates is significant, especially for school staff and librarians. Magnusson has received calls from librarians who feel overwhelmed and demonized during these discussions. Despite facing challenges like proposed legislation that could prosecute staff for providing „obscene“ materials to minors, Magnusson continues to advocate for diverse library collections and the freedom to read.
Magnusson acknowledges that concerns about children’s reading materials often stem from genuine fears and worries for their well-being. She advises parents to communicate with teachers and librarians about their concerns before escalating the issue to public forums like school board meetings. By staying calm and transparent about the review process, Magnusson believes that the temperature of the debate can be lowered.
For Magnusson, the most important aspect of the book ban debate is the impact on students. When books are taken off shelves, it deprives young readers of valuable resources that can help them navigate their identities and emotions. With mental health challenges on the rise among high school students in Wisconsin, Magnusson emphasizes the importance of providing access to books that can support and empower young people during a critical time in their lives.
In conclusion, Tasslyn Magnusson’s dedication to advocating for children’s literature and fighting against book bans highlights the importance of preserving access to diverse and inclusive reading materials for young readers. Through her work, she hopes to ensure that all children have the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow through the power of books.