Oregon High School Counselor Faces Backlash Over Children’s Book
An Oregon high school counselor is under fire after a children’s book about “chosen families” gained attention online. Detractors argue that the book encourages kids to value chosen families over their biological ones, particularly if they feel unsupported at home.
The book, titled “Children’s Books About Chosen Families” by Maddy Bourdon, is intended for children ages 5 to 9, as noted on its Amazon listing.
It explores the idea of a “chosen family,” meaning people who love and support you for who you really are. According to the book description, “There are many people who can be part of the family you choose, and you can choose who makes you feel the safest and bravest.”
Bourdon stated, “This book is an invitation to discuss the importance of finding your people—those who see you and love you, whether biological or not.” A clip that included these remarks was posted recently, stirring up discontent among conservative circles on social media.
Some critics claimed that the book promotes distancing children from parents who may not accept their gender identity. Bourdon added in her video, “Members of your biological family are not necessarily your family in any important way.” She highlighted the current societal climate, pointing to legislation against marginalized communities and the rise of negative rhetoric, suggesting chosen families can provide vital support during these divisive times.
The video’s backdrop featured a Pride flag and a “Black Lives Matter” sign, along with various posters and illustrations.
A post from Libs on TikTok, which shared the video clip, noted, “Introducing your Oregon high school counselor, Maddy Bourdon. She writes children’s books about ‘chosen families,’ telling children that if their parents don’t accept their gender identity, they can sever ties with their parents and find a new family.” Jennifer McWilliams, co-founder of Courage is a Habit, echoed these sentiments, saying, “Maddy believes that children should choose their own families and that the family they are born into is less important than their ‘chosen family.’”
In response to this controversy, a spokesperson for Milwaukee High School and Academy of the Arts said that the school district typically does not comment on the private actions of its staff or on books published by individuals in their personal capacity.
