A recent study claims that public libraries and publishers are promoting a progressive and altered interpretation of history to young readers, while downplaying traditional American beliefs.
The report, titled “The Faith Gap in America 250,” comes from the conservative entity Brave Books and examined over 300 titles from 25 reading lists compiled by various children’s publishers, libraries, and other organizations in preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Surprisingly, the study found no books that mentioned faith, religious liberty, or Christianity’s impact on America’s founding, despite the First Amendment emphasizing religious freedom.
Notably absent were discussions about the Great Awakening or the religious aspects of the Founding Fathers, while it featured works like Ibram X. Kendi’s *Stamped for Kids* and Nicole Hannah-Jones’s *Born on the Water*, a picture book associated with the contentious 1619 Project.
The lists included several titles aimed at young children that centered on transgender issues during the 1969 Stonewall Riots. Furthermore, they prominently featured Kate Messner’s *History Smashers* series, which purports to expose the “myths, lies, and secrets” of American history, along with sympathetic biographies of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris—while lacking comparable works on Republican leaders.
Brave Books detailed that the most recurring themes in these recommendations were the American Revolution, minority perspectives, black history, civil rights, and women’s history. Books discussing American symbols, classic works, the Founders, and civics were notably fewer in number.
The language used in the report highlighted terms like “complicated,” “hidden,” and “untold” to describe American history. Brave Books argues that this approach seems aimed more at reframing history than celebrating it.
While acknowledging that many selected books possess literary value and convey essential historical viewpoints, Brave Books emphasized the omission of faith creates an imbalanced understanding of U.S. history for future generations.
The findings were met with criticism from figures like former HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson and Outkick host Riley Gaines, both affiliated with Brave Books.
Dr. Carson noted that the Declaration of Independence highlights rights as coming from a Creator. He mentioned how significant figures, including Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, recognized their faith as a source of strength.
He asserted that for youth to grasp the true essence of freedom, it’s vital to comprehend the significance of faith and religion in American history.
Carson further argued that a lack of awareness regarding the roots of freedom could make future generations indifferent about safeguarding it. He referenced President Ronald Reagan’s view that freedom could easily fade within one generation and stated that if children are taught a version of history that overlooks the foundational roles of faith and courage, they’re not being educated in the right way.
Gaines added that fostering a love for country doesn’t entail ignoring its shortcomings, but it also doesn’t mean elevating those flaws. She pointed out that many educational institutions focus excessively on America’s imperfections, potentially losing sight of what makes it great, free, and prosperous.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, she emphasized that children should learn about the hopeful and opportunity-filled aspects of America, rather than just its mistakes. Gaines concluded that this isn’t indoctrination—it’s about providing a complete picture.
Brave Books CEO Trent Talbot claimed the report sheds light on systemic issues within education, suggesting a deliberate move to marginalize Christian influences from the country’s historical narrative.
Talbot remarked that if the reading list for America’s anniversary lacks mentions of Christianity, it is not an oversight but a deliberate decision. He asserted that the biases evident aren’t limited to specific regions—they exist systemically across the entire country.
In light of these findings, Brave Books has initiated a book campaign aimed at celebrating the 250th anniversary of America, promoting a more optimistic narrative of its history.
New releases from the publisher include Carson’s *Built on Faith*, Gaines’ picture book *One Two Three We Are Free*, and Kirk Cameron’s *Built by the Brave*. The goal is to offer families alternative literature that honors America’s history of faith, courage, and accomplishments.
“We started Brave Books because we anticipated this trend,” Talbot commented, noting that the library system doesn’t suffer from a diversity issue but rather a problem of uniformity. He believes major institutions have come to a tacit agreement on the perspectives children should adopt regarding America, sidelining themes of faith, patriotism, and pride in achievement.
