Texas Scorecard by Sydnie Henry and Matthew DeLaCruz and Erin Anderson and Emily Medeiros August 7, 2023
The conservative alternative to drag queen story time received praise from parents across Texas.On one of the last Saturdays before the upcoming school year, libraries across the state held family-friendly story hours featuring books with biblical and patriotic messages.
Saturday’s national “See You at the Library” day was initiated by BRAVE Books, a company headquartered in Texas that publishes faith-based children’s books promoting traditional American values.
More than 40 locations around Texas hosted these story times for children, sharing stories of life, liberty, and truth.
TaylorThe most infamous of BRAVE story times occurred in Taylor, Texas, where hundreds of families lined the block outside the Taylor Public Library amid LGBT protestors. Local families eagerly awaited the read-alouds from actor Kirk Cameron and former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, who is now an advocate for protecting women’s sports from males seeking to compete as“trans” women.
“To do what’s right to resist evil and not hand our children over to those who have plans to confuse and disorient them … [parents] have been tasked by God to shepherd their little souls,” Cameron said in a speech at the reading. “You doing the right thing will inspire others to do the same.”
The event kicked off with interactive songs and readings for the children as eager families were eventually turned away at the door once the library reached capacity. Then, the special guests were met with a roar of applause.
Cameron has published two books with the faith-based publishing company: “Pride Comes Before the Fall” and “As We Grow.”
He read the latter on Saturday, teaching children about growing in wisdom, as Riley Gaines read “Unmuzzle Me, Please!” by DC Draino, which demonstrates the importance of freedom of speech.
Texas State Rep. Caroline Harris (R–Round Rock) also attended the reading, where she told Texas Scorecard, “[BRAVE Books storybook hour] reminds parents how important it is to invest in their kids. … It is so important for people like Cameron and others to continue to write books that easily teach these important lessons to our kids.”
Marica Watson, executive director of Citizens Defending Freedom of Williamson County, spearheaded organizing the BRAVE Books readings in Williamson County.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/hundreds-of-families-attend-brave-books-readings/
