Supreme Court Considers KidLit With LGBTQ+ Themes

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission.

S. Zainab likes to believe she writes with passion, though the thought makes her a bit dizzy. Specializing in fantasy and horror, she currently holds onto a manuscript while navigating through the darkness. You can connect with her on Twitter: @sainabwilliams. See all of S. Zainab Williams’ posts here.

Welcome to Today in Books, a daily collection of literary news covering politics, culture, media, and beyond.

If you heard a distant sigh, that was me. I wish for a world where recognizing the diversity of identities that surround us isn’t controversial; where stories about a lost puppy at a Pride festival or a transgender child succeeding in a karate competition don’t spark outrage and opposition. A group of parents and educators called Kids First is suing Maryland’s largest school system to allow students to opt-out of classes where books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes are discussed. They claim these books infringe on their religious freedom under the First Amendment. Some fear the implications of a ruling in favor of Kids First, as it may impact public schools’ ability to shape their curricula. This case has drawn attention, with concerns raised about the broader consequences. The disputes are reminiscent of past legal battles over topics like evolution, the Big Bang theory, and children’s literature involving wizards and giants.

Heartstopper Bids Farewell With a Film
The popular and highly praised series based on the YA graphic novels by Alice Oseman will conclude with a Netflix movie. The film, inspired by Oseman’s upcoming sixth volume, will continue the story from where season 3 left off, focusing on Nick and Charlie’s enduring love strained by the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Filming is set to commence this summer, but no release date has been announced yet.

More Controversy Surrounding Neil Gaiman
While I try to space out negative news in this newsletter, some stories cannot be ignored. Neil Gaiman is pursuing a $500,000 claim against Caroline Wallner, who accused him of sexual misconduct. Wallner, a single mother of three, alleged that she was coerced into a sexual encounter with Gaiman in exchange for housing on his property. Gaiman is invoking a breach of the nondisclosure agreement Wallner signed in return for $275,000. The move to arbitrate has raised eyebrows, as it may appear unfavorable to Gaiman. The outcome remains uncertain due to existing laws on nondisclosure agreements. Gaiman’s response to the allegations in the original Vulture story has been criticized for lacking self-awareness.

Today’s Book News
Sign up for Today in Books to receive daily updates and tidbits from the world of literature.

The comments section follows our community guidelines to ensure a safe and supportive environment for readers.