LGBTQ

She Offered an LGBTQ-Themed Book to Her Middle Schoolers. Parents Filed a Police Report

“The notion that I was putting children in danger because of books ... I knew I couldn’t go back"

Illinois middle school teacher Sarah Bonner has offered her students a diverse collection of books for 20 years. But her book choice this year backfired.
Courtesy Sarah Bonner

Sarah Bonner has been an Illinois middle school teacher for 20 years, and she has always tried to offer her students a diverse collection of books.

This year, a parent called the police over her book choice.

It started on Monday, March 13, 2023, when she held what she calls a “book tasting" for students.

“I wanted to give them a smattering of fiction and nonfiction to choose from on a day that we call ‘Reading Monday,” Bonner, 42, tells TODAY.com. “We just read and celebrate books.”

One of those books was Juno Dawson’s “This Book is Gay.” It's a bestselling nonfiction book that's billed by its publisher as an entertaining and informative "instruction manual" for anyone coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans.

In 2019, Sarah Bonner won a National Council of Teachers of English award for "Outstanding Middle Level Educator." Courtesy Sarah Bonner

'Things have really changed for students'

Over the years, Bonner has watched her students graduate and go to college, only to return a year later because, she says, "They had a tough time acclimating to bigger, more diverse spaces."

"I wanted to do something to support them," Bonner, who has a 10-year-old son, says.

After listening to her students' questions and interests, Bonner structured a curriculum that she says included "a diverse library of texts," including books centering Black, Indigenous and LGBTQ characters and themes.

"I've been fortunate up until now to be supported by the communities that I've taught with," Bonner says. "The signs (of a potential issue) started at the beginning of this school year ... and this heightened culture war that's continuing to build nationwide."

Sarah Bonner, a seasoned educator, wrote a book that "provides teachers with step-by-step guidance for developing a class culture that welcomes curiosity and ignites social action." Courtesy Sarah Bonner

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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