Once a welcomed literary event in schools across the nation, Scholastic Book Fairs have become increasingly controversial thanks to the company’s decision to actively promote and disseminate children’s books that push critical race theory and LGBTQ ideology.

Founded in the 1920s, Scholastic now sells millions of books to school-age children via 120,000 book sale events in schools throughout the nation.

Hundreds of Alaska schools partner with Scholastic each year as a way to both raise money and widely distribute books. Over the past two months, there have been more than 50 Scholastic book fairs around the state with many more planned.

Teachers and librarians also use the company for classroom instructional materials and to stock library collections.

Most parents are unaware that Scholastic Book Fairs also disseminate hundreds of books that glamorize gender transitioning, encourage LGBTQ sexuality and promote critical race theory.

According to Cameron, Scholastic is one of the primary reasons controversial and pornographic books show up in schools and libraries across the nation.

In response to this agenda, a new alternative to Scholastic has emerged – SkyTree Book Fairs. Endorsed by former TV star Kirk Cameron, the new company provides schools, parents and children books that are rooted in truth and traditional family values.

Cameron, who serves as a board member of SkyTree, was inspired to partner with the company after touring the country to read Christian-themed books aimed at countering drag queen story hours.

In a recent email alert, Cameron said SkyTree is committed to providing wholesome books.

“No more race-infused storylines. No more confusing gender content,” he explained. “Only age-appropriate content that will nurture childhood innocence and character.”

According to Cameron, Scholastic is one of the primary reasons controversial and pornographic books show up in schools and libraries across the nation.

“You really can’t get away from them if your kids are going to school,” Cameron told American Family News. “This stuff is pervasive. They’re not just a thousand-pound gorilla in the space of children’s books; they are children’s books.”

According to a recent article in Publishers Weekly, Scholastic is doubling down in its efforts to ensure kids have access to controversial material.

After receiving backlash from leftists for creating special alternative book fairs with LGBTQ and critical race theory content Scholastic has decided to plant these types of books into its traditional book fairs.

For the 2024 fair season, Scholastic President Ellie Berger said the company is looking at various options.

“Book Fairs is working on a pivot plan as we speak,” she wrote in October. “We will find an alternate way to get a greater range of books into the hands of children.” She added that Scholastic’s “commitment to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ authors and stories remains foundational” for the company.

SkyTree Book Fairs, by contrast, “promote wholesome literature while protecting childhood innocence,” the company website states. It adds that all its book fairs contain “pre-screened content that promote transparency for librarians and parents.”

TAKING ACTION

— To learn more about SkyTree Book Fair, or to schedule one locally, click here.

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