The pervasive, tentacles of the #Me Too Movement have found and firmly wrapped themselves around kids’ book publishing. Though it has come to light that no male “dominated” industry, such as publishing of any kind certainly is, has been left unscathed, it is still incredibly unsettling. And as a kids’ book store owner – it has left me utterly conflicted.

Which is the lesser of two giant evils – censorship or wiping known predators from your shelves?

Jay Asher, author of 13 Reasons Why,  was the first Young Adult author to be exposed. He was expelled from The Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators for violating the harassment code. David Diaz – award-winning children’s book illustrator was also kicked out of the organization for the same reason. James Dashner, author of the Maze Runner series, among many others, came next – he lost his literary agent and has been dropped by Random House due to the allegations made against him. And now… Sherman Alexie is being investigated for several accusations of harassment by Native women.

Which is the lesser of two giant evils – censorship or wiping known predators from your shelves?

There was a time when I wouldn’t carry Orson Scott Card’s – the author of Ender’s Games –  books because of his unabashed homophobic views (a byproduct of his Mormon faith).  But after being asked for them over and over and realizing how truly beloved he is as a science fiction writer, I came to the realization that my disgust of his beliefs had to stay out of what my customers could and could not get at my store. Clearly what I was doing was censorship based on my own views. I had to shut down my opinions, respect the freedom of thought and belief that I am so grateful for,  and open my shelves to what could introduce an amazing world to burgeoning science fiction fans.

What about authors and illustrators who don’t just have views I don’t agree with, but who have actually used their status and position to disempower, bully, objectify, threaten, harass women? – Me. My sister. My friends. My daughter – all our daughters – in the future. My niece – in the future. My customers. My beloved, beautiful posse. My tribe. – What do I do with them?

I don’t know what the ultimate fate of these authors and illustrators will be. Do I really want to support them by selling their books? I really don’t.

Is it censorship? Maybe.

Is it taking a stand? I believe so.

A small one. And one of many that will have to be taken before we even start to see the end of these far-reaching tentacles.