Jenna Bush Hager and Daughter Mila Champion Intellectual Freedom Amid Rising Book Bans
The conversation surrounding intellectual freedom and censorship in libraries across the United States has gained significant momentum, prompting a powerful voice from an unexpected source: nine-year-old Mila Hager, daughter of television personality and author Jenna Bush Hager. Mila, like many young readers, is “quite disturbed” by the growing movement to restrict access to books, a sentiment shared and amplified by her mother.
Jenna Bush Hager, known for her role as co-host of the *Today Show* and an ardent advocate for literacy, recently opened up on the HollywoodLife Podcast about her family’s personal connection to this critical issue. As the daughter of a librarian and a former teacher herself, Jenna’s deep appreciation for books and the crucial role libraries play in society runs in her veins. Her personal and professional background provides a unique lens through which she views the escalating challenges to literature.
The alarming trend of book bans is not merely anecdotal; it is a documented phenomenon with tangible data. Between January 1 and August 31, 2022, the American Library Association (ALA) recorded a staggering 681 attempts to ban or restrict library resources. These challenges targeted an astonishing 1,651 unique titles, putting the year 2022 on track to surpass the record counts from 2021, according to preliminary data released by the ALA in September. This surge in challenges highlights a concerning shift in the landscape of public and school libraries, where access to diverse perspectives and information is increasingly under threat.
Jenna Bush Hager articulated her strong disapproval of these bans, stating, “I feel like no book should be banned. We live in America, and I think what teachers and librarians are taught to do is to be there for kids and recommend the books that are right for them, so it makes me so sad to hear that.” Her words underscore a fundamental principle of librarianship and education: to foster curiosity, provide varied resources, and guide readers toward books that resonate with them, rather than restrict their choices. The essence of intellectual freedom, she emphasized, lies in making “all of these beautiful pieces of literature that we want to read available” to everyone, especially young, impressionable minds.
The impact of these book challenges extends beyond abstract principles; it deeply affects individuals and families, including Jenna’s own. As a mother, she confronts these issues directly within her household. “I’m a daughter of a librarian, but I’m also my own person and a former teacher, and a mother,” Jenna explained, highlighting the multiple roles that inform her perspective. “It actually has been a topic of conversation in my household. My daughterMilais quite disturbed with it and wants to protest. I’m like, ‘You go girl!’ She’s a reader just like I am.” Mila’s desire to protest is a powerful testament to the emotional and intellectual connection children form with their books, and how deeply they feel the injustice of having those connections threatened.
Mila’s distress is rooted in a very personal fear: that some of her own beloved stories are being targeted. Jenna revealed that her daughter “knows that some of her favorite books are on these ‘ban lists,’ including one of her favorites, *Harry Potter*.” The inclusion of widely cherished titles like *Harry Potter* on lists of challenged books often bewilders young readers and their parents alike, symbolizing the breadth and sometimes arbitrary nature of these censorship attempts. For children, losing access to a story like *Harry Potter* isn’t just about a book; it’s about losing a world, characters who feel like friends, and narratives that have shaped their imaginations and values.
Jenna emphasized the crucial importance of engaging children in discussions about what is happening in their communities and beyond. “I think we underestimate the power of kids. They’re incredible,” she asserted. “It’s so important to have these conversations with our kids about everything that’s going on.” This philosophy extends beyond book banning to all aspects of life, encouraging children to think critically, express their views, and become active participants in society. Empowering children to understand and voice their concerns about issues like intellectual freedom cultivates a new generation of informed and engaged citizens.
The ongoing efforts to remove books from library shelves across the United States are often driven by various concerns, including parental objections to content related to race, gender, sexuality, and history. However, critics argue that these attempts at censorship disproportionately target marginalized voices and limit the diverse perspectives essential for a well-rounded education and a tolerant society. The ALA’s data serves as a stark reminder of the escalating battle over what information and stories children and young adults are allowed to access, highlighting a significant challenge to the principles of open inquiry and democratic discourse.
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In parallel with her advocacy for intellectual freedom, Jenna Bush Hager is also channeling the power of storytelling into another vital cause: environmental protection. She has partnered with Dawn to release a new children’s e-book titled *The Wonderful World Of Blue*. This project, she explains, is intimately connected to her belief in the power of children and the necessity of engaging them in important conversations.
The e-book is specifically designed to inspire the next generation of wildlife heroes and educate both young readers and their parents on the increasing importance of protecting our planet. “I feel like books are a really important way to start conversation and this is a fun book to read,” Jenna shared on the HollywoodLife Podcast. “There’s little tiny nuggets of information and tips that kids can do to really to make a big difference in our environment, and that was something I wanted to be part of.”
This initiative reflects Jenna’s overarching philosophy: empower kids, engage them early, and watch them make a difference. She emphasized, “I think sometimes we forget how awesome kids are and what a big difference they can make.” The book isn’t just didactic; it’s also genuinely engaging. Jenna recounted reading it to her own children: “I’ve read it to my kids and it’s a fun story. It’s something that they all enjoy reading,and my littlest, who is three, keeps saying ‘Blue, blue,’ and I think it’s because he wants me to read it again, which I feel like is a great sign!” This firsthand account highlights the book’s ability to capture young imaginations while subtly instilling crucial environmental values.
The partnership with Dawn comes as the brand celebrates its 50th anniversary. For over 40 years, Dawn has been a quiet but powerful force at the forefront of helping conserve wildlife and the environment, notably through its longstanding partnerships with organizations like International Bird Rescue and The Marine Mammal Center. Their product’s gentle yet effective formula has famously been used to clean oil-soaked animals after environmental disasters, making Dawn a household name in wildlife rescue efforts.
Jenna expressed her enthusiasm for joining forces with such a dedicated brand: “They wanted to be part of the solution, and I feel like at a time, when, we need somebody that’s going to be part of the solution, I wanted to be part of it, too.” She acknowledged Dawn’s historical contribution, explaining, “Their product has been used for many, many years because it’s gentle enough to help save these animals, but now, that’s not enough. They also wanted to make sure that we educate all of our kids with small tips on ways that we can save the world.” This dual approach of direct intervention and preventative education is what attracted Jenna to the collaboration, aligning perfectly with her own passion for empowering the next generation.
In a world grappling with both a rapidly changing environment and ongoing debates about access to information, Jenna Bush Hager stands as a prominent voice advocating for crucial causes. Through her personal experiences, her public platform, and her collaborations, she emphasizes the enduring power of literature to inform, inspire, and foster critical thinking in children. Whether it’s defending a classic like *Harry Potter* from ban lists or introducing a new e-book to teach environmental stewardship, Jenna consistently champions the idea that providing children with stories and knowledge is key to their development and the future of society.
The lessons from Mila’s passionate response to book banning and the hopeful message of *The Wonderful World of Blue* intertwine to form a cohesive call to action: protect intellectual freedom, foster a love for reading, and inspire young minds to care for their world. These are not merely abstract concepts but practical necessities for raising informed, empathetic, and engaged global citizens.
Everyone is encouraged to access *The Wonderful World of Blue* and download the e-book for free HERE. To delve deeper into Jenna Bush Hager’s insights on these topics and more, listen to the full HollywoodLife Podcast interview with Jenna Bush Hager here!