As an avid reader for whom books opened many new worlds and as a trained school librarian, I place high value on widening the knowledge and understanding of our VA children. Rarely in the first three grades would material of the kind objected to by this bill be offered. After that age, children are beginning to think more abstractly, ask questions and form tentative conclusions. It is the breadth of information that helps them work thru that maturing. We should not be limiting that source when the acts objected to are not a subject promoted by the book. The distinction I make is that a book that describes an experience of growing up with gender identity struggle is valid; a book that promotes a particular gender identity is not. This is nuanced - as many of our freedoms are. But learning to live with nuances is part of maturing - and is encouraged by reading.
I oppose any restriction by the Commonwealth on books offered in grades 4 thru high school except that descibed above.