“All I Want is for Children to Know They Belong”: PEN America Interview

Posted by & filed under Book Bans & Censorship, LGBTQIAP2+, LOVE VIOLET, Picture Books, SCOTUS.

Black background with red Pen America logo, image of Love, Violet cover. Heading: "'All I want is for children to know they belong': Charlotte Sullivan Wild on writing books children can see themselves in" AJ Connelly, April 18, 2025.

As we await the decision from the U.S. Supreme Court about Mahmoud v. Taylor, here is an interview I gave with PEN America, who has supported the authors and illustrators throughout this season.

PEN America Interview with C.S. Wild, April 18, 2025

Life was a blur as I wrote this. Those of us involved in the case were in a whirlwind of speaking out, worrying about the children affected by this case, trying to stay firm despite misinformation and fear mongering. I’m thankful for this opportunity to share! Be sure to check out the interviews with my other colleagues from the “SCOTUS BANNED BOOK CLUB,” too!

Thanks to those advocating for children’s freedom to read! Every small action makes a big difference!

XO Charlotte

Black background with red quotation marks and white text: "Kindness should never be censored... every child should feel safe and welcome in this world."