An Oregon high school counselor is facing criticism after a children's book she authored about "chosen family" resurfaced online, with critics arguing it encourages children to prioritize chosen family over their biological relatives if they don't feel accepted at home.The book, "A Kids Book About Chosen Family" by Madi Bourdon, a high school counselor at Milwaukie High School & Academy of the Arts, is intended for 5–9 year-olds, according to its Amazon listing.It is about the concept of "chosen family," which the book’s description explains as "people who love, see, and support you for being your truest self.There are lots of people who can be a part of your chosen family, and you get to pick who makes you feel the safest and bravest."LOUDOUN COUNTY PARENTS NOT 'SATISFIED' AFTER SCHOOL OFFICIALS TESTIFY ON TRANSGENDER POLICIESPortrait of unrecognizable teenage boy wearing hoodie and hiding face during meeting with therapist or school counselor comforting him.
(Getty Images)"This book is just the invitation to discuss the importance of finding your people, those who see and love you for you, biological or not," Bourdon said in a video clip shared Thursday by the X account, Libs of TikTok.The re-shared clip sparked criticism from conservative accounts on X, including allegations that the book encourages children to distance themselves from parents who reject their gender identity."Members of one’s biological family are not always the people who are family in the ways that matter," Bourdon continued in the clip."Given the tidal wave of legislation aimed at the erasure of underrepresented communities being passed across the country, not to mention the hateful rhetoric being normalized every day against marginalized communities, I wanted to highlight how during this time of what feels like very intense division that chosen families can offer a unique alternative."VIRGINIA SCHOOL DISTRICT SUED OVER ALLEGED POLICY OF KEEPING STUDENTS' GENDER TRANSITIONS HIDDE...