Dupage Policy Journal

Local parent advocacy group Concerned Parents of Hinsdale is speaking out against the summer reading recommendations issued by Hinsdale School District 181, raising concerns over books they say contain topics—such as homosexuality, transgender identity and nonbinary gender—that are inappropriate for young children. 

The group criticized several books included in the district’s 2025 summer reading list, specifically calling out selections for first through eighth graders.   

“At the request of concerned families, our team conducted a thorough review of all books across the recommended grade-level lists,” Concerned Parents of Hinsdale said in a press release. “We found that several titles contain themes and content that are not developmentally appropriate for the ages they are assigned to.” 

The group says the reading list reflects more than just book choices. They argue that the inclusion of content related to homosexuality, gender identity and transgender issues reflects an ideological agenda and lacks transparency for parents.

“These selections have raised serious questions among parents about the direction of curriculum and the ideological messaging embedded within it,” the press release said. 

One of the most controversial books is "Ordinary People Change the World: Billie Jean King"—recommended for first graders—which includes a passage in which the animated version of tennis legend Billie Jean King discusses her experience of coming out as gay.

“Around this time, I also realized I was gay,” the book reads. “Being gay means that if you're a girl, you love and have romantic feelings for other girls—and if you're a boy, you love and have romantic feelings for other boys.” 

In the same section, King’s character says, “You can’t choose who you fall in love with,” referencing her relationship with a woman named Ilana.

“Why is the district promoting this particular type of content to students as young as 6 years old?” Concerned Parents of Hinsdale said. 

Another book drawing attention is "Katie the Catsitter: Best Friends for Never," recommended for third graders. 

In one scene, a character’s mother speaks to her child about relationships, saying, “Not that you need a boyfriend yet. Or girlfriend. Or nonbinary friend. Or even to define what kind of special friend you want.” 

The mention of nonbinary identity is presented casually in a conversation meant to normalize various forms of relationships and identities. 

The group also flagged "BenBee and the Teacher Griefer," a book for fifth graders. In the book, a girl named Benita asks her teacher to stop addressing her as a girl and start addressing her as a boy. 

“Can you please stop calling me Benita? That isn't my name anymore. It's Ben,” the book reads.  

The character also raises the broader issue of gender-neutral bathrooms. 

“Should I mention that maybe gender-neutral bathrooms would be useful in the future,” the book reads. 

The students in the book are "rising seventh graders," which suggests an age range of around 11-13 years old. 

“Many D181 parents are asking: Why is the district promoting this particular type of content to students as young as 6 years old?” Concerned Parents of Hinsdale said. “Just as troubling, parents report a lack of transparency from district officials. In many cases, families have already purchased these books unaware of their content.” 

The group connects the issue to broader political developments, pointing to Illinois laws and policies that mandate LGBT curricula and limit opt-out rights for parents. 

They specifically referenced HB246, passed in 2019, which requires the teaching of LGBT history, and SB818, passed in 2021, which mandates comprehensive sex education starting in kindergarten. 

Concerned Parents of Hinsdale accuses Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Democratic Party of using political donations and legislation to push these topics into local school systems without adequate input from families. 

“What is happening in D181 is not isolated—it reflects a broader ideological shift taking hold in schools across Illinois,” Concerned Parents of Hinsdale said. “Now is the time for parents to stand together, push back against politicized curriculum, and reclaim their rightful role in their children’s education.” 

Concerned Parents of Hinsdale is encouraging families to review the reading list and to contact school officials. 

“We, as parents, know what is best for our children,” the statement reads. “We must remain their first and strongest advocates.”

See the summer reading lists for D181 below: 

• K–5th Grade Summer Reading List 

• 6th Grade Summer Reading List 

• 7th Grade Summer Reading List 

• 8th Grade Summer Reading List