The nation’s 250th birthday is just around the corner, which means it may be time to stop disparaging and start celebrating America, as far as Kirk Cameron is concerned.
The Christian actor and two other conservative luminaries — Ben Carson and Riley Gaines — released a package of children’s books this week designed to counter anti-American narratives in academia, media and popular culture by teaching kids about the nation’s founding and accomplishments.
“Right now, there is a message being drilled into the next generation from every direction: that America is something to be ashamed of,” said Mr. Cameron in a statement. “But here is what they are not telling your kids. This is the nation that abolished slavery, toppled tyrannies, liberated millions, and created technology that changed the world.”
He said America is “built on the most radical idea in the history of governance: that your rights do not come from a king. They come from God. Our children deserve to know that story.”
The Brave Books America Wins Bundle includes signed copies of three newly published illustrated children’s books: “Built by the Brave” by Mr. Cameron, “Built on Faith” by Dr. Carson and “1, 2, 3, We Are Free!” by Ms. Gaines.
The package is part of the conservative faith-based publisher’s campaign to “restore patriotism, faith and truth in the next generation” amid troubling signs of a decline.
Brave Books pointed to a Gallup poll last June showing that only 41% of adults born after 1996, known as Generation Z, reported being proud to be an American.
“America is turning 250 this year,” said Brave Books in a press release. “While that milestone should be cause for celebration, an entire generation of children is being taught to see this country as something to be ashamed of.”
Ms. Gaines, a leading figure in the battle for single-sex female sports, said she was inspired by the birth of her first child, a daughter, in October.
“I don’t know about you, but I am pretty sick of people who hate America telling our kids they should too,” she said. “I just had a daughter, and I am not letting anyone convince her to be ashamed of this country. While we are not perfect, we still have the greatest form of government ever created. And it is worth fighting for.”
Dr. Carson, a retired pediatric brain surgeon and former secretary of Housing and Urban Development, said the books are needed to counter the prevalence of anti-American teachings.
“It is critical that we teach the next generation about our country’s founding because an honest look at our history will show you that there is a lot more good than there is bad and ugly, and a lot more to be proud of than there is to be ashamed of,” Dr. Carson said. “The Marxist playbook is to change a nation by rewriting and distorting its history. You are only vulnerable to them if you don’t know your history.”
Founded in 2021, the Texas-based Brave Books features children’s works with messages that reinforce biblically based values, often written by well-known conservative figures.
Brave Books made a splash in 2022-23 by partnering with Mr. Cameron to conduct children’s book readings at public libraries known for hosting drag-queen story hours, drawing large crowds of supporters as well as resistance from library personnel.
The America Wins Bundle, which includes books as well as patriotic toys, puzzles and keepsakes, isn’t cheap. It sells for $177.60, although Brave Books said the package would normally retail for more than $300.
“What we have built with Dr. Ben Carson, Kirk Cameron and Riley Gaines for America’s 250th birthday is the most ambitious and important project we have ever undertaken,” said Trent Talbot, Brave Books’ founder and CEO. “These are not just books. This is a movement. And these three voices represent exactly the kind of courage, faith and conviction that built this country in the first place.”
The 250th anniversary of the Second Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence falls on Saturday, July Fourth.
