Let the kids read: Why your child's bookshelf might be more powerful than you think
Ep. 97 of All Figured Out Podcast
A conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein on book bans, back braces, and the brilliance of Judy Blume
If you grew up devouring Judy Blume books by flashlight under the covers, this one’s for you.
In Episode 89 of All Figured Out, Andrea sits down with author and cultural critic Rachelle Bergstein to explore the impact of children’s literature—not just on kids, but on parents, feminism, and the way we navigate the messiness of growing up.
Rachelle’s latest book, The Genius of Judy, is part memoir, part cultural analysis, and a total love letter to the author who made so many of us feel seen. In this conversation, she shares why books that once felt like “junk food” are actually quietly revolutionary, and how reading with her son changed the way she thinks about censorship, agency, and growing up.
Here’s what you’ll take away from the episode:
1. Kids are excellent self-censors. If they’re not ready for something, they’ll tune it out. You don’t need to pre-read every book your kid picks up—you just need to keep the lines of communication open.
2. Reading isn’t just about literacy. Books give kids a safe place to explore tricky topics like puberty, family changes, and identity. And they offer parents a powerful opening to connect and reflect.
3. Let them follow their interests. Graphic novels. Dragon fantasies. Silly Arthur spin-offs. Rachelle argues it all counts. The goal is a love of reading—not a checklist of “serious” books.
4. Judy Blume was doing feminism before we had the language for it. Her books tackled periods, divorce, masturbation, and mother-daughter dynamics in a way that was groundbreaking—and still resonates today.
5. Book banning is a parenting issue. The rise in censorship affects all of us. Rachelle’s advice? If you’re worried about what your kid is reading, read it with them. And then talk about it.
Our favourite moment:
Andrea shares how Judy Blume’s Deenie helped her navigate the emotional rollercoaster of wearing a back brace as a teen—and how sometimes the right book finds you exactly when you need it.
More from Rachelle:
Website: rachellebergstein.com
Instagram: @rachellewb
Grab The Genius of Judy in paperback—out now!
About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out
Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.
Connect with Andrea via Instagram here.
