In a recent episode of the Las Culturistas podcast, Jenna Bush Hager opened up about her family’s reading preferences, particularly focusing on her 13-year-old daughter, Mila. During the conversation, which aired on May 20, Bush Hager, a co-host on the Today show, shared her desire to pass down one of Judy Blume’s best-loved books, *Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret*, to her daughter. However, the renowned author herself had some words of wisdom on the matter.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jenna-bush-mila-judy-blume-052126-45d89b47dcb5496ab27c6b56cccb13cf.jpg)
Bush Hager recounted how she was thrilled to have received a copy of Blume’s iconic novel, seeing it as an opportunity to introduce Mila to a book that holds significant importance for many readers. When she expressed her intention to gift it to her daughter, Blume, now 88, closely advised against it. “You can’t give that to Mila,” Blume reportedly told Bush Hager, explaining that children often prefer to discover books on their own, without the influence of a parent recommending them.
Surprised by this unique guidance, Bush Hager listened as Blume suggested a more subtle approach: “Hide it somewhere and let her find it.” This recommendation resonated with Bush Hager, who believes in the importance of allowing children to explore literature independently. She articulated her thoughts, stating, “Kids need to be empowered to find their own sort of way. Like nobody gave you that book. You discovered it. And there’s something really empowering about that.”
This exchange highlights a broader conversation about parenting and literature, particularly regarding the ways in which children engage with books. Bush Hager emphasised that her daughter enjoys literature that evokes strong emotional responses, which she feels is a vital part of the reading experience. “She likes to feel when she reads, which is something I also really like,” she noted.
During the podcast, Bush Hager also reflected on her daughter’s evolving reading tastes. Mila has shown an affinity for popular series such as Jenny Han’s novels, as well as the books from the Harry Potter and Hunger Games franchises. According to her mother, Mila gravitates towards stories that underline empathy and emotional depth, making it a priority for Bush Hager to guide her daughter’s literary choices in that direction.
The bond between mother and daughter extends to their shared literary experiences. In September 2024, Bush Hager revealed that Mila read *Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret* and even discussed it with Blume during a Zoom call. Bush Hager recounted the moment when Mila entered the room, recognised the legendary author, and expressed, “You wrote the first chapter book I ever read.” This connection underscores the significance of Blume’s work and its impact on generations of young readers.
Bush Hager’s family, which includes her two other children, Poppy and Hal, enriches her insights on parenting and literature. The supportive environment she fosters encourages her children to explore a variety of texts, enabling them to grow into empathetic readers. As she continues to adapt Blume’s *Summer Sisters* for screen, her commitment to literary engagement remains steadfast.
While the focus of the conversation was light-hearted, it raised deeper questions about how parents navigate their children’s paths in literature. Philanthropist and former First Daughter, Bush Hager appears to be nurturing a love for reading in her children without imposing her own literary choices on them, mirroring Blume’s sentiments.
In a world where digital distractions are rampant, the ethos of letting children discover books on their own terms seems more pertinent than ever. This approach not only fosters independence but also cultivates a genuine appreciation for literature, as demonstrated by Bush Hager’s reflections on her daughter’s reading journey. As parents and guardians continue to encourage young readers, the insights from literary icons like Judy Blume may serve as truly invaluable guidance.