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Who wrote 'Big Wig'? #GoWokeGoBroke trends as Pizza Hut slammed for promoting 'drag kids' book

'Never have been a big Pizza Hut fan but I will never enter the doors again,' a critic remarked

Multinational restaurant chain Pizza Hut has been lambasted online after it promoted a book representing “drag kids”. The company has been running a program called ‘BOOK IT!’ since 1984 for PreK-6th grade classrooms, parents and homeschool families while motivating children to read. As per its website, it also organizes a reading camp, ‘Camp BOOK IT!’, during summers.

The site notes that it’s “a free summer reading and activity program to keep kids engaged throughout the summer months. Kids participating in Camp BOOK IT! will be able to earn a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza® for meeting their reading goals each month – just like they do with BOOK IT! during the school year!”

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Who wrote 'Big Wig'? 

A number of books keep getting included into the 'BOOK IT' list, but the latest addition has sparked fury all across the US. People have expressed their anger over the inclusion of a book, named ‘Big Wig’, which is authored by Jonathan Hillman and published by Simon and Schuster.

The children’s book description reads, “In the spirit of Julián Is a Mermaid, this irrepressible picture book celebrates drag kids, individuality, and self-confidence from the perspective of a fabulous wig!”

It adds, "This wonderful read aloud celebrates the universal childhood experience of dressing up and the confidence that comes with putting on a costume. And it goes further than that, acknowledging that sometimes dressing differently from what might be expected is how we become our truest and best selves.”

Hillman, who graduated from Hamline University in Writing for Children and Young Adults (MFAC) program, shared his happiness after Pizza Hut chose his book on Twitter by writing, “Hooray! Thank you @pizzahut for featuring BIG WIG (and for the MANY pizzas over the years 🍕). I grew up doing Book It!, so this is really special. And thank you @mychal3ts for sharing! 🌈 #Pride @LeviHastingsArt @SimonKIDS.”

The writer is also a recipient of "the Walden Pond Press Scholarship for Excellence in Middle Grade Fiction. His essay and poems are featured in the Fat & Queer anthology. Big Wig marks his picture book debut."

But there are many who think ‘Big Wig’ is inappropriate for children and threatened to boycott Pizza Hut. A critic tweeted, “Never have been a big Pizza Hut fan but I will never enter the doors again. I’m not a fan of the woke introductions to kids about gender stuff.” Joe Pags, conservative television and radio talk show host, said: “Companies need to stop kissing up and caring about this ESG BS.  Is @pizzahut really looking to lose millions of customers?  What exactly is wrong with these companies?” “If Pizza Hut wants to groom kids then they can #GoWokeGoBroke,” another critic shared.

A user wrote, “Pizza hut pushing trans propaganda books on children... Looks like from now on when deciding on pizza it will not be @pizzahut.” Alt-right and alt-lite political activist Jack Posobiec said, “I warned you about what Pizza Hut had become but you weren't ready to hear it.” Lebanese-American conservative author, Brigitte Gabriel, remarked, “Pizza Hut has gone full woke, now we must make them full broke.” Nick Adams, Australian-born American conservative political commentator, added: “Pizza Hut betrayed the American people. It is our duty to boycott.”