Worklife with Adam Grant ReThinking: Raising a new generation of readers with Shannon Hale
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Dec 23, 2025 
Shannon Hale, a prolific author of over 50 books, shares her journey from childhood storytelling to becoming a prominent voice in children's literature. She discusses the importance of empathy in storytelling and critiques the decline of leisure reading among kids. Hale emphasizes the need to validate diverse reading formats, like graphic novels and audiobooks. She highlights how books can defy gender stereotypes and even change attitudes, while calling for a more flexible approach to school curricula that fosters genuine interest in reading.
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The Butterfly Skirt Origin Story
- Shannon Hale's daughter declared 'princesses don't wear black' and imagined princesses as girls coming into power.
- Hale realized limiting princess roles limits girls' possibilities and set out to write versatile princess characters.
Rejection Letters Turned Into Teaching Tools
- Shannon Hale described years of rejection before publishing her first novel at 29 and eventually winning awards.
- She keeps rejection letters laminated to show kids that rejection is part of the journey.
Validate All Forms Of Reading
- Validate all formats of reading: graphic novels, audiobooks, fan fiction and comics count as reading.
- Avoid shaming kids for their preferences and match books to their learning styles.