The Internet Is Divided Over Jennifer Garner’s Reading of Secret Pizza Party—Here’s What’s Happening

Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner has found herself at the center of controversy after reading Secret Pizza Party, a children’s book by Adam Rubin, during a Save the Children literacy event. While the event was intended to promote the joy of reading, some critics have raised concerns about the book’s messaging and its connection to an organization that has recently come under scrutiny.

The Book: A Lighthearted Story or a Problematic Message?

Secret Pizza Party follows a mischievous raccoon who loves pizza so much that he devises elaborate secret plans to get it. The book, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri, is meant to be a humorous and whimsical read, emphasizing creativity and the excitement of a “secret” mission.

However, some have expressed discomfort with its emphasis on keeping secrets, arguing that such messaging might not be appropriate for young children. In particular, critics point out that teaching children to keep secrets—especially from adults—can be a slippery slope when it comes to conversations about safety and child protection.

Despite these concerns, the book is widely regarded as a fun and engaging children’s story, with many parents and educators using it to encourage storytelling and imagination.

Save the Children Under Investigation

Adding to the controversy is the fact that Save the Children, the global nonprofit that hosted the event has recently been under investigation. On October 8, 2024, BBC reported that Guatemalan authorities raided five of the organization’s regional offices due to allegations related to the mistreatment and trafficking of migrant children.

According to reports, prosecutors in Guatemala accused Save the Children of violating the rights of migrant children in their care. While the details of the case are still emerging, this development has raised concerns about the organization’s operations and oversight.

Save the Children has a long history of advocating for children’s rights and providing humanitarian aid worldwide. The organization has denied any wrongdoing and has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities in Guatemala.

Jennifer Garner’s Longstanding Involvement

Jennifer Garner has been a vocal advocate for children’s welfare and literacy for years. She has served as a trustee and ambassador for Save the Children since 2014, working on initiatives to improve early childhood education and nutrition.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-founded the #SAVEWITHSTORIES campaign alongside actress Amy Adams. This initiative featured celebrities reading books online to entertain children during school closures while raising funds for food and educational resources for underprivileged kids.

Garner has also worked closely with Save the Children in the U.S., focusing on children in rural communities who lack access to quality early education. Her passion for child development has made her one of the most prominent celebrity advocates for children’s literacy.

Public Reaction: Praise and Criticism

The internet has been divided in response to the event. Many of Garner’s fans have defended her, stating that she was simply reading a children’s book in an effort to promote literacy. Others argue that the book’s theme, combined with the recent scrutiny on Save the Children, makes it an unfortunate choice.

Some social media users have pointed out that Secret Pizza Party is a widely accepted children’s book, used by parents and teachers for years. Others have suggested that, given the current investigations into Save the Children, a different book might have been a better choice.

Meanwhile, supporters of Save the Children emphasize the organization’s decades-long work in child advocacy and emergency relief. They argue that while the allegations should be taken seriously, they should not overshadow the positive work done by its many employees and volunteers.

🔥🚨BREAKING: Hollywood actress elitist Jennifer Garner has left many of her fans disturbed after uploading a video of herself reading a book titled Secret Pizza Party to children at a Save the Children event, which is currently under investigation for child sex trafficking. The… pic.twitter.com/IAmDej3f9y

— Dom $Lucre Memecoin (@dom_lucre) February 16, 2025

What Happens Next?

Neither Jennifer Garner nor Save the Children has issued an official statement regarding the controversy. It remains to be seen whether the actress will address the backlash or if Save the Children will provide more details about its ongoing legal challenges.

As the investigation in Guatemala continues, scrutiny on Save the Children is likely to persist. At the same time, the discussion around Secret Pizza Party highlights the importance of being mindful of messaging in children’s literature—especially in a world where child safety and advocacy are increasingly in focus.

Regardless of where one stands on the issue, this situation underscores the complexities of celebrity activism, nonprofit accountability, and the power of books in shaping young minds.