readingduringrecess
Reading During RecessEpisodes
Episodes of Reading During Recess
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Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel is one of the most famous stories in English literature. But what is it, exactly, about this book that holds such enduring cultural appeal? Join us for a winding romp through Alice’s absurd dreamland. We explore the b
It’s time to pull back the curtain and learn about the book that inspired one of the most beloved films of all time. People have ascribed many meanings to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and in this episode, we put on our conspiracy theory (golden)
In this episode, we celebrate one of the most iconic children's books of the last 25 years. Louis Sachar’s Holes is equal parts comedy, mystery, and a sobering look at the carceral state. Join us for an unforgettable trip to Camp Green Lake. Ju
In the words of Phoebe Bridgers, “the end is here!” After a brief hiatus, our final episode on Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is complete. We travel to a literary hotel (The Penultimate Peril) to meet up with some old friends a
Kate DiCamillo’s debut novel about a lovable stray dog quickly became a contemporary classic. Listen to learn more about why this book has been a staple in middle grade curriculums since its publication in 2000. We really appreciate Kate DiCami
In our penultimate episode about the Baudelaire orphans, we follow the children to the Mortmain Mountains (The Slippery Slope) and under the sea (The Grim Grotto). Our romp through the snow-covered mountains is quite fun, despite the reintroduc
The Baudelaires are back, and thanks to fake news from The Daily Punctilio, they are now fugitives. Luckily, they are able to find shelter in the hinterlands. Unluckily, the shelter they find is a hostile hospital (book 8) and a carnivorous car
In one of our most ambitious episodes to date, we tackle the (wo)man, the myth, the legend: Laura Ingalls Wilder. Wilder’s “Little House” books about her pioneer childhood are some of the most famous books in American literature, but why? What
Louise Erdrich’s first novel for young readers was published in 1999, and it features an Ojibwa family who live near present-day Lake Superior in 1847. The book is often presented as an alternative to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series,
Count Olaf and the gang are all back, and this time they’re hanging out in an ersatz elevator (book 6) and a vile village (book 7). Join us as we discuss the Baudelaires’ continued misfortune and the eerie parallels between their world and ours
Pam Muñoz Ryan’s novel of immigration, trauma, and resilience has been beloved by children and teachers since its publication in 2000. It is a work of historical fiction, but the novel’s focus on the intersection of racism and capitalist exploi
Calling all cake-sniffers! In this episode, we discuss “The Miserable Mill” and “The Austere Academy” by Lemony Snicket. At Lucky Smells Lumbermill and at Prufrock Preparatory School, the Baudelaires’ lives continue to be truly awful. Come for
Dear Listener, we regret to inform you that this podcast episode is extremely unpleasant. If you like podcasts about lucky children who lead charming lives, then this show is not for you. In our twelfth episode, we discuss the first three books
ALL HAIL THE MAGIC PANTS! We’re so hyped to discuss one of our favorite books ever, “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” Ann Brashares’ 2001 novel is an iconic story of friendship, travel, and grief. Whether you’re a Carmen, a Bridget, a Le
Sandra Cisneros's debut novel is a modern classic of Chicano literature. The story follows Esperanza Cordero, a 12-year-old Mexican-American girl living in a Latinx neighborhood in Chicago. Cisneros's writing is alive with the magic of poetry a
Join us for a discussion of Lois Lowry’s award-winning 1993 book, "The Giver," which went on to become the blueprint for dystopian YA. The book remains adored by kids and teens today, despite being one of the most banned books of the 1990s. We
Louise Fitzhugh's classic book about an 11-year-old busybody has delighted children and disturbed adults since its publication in 1964. If you're a fan of tomato sandwiches, gossip, and/or queer subtext, then this episode is for you.
Rita Williams-Garcia’s 2010 novel about the Black Panthers is a middle-grade masterpiece. The book follows three black sisters (Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern) as they visit their estranged mother in Oakland in 1968. Upon arriving in California, t
Our discussion of Judy Blume’s classic and controversial book, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (1970) is here! If you’ve ever wondered why conservatives hate this novel, why fictional tween girls want their periods so badly, or how to ma
E.B. White's weirdest children's book, Stuart Little, was originally published in 1945 and went on to become a contemporary classic. But what is this book really about? Why does a human woman give birth to a mouse-boy? Why is this mouse-boy so
Linda Sue Park's 2002 historical fiction novel, "When My Name Was Keoko," is set in Japanese-occupied Korea during World War II and follows a Korean family as they cope with wartime oppression. It's a beautiful novel that is full of rich langua
It’s time to talk about one of Sarah’s favorite books of all time: Natalie Babbit’s Tuck Everlasting. We discuss whether Winnie Foster is an ecofeminist heroine, why the book is so much better than the movie, and whether drinking from the fount
In our second episode, we discuss Lauren Myracle’s popular and controversial YA novel, ttyl. The novel was written entirely in instant messages (circa 2004), and its language and sexual content has made it one of the most banned books of the 20
In our first episode, we discuss Roald Dahl's children's classic, Matilda! We explore why this book has remained so popular since it was originally published in 1988 (spoiler: kids love weird stories). We also discuss the messiness of Dahl's le
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