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Reading During Recess24. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis CarrollLewis 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 book’s relationship to humor, music, counterculture, and film. We also discuss the real-life Alice who inspired the book, as well as the continuing debate about Carroll’s personal life and his unusual relationships with children.
Content warning: This episode discusses Carroll’s relationships with children, including his suspected pedophilia.
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2023-08-311h 28
Reading During Recess”The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank BaumIt’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) caps and explore all the possibilities. Is it true that L. Frank Baum was writing about turn-of-the-century populism and monetary policy? Or Buddhism? Or drugs? Why is this book considered the first feminist American children’s book? And what is a Tin Man, anyway? Listen to learn the answers to all these questions, and...
2023-05-111h 22Reading During Recess”Holes” by Louis SacharIn 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. Just remember, this ain’t no Girl Scout camp.
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2023-03-131h 06Reading During Recess”A Series of Unfortunate Events” Part 6: Books 12-13 by Lemony SnicketIn 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 and get one last lesson on the incompetence of the adult world. Then, we shipwreck onto a desert island and unravel a few final mysteries about the Baudelaires and VFD (The End). Memento mori.
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2022-12-051h 21Reading During Recess”Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamilloKate 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 DiCamillo’s refusal to shy away from tough topics, like addiction and incarceration, even though she is writing for young readers. If you like stories about dogs, friendship, sadness, or pickles, then this episode’s got you covered. And if you don’t like any of those things, you should still listen, because we think Kate DiCamillo will change your mind.
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2022-06-171h 13Reading During Recess”A Series of Unfortunate Events” Part 5: Books 10-11 by Lemony SnicketIn 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 reintroduction of an old enemy (Carmelita Spats) and the presence of Isadora Quagmire’s poetry. However, when it comes to The Grim Grotto, we have to admit that we don’t actually like this book all that much. Sorry, Lemony! No hard feelings. We’re still stoked for the grand finale, which will be coming soon to a podcast feed near you.
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2022-04-251h 16Reading During Recess”A Series of Unfortunate Events” Part 4: Books 8-9 by Lemony SnicketThe 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 carnival (book 9). In this episode, we discuss the hilarious and absurd tragedies of the Baudelaires' lives. We also attempt to answer the age-old question: why are so many children’s books about orphans? If you like lions, paperwork, or parentless children, then give this episode a listen.
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2022-02-221h 22Reading During Recess”Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls WilderIn 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 do they tell us about manifest destiny and American mythmaking? And did you know that the books have a direct link to the Libertarian movement? Other topics covered in this episode include: the iconic long-running TV series, the books’ popularity in Japan, and Ronald Reagan’s love of astrology. We also attempt to answer the thorny question o...
2022-01-171h 44Reading During Recess”The Birchbark House” by Louise ErdrichLouise 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, but Erdrich’s novel is really an accomplishment that's in a league of its own. We discuss what makes The Birchbark House so effective, and how it stands in contrast to a long literary tradition of racist children’s books about Native Americans that rely on stereotypes rather than authentic and empathetic portrayals.
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2021-12-061h 15Reading During Recess”A Series of Unfortunate Events” Part 3: Books 6-7 by Lemony SnicketCount 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. What does the Council of Elders in the Village of Fowl Devotees have in common with the U.S. Supreme Court? And why does Esme Squalor remind us so much of Kyrsten Sinema? If you enjoy topical political discussions, and/or critiques of a fictional child’s poetry, then this is the episode for you.
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2021-11-101h 21Reading During Recess”Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz RyanPam 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 exploitation unfortunately remains very relevant today.
Terri also shares a few stories from her own family’s history, which has some intriguing parallels to Esperanza’s.
On a lighter note, this episode includes some improvised singing and a brief appearance of our British accents. We apologize in advance.
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2021-10-251h 24Reading During Recess”A Series of Unfortunate Events” Part 2: Books 4-5 by Lemony SnicketCalling 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 the thoughtful analysis of the books, stay for the discussion of the world’s largest lasagna.
PS: Memento mori.
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2021-09-201h 35Reading During Recess”A Series of Unfortunate Events” Part 1: Books 1-3 by Lemony SnicketDear 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 of Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (“The Bad Beginning,” “The Reptile Room,” and “The Wide Window”). As you might know, these books chronicle the woes of the Baudelaire orphans as they are shuttled from one incompetent guardian to another. Despite the unpleasantness of the Baudelaires’ lives, we manage to have some fun talking about three of our favorit...
2021-08-311h 52Reading During Recess"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann BrasharesALL 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 Lena, or a Tibby, this episode will make you want to put on your favorite jeans and give your friends a big ol’ squeeze.
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2021-08-101h 25Reading During Recess"The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros (with Sonya Lara!)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 and empathy. In celebration of our tenth episode, we are joined by Sonya Lara, a Mexican-American writer from Chicago who has wonderful insights into the book.
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2021-07-141h 14Reading During Recess"The Giver" by Lois LowryJoin 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 also talk about the unfortunate 2014 movie version of “The Giver” that even Taylor Swift couldn’t make good, as well as our thoughts on the novel's infamously ambiguous ending.
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2021-06-301h 06Reading During Recess"Harriet the Spy" by Louise FitzhughLouise 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.
2021-06-091h 12Reading During Recess"One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-GarciaRita 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, the girls learn their mother is a poet and a member of the Black Panther Party. In our episode, we discuss what makes this book so brilliant and how, by focusing on the Black Panthers, it fills a gaping hole in children’s literature. We also bust some myths about the Black Panthers and explore how this book serves as an antidote to sanitized and...
2021-05-251h 03Reading During Recess"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" by Judy BlumeOur 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 make new friends in the suburbs (hint: dress cute and mind your own business), then this episode is for you. What a scream!
Content Warning: This episode discusses weight and body shaming.
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2021-05-121h 10Reading During Recess"Stuart Little" by E.B. WhiteE.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 smug? And why was this book so controversial when it was originally published? Our episode debunks some of the most pervasive myths about this story. For example, did you know that Stuart Little is not actually a mouse? It's shocking but true. Listen to find out more.
2021-04-271h 19Reading During Recess"When My Name Was Keoko" by Linda Sue ParkLinda 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 language and thoughtful character development. Our episode discusses parallels between US imperial history and Japanese imperial history, the importance of reading historical books that are not eurocentric, and why Terri is a Linda Sue Park stan.
Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault.
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2021-04-201h 01Reading During Recess"Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie BabbittIt’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 fountain of youth is okay IF a really cute boy asks you to do it.
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2021-04-1359 minReading During Recess"ttyl" by Lauren MyracleIn 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 2000s. Woo! But underneath all that controversy is an entertaining and innovative story about teen friendship. We talk about the dreaded return of low rise jeans, the differences between texting and IMing, and how to determine whether you are a Maddie, a Zoe, or an Angela.
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses grooming and revenge porn.
2021-04-121h 15Reading During Recess"Matilda" by Roald DahlIn 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 legacy, how the Dursleys are knockoffs of the the Wormwoods, and why Miss Honey was the original Tiny House Hunter. Terri does her British accent. Our apologies to any actual British people who are listening.
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2021-04-1244 min