Episodes
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Lewis Carrollâs 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 Aliceâs absurd dreamland. We explore the bookâs 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 Carrollâs personal life and his unusual relationships with children.
Content warning: This episode discusses Carrollâs relationships with children, including his suspected pedophilia.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
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Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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Itâs 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 childrenâs book? And what is a Tin Man, anyway? Listen to learn the answers to all these questions, and more!
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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Episodes manquant?
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In this episode, we celebrate one of the most iconic children's books of the last 25 years. Louis Sacharâs 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 ainât no Girl Scout camp.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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In the words of Phoebe Bridgers, âthe end is here!â After a brief hiatus, our final episode on Lemony Snicketâs 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.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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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 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.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected] -
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 reintroduction of an old enemy (Carmelita Spats) and the presence of Isadora Quagmireâs poetry. However, when it comes to The Grim Grotto, we have to admit that we donât actually like this book all that much. Sorry, Lemony! No hard feelings. Weâre still stoked for the grand finale, which will be coming soon to a podcast feed near you.
If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe/follow! Ratings and reviews help new listeners find our show.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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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 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 childrenâs books about orphans? If you like lions, paperwork, or parentless children, then give this episode a listen.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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In one of our most ambitious episodes to date, we tackle the (wo)man, the myth, the legend: Laura Ingalls Wilder. Wilderâs âLittle Houseâ 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 booksâ popularity in Japan, and Ronald Reaganâs love of astrology. We also attempt to answer the thorny question of what should be done with racist childrenâs books.
Content warning: This episode discusses racism against Native Americans, and includes some of Wilder's racist descriptions of the Osage people.
Further reading: âPrairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilderâ by Caroline Fraser
If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe/follow! Ratings and reviews help new listeners find our show.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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Louise Erdrichâs 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 Wilderâs Little House series, but Erdrichâs 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 childrenâs books about Native Americans that rely on stereotypes rather than authentic and empathetic portrayals.
If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe/follow! Ratings and reviews help new listeners find our show.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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Count Olaf and the gang are all back, and this time theyâre hanging out in an ersatz elevator (book 6) and a vile village (book 7). Join us as we discuss the Baudelairesâ 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 childâs poetry, then this is the episode for you.
If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe/follow! Ratings and reviews help new listeners find our show.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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Pam Muñoz Ryanâs 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 novelâs focus on the intersection of racism and capitalist exploitation unfortunately remains very relevant today.
Terri also shares a few stories from her own familyâs history, which has some intriguing parallels to Esperanzaâs.
On a lighter note, this episode includes some improvised singing and a brief appearance of our British accents. We apologize in advance.
If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe/follow! Ratings and reviews help new listeners find our show.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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Calling all cake-sniffers! In this episode, we discuss âThe Miserable Millâ and âThe Austere Academyâ by Lemony Snicket. At Lucky Smells Lumbermill and at Prufrock Preparatory School, the Baudelairesâ lives continue to be truly awful. Come for the thoughtful analysis of the books, stay for the discussion of the worldâs largest lasagna.
PS: Memento mori.
If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe/follow! Ratings and reviews help new listeners find our show.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter @reading_recess
Find our show on Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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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 of Lemony Snicketâs âA Series of Unfortunate Eventsâ (âThe Bad Beginning,â âThe Reptile Room,â and âThe Wide Windowâ). 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 Baudelairesâ lives, we manage to have some fun talking about three of our favorite books from childhood. In this episode, we discuss absurdist humor, metafiction, and why our fave (Lemony Snicket) is, unfortunately, problematic. Listen all the way to the end for an explanation of why being a young adult in 2021 feels a lot like being a Baudelaire orphan.
Lastly, let this episode be a sign that you should stop texting back the Captain Sham in your life, whomever he may be. You deserve better.
With all due respect,
Sarah and Terri
Content warning: this episode includes discussion of racism, sexual harassment, fatphobia, and transphobia.
If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe/follow! Ratings and reviews help new listeners find our show.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter and Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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ALL HAIL THE MAGIC PANTS! Weâre so hyped to discuss one of our favorite books ever, âThe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.â Ann Brasharesâ 2001 novel is an iconic story of friendship, travel, and grief. Whether youâre 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 olâ squeeze.
If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe/follow! Ratings and reviews help new listeners find our show.
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter and Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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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.
If you like the show, please rate, review, subscribe, and/or recommend us to a friend!
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
Find our show on Twitter and Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
Find Sonya Lara at https://www.sonyalara.com/
Read Sonyaâs new essay in AGNI, âBroken Lines,â here: https://agnionline.bu.edu/essay/broken-lines
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Join us for a discussion of Lois Lowryâs 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 âThe Giverâ that even Taylor Swift couldnât make good, as well as our thoughts on the novel's infamously ambiguous ending.
If you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and subscribe! It helps other people find our podcast!
Find our show on Twitter and Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
https://linktr.ee/Readingduringrecess
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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.
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Rita Williams-Garciaâs 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 childrenâs literature. We also bust some myths about the Black Panthers and explore how this book serves as an antidote to sanitized and inaccurate stories of the Civil Rights Movement.
If you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and subscribe! It helps other people find our podcast!
Find our show on Twitter and Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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Our discussion of Judy Blumeâs classic and controversial book, âAre You There God? Itâs Me, Margaretâ (1970) is here! If youâve 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.
If you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and subscribe! It helps other people find our podcast!
Find our show on Twitter and Instagram @reading_recess
Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahebba25 and on Instagram @sarahebba
Find Terri on Twitter @TerriCLaRue and on Instagram @tc_larue
Email us at [email protected]
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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 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.
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