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 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.  https ..read more

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. Just remember, this ain’t 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 readingduringrecesspod@gmail.com ..read more

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 ..read more

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 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. If you like the show, please ..read more

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 children’s 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 @rea ..read more

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 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 of what should ..read more

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, 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. If you like the show, pleas ..read more

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. 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. If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe ..read more

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 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.  If you like the show, please rate, r ..read more

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 the thoughtful analysis of the books, stay for the discussion of the world’s 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 and Instagram @reading_recess Find Sarah on ..read more