Reading During Recess

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 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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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

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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.

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 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. 

If you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and subscribe! We're a new show, so every rating, review, and subscription helps other readers 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]

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 fountain of youth is okay IF a really cute boy asks you to do it.

If you enjoy the show, please rate and subscribe! It helps other readers 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]

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 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. 

If you enjoy the show, please rate and subscribe! It helps other readers 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]

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 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.

If you enjoy the show, please rate and subscribe! It helps other readers 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]