Reading Into It

Holes is a book-to-film adaptation that explores the juvenile justice system, family legacies, poverty, and so much more. Books like these remind us why we don't ban books, and what we can glean from interacting with characters who come from different backgrounds and perspectives.

More by Louis Sachar:

-Small Steps (Armpit's story following Camp Green Lake)

-Sideways Stories from Wayside School

-Fuzzy Mud

-The Magician of Tiger Castle (NEW! 2025! NOVEL FOR ADULTS)

In this episode, we take on book three in the Chronicles of Narnia: The Horse and His Boy. Parables, what makes a character recognizable, and more questions about the mysteries of Narnia are discussed, and I give my honest opinion on how this book plays a role so far in this epic tale.

In this episode, we meet: The Pevensies, Mr. Tumnus, and a world full of old and new characters. Mr. Tumnus is a victim of the system, and I'm trying my best not to dislike Edmund in this Biblical parallel universe. Mentions of: Lady Lilith, Genesis, New Testamant versus Old Testament, and the Great Sacrifice explained. TW: Religion, Christianity, Biblical doctrine

HELLO! I am back! I apologize for the LONG break, but since we are all mostly human I'm sure you will understand. This week we are discussing the prequel to the Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew. Essentially the Genesis of how Narnia came to be, this story centers around a biblical retelling in reverse, allowing us to view biblical concepts in a more fantastical perspective! One that allows more empathy and emotion than what we might be usually given in moral-driven stories. Happy reading! Follow our instagram @readingintoitpod or email us at [email protected]. Love you!

LONG TITLE, I KNOW. This book quietly changed my life last year when things felt bleak. Kate Dicamillo's writing style is something I can't quite explain besides being similar to being held and wrapped in a big blanket right after a huge heartbreak. Kate DiCamillo tackles the complicated topic of what it means to love and be loved with Edward Tulane, a toy China rabbit who, at first, knows nothing of the concept. In a lot of ways, we begin our journey with love in a similar way. Happy reading! Let's all learn to love, love, and love again with Edward!

We're starting a new series! Beginning August 5th, we will begin reading the incredible Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, starting with book one: The Magician's Nephew. Most ideas and topics in this episode were taken from our trusty Wikipedia site for the series. Since we get an extra Thursday in July, stay tuned for a Bonus Episode at the end of the month that discusses one of my favorite children's authors today, Kate DiCamillo! We will be taking a look into her book, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane". Happy Summer Reading!!!

As we wrap up the series with our Dear Dumb Diary guest Camryn, we dive into the school system and representation in children's literature. What is Jamie, who is constantly affected and aware of her gender, compared to her male counterparts in literature and their worries/struggles? Check back soon for an episode reviewing another children's book!

Where to find Camryn:

Youtube: Underwaterflowers

This episode discusses our thoughts on how Jamie and her friends are growing in books seven, eight, and nine in this series by Jim Benton. It's a bit difficult to find depth in our characters when we are only ever seeing Jamie's perspective, which is often shadowed by middle school insecurities. Hopefully the next series we read is something with a bit more sustenance!

Find Camryn on Youtube at Underwaterflowers. 

This episode discusses books 4-6 in the Dear Dumb Diary series by Jim Benton. "Never Do Anything, Ever", "Can Adults Become Human?", and "The Problem With Here Is That It's Where I'm From" introduces new characters. We discuss the importance of "fun" middle school literature as we follow Jamie into her dramatically hilarious life. PLEASE READ SKEPTICALLY!

Find more content by Camryn Corral at:

Youtube: Underwaterflowers

This episode covers the first three books in the popular childhood middle school series, Dear Dumb Diary by Jim Benton! Featuring Camryn, listen and read along as we discuss what it's like growing up as a girl in middle school in DDD: Let's Pretend This Never Happened, DDD: My Pants are Haunted, and DDD: Am I the Princess, or the Frog? Thanks for listening! We will continue this series in three-book segments!