A podcast about the books that challenge us.
Although the majority of Americans oppose book bans, a growing movement to censor the literature available in schools and public libraries has taken hold in many states. Co-hosts Rachel and Andrea tap into their experiences as a high school English teacher and a school librarian to explore why these books are controversial and what makes them important. List ...
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Toni Morrison’s debut novel, The Bluest Eye, is often challenged for its depictions of childhood sexual abuse, rape, and incest. In this special rewind episode, Rachel and Andrea discuss the power of a good audiobook, the history of Black baby dolls, and the enduring power, beauty, and artistry of this modern American classic. For another perspective, listen to the Black Feminist & Bookish podcast discussion of The Bluest Eye. Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast. Episode Links Charlie Rose: Toni Morrison Beautifully Answers an ‘Illegitimate Question on Race’ C-SPAN: Landmark Cases - Brown v Board Doll Test L.A. Times: Baby Nancy, the first ‘black’ doll, woke the toy industry NPR: Toni Morrison's only short story is available in book form for the first time Podcast Links Lit Mix Playlist Lit Mix Bookshop Support the Podcast on Ko-Fi
In Tiffany D. Jackson’s Monday’s Not Coming, middle schooler Claudia investigates her best friend’s disappearance when no one else will. Rachel and Andrea discuss the world-shattering fallouts of trauma, the business of ‘other people’s business,’ and the importance of community. For another perspective, check out Amber Alise’s conversation with Merphy Napier on Monday’s Not Coming. Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast. Episode Links American Library Association: The USA PATRIOT Act Bustle: This Book Puts The Spotlight On Missing Black Girls Who've Been Ignored By Police DC News Now: Parents slam Loudoun County School Board over ‘dirty’ novels in curriculum NBC News: Book bans in schools are catching fire. Black authors say uproar isn’t about students. Twitter: Loudoun County School Board meeting video Podcast Links Lit Mix Playlist Lit Mix Bookshop Support the Podcast on Ko-Fi
Ashley Hope Perez’s Out of Darkness sets a tale of star-crossed lovers against the true story of the 1937 New London, Texas school explosion. In this episode, Rachel and Andrea discuss the violence of racism, the desire all people and families share to find a safe place to live and love, and the real-life tragedy that inspired the book. For another perspective, check out Latinxs in Kid Lit’s Q&A with Ashley Hope Perez. Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast. Episode Links Congress.gov: Respect for Marriage Act KLTV: A Look Back: 80 years after the New London school explosion Oyez: Loving v. Virginia Podcast Links Lit Mix Playlist Lit Mix Bookshop Support the Podcast on Ko-Fi
In Isabel Quintero’s Gabi, a Girl in Pieces, the title character fills the diary of her senior year with poetry, friendship, grief, and cute boys. Rachel and Andrea discuss body image, cultural identity, and the power of poetry. Also, zines. For another perspective, read NPR’s interview with Cuban writer Meg Medina. Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast Episode Links ACLU: BOE Memo - Challenged Material: Gabi, A Girl in Pieces 2.15.22 Adrienne Rich: Claiming an Education Podcast Links Lit Mix Playlist Lit Mix Bookshop Support the Podcast on Ko-Fi
In Nic Stone’s Dear Martin, Black teen Justyce starts a journal of letters to MLK after he survives a troubling encounter with police while trying to help a friend. Rachel and Andrea discuss the difficulty of choosing one’s own way when the odds are stacked, how the same book is read differently by different audiences, and what we loved about Justyce’s relationship with his debate partner, SJ. For another perspective, listen to the While Black podcast’s interview with Nic Stone.Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @LitMixPodcast. Episode Links Marshall Libraries: Banned Books 2022 - Dear Martin MSNBC: Nic Stone, On ‘Dear Martin’ (#VelshiBannedBookClub) Rudine Sims Bishop: MIrrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors Smoky Mountain News: ‘Dear Martin’ Pulled from Tuscola Class Podcast Links Lit Mix Playlist Lit Mix Bookshop Support the Podcast on Ko-Fi