Books have the power to inspire young people to take action and make a difference in the world. They open doors to understanding, creating awareness of real-world challenges while fostering a deep, personal connection to these struggles. In this episode, we explore stories that motivate and encourage action. Linda Sue Park and Salva Dut describe th…

Harold and the Purple Crayon: Exploration and Play are Just a Stroke Away (ft. Chris Van Allsburg & Brian Pinkney)-Do you remember reading Crockett Johnson's Harold and the Purple Crayon? To his friends and family Crockett was Dave Leisk. You might know him best for the bold purple line that gives shape to the spare illustrations of Harold and Purp…

Do you remember reading The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg? As its 40th anniversary approaches, the book is nothing short of a Christmas classic. Before winning the Caldecott Medal in 1986, before the animated movie, and the Polar Express train rides Chris Van Allsburg had already garnered quite a reputation. He’s the author and illustrator be…

There are many ways that we build our histories. Certain particulars might be largely out of our power, our parentage, or parts of our personalities, but how we choose to remember our histories tends to create something real and true, however fictional, like an old folktale. Our histories, whether real or imagined, memory or fiction, give us a grea…

Fictional dystopias don’t create fear as much as they validate it. And isn’t that what we want as young people and even later as adults? To be validated, whether in our fears, our pain, or our happiness? Young Adult books let us explore, without the threat of rejection, what we most wish to understand or even accept, ourselves. In this episode, we …

You may be familiar with Maurice Sendak’s books like Where the Wild Things Are or Outside Over There, but do you remember reading In the Night Kitchen? Just over 10 years after the prolific author's passing, we are returning to his 1970s dreamscape of a picture book. In the Night Kitchen offers a dazzling portrait of creativity and the expansive im…

Picture books, while they may be sparse in language, can pack in big and complex lessons about friendship, or difficult feelings. Their lessons often follow us into our adulthood. And, as for lessons, here is one for teachers — maybe hold off on telling students they can't draw. They may just grow up and turn you into an iconic mean character. If y…

There is much to be learned from stories, whether they feature ghosts, witches, or monsters, even when they scare us. It is the lessons learned in the face of darkness that make supernatural stories important for young readers. And, it is telling, that stories of ghosts and graveyards stay with us. They might cause us a bit of grief, but when we fa…

Middle grade is a time when readers can be especially moved by the books they pick up. Books can center kids marginalized by conflict, can inspire other readers to decenter themselves, to listen better, and to be more intentional with welcome signs. In one sense, borders are fiction, lines made up by winners of wars. In another sense, borders have …

Children’s literature offers a rehearsal for the real world. A safe place for young readers to practice seeing beyond the easy narratives that are handed to them by their communities or that they might see in the media or even that they are taught in schools. It is the foundation for critical thinking. Children come to books already having a deep a…

Magic and fantastical elements can get kids reading. Young adult fantasy novels construct portals readers can get sucked into, and when they emerge, they often have more nuanced and keen insights for making or remaking the world around them. The parallels to contemporary society can even give kids another way to see themselves. In this episode, Meg…

Books help young people wrap their minds around who they are, how they fit into the world and give them the language to demand the world make space for them. Queer Young Adult books can guide young readers through the myriad of experiences of coming out in different contexts and cultures. And, love stories can help young gay kids imagine themselves…

There is a magical age, somewhere between eight and twelve, where young people’s wonder at the natural world can be galvanized into meaningful engagement with the threats and challenges that humans bring to bear on nature. It is within this window that the right book at the right time can help a young person make sense of the big feelings that come…

Meg Cabot’s bestselling series, The Princess Diaries spans almost two decades. The main character of the series, Mia, shares her unfiltered, innermost thoughts as private diary entries. Young adult readers of the books are privy to and captivated by Mia’s internal and external landscape as she morphs from an awkward teen and into a royal princess. …

The right book at the right time can provide kids with models of self-love that can guide them through growing pains. Today on Remember Reading, host Katie Dutton unpacks a book that does just that for young readers. Join us as we head to West Texas, where we enter a beauty pageant, do some Dolly Parton fan-folking, and talk drag and self-love thro…

Representation matters, especially in children’s literature and stories that represent Native American people. In this episode, we focus on Heartdrum, an imprint about stories by Native American creators who publish stories with an emphasis on the present and future of Indian Country, and on the strength of young Native American heroes. Author-cura…

The treasured I Can Read! collection began with the beloved Little Bear in 1957 and is still going strong today! On the show, we discuss the series’ origins, its stories, and what’s ahead for the books. You’ll hear from Tamar Mays, an editor at HarperCollins, as well as from authors Corey Tabor (Fox the Tiger) and Kelly Starling-Lyons (Ty’s Travels…

After an incredibly difficult year, we reflect on the number of ways classic children's books can help kids and adults get through tough times.Featured in this episode:-The Secret Garden (Katherine Paterson)-One Crazy Summer (Janae Marks, Lisa Moore Romae, Paula Chase)-The One and Only Ivan (Roseanne Parry)Do you have a story about how a classic bo…

First published in 1945, "The Carrot Seed" is a beloved story about growing a carrot... but more than that, it’s about how far patience and perseverance can get you. In this episode, we're digging into the timeless classic, written by Ruth Krauss and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, and chatting about the book's simple, direct, yet evocative style …

Hailed by the New York Times as "witty and original," One Crazy Summer is a moving & funny story about three sisters looking for their mother in 1960s California. It's also a book that brings up issues that almost mirror current events today, tackling problems kids see around themselves. On this episode, we'll talk to acclaimed author Rita Williams…

Did you know The One and Only Ivan was based on a real-life gorilla? Ivan lived in a mall in Tacoma, Washington for many years before being transferred to Zoo Atlanta. On this episode, we'll talk to author, Katherine Applegate, on why the circumstances inspired her to write the Newberry Medal winning book that's a soon to be major motion picture. T…

There's no place like home in this cozy, quirky children's book series about a frog, a toad, and their special friendship, written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel. On the show, we catch up with Adrianne Lobel, Arnold's daughter, to learn more about her father and the inspiration behind this classic story. We'll also talk to his longtime editor, Sus…

We may be former kids, but sometimes, it takes a little imagination to remind us what it was like to be a child. Find yourself a secret place as we discuss the unique power of imagination and The Secret Garden. On the show, we'll talk to Katherine Paterson about how The Secret Garden actually inspired her to write Bridge to Terabithia. We'll also t…

Whether she's actually "drawing" curtains with marker or literally "dressing" a chicken in clothes, Amelia Bedelia is silly and yet... so very practical. She's a maid who's not so great at, well, being a maid, and we love her for it. On this episode, we talk to Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries, who says the humor in Amelia Bedelia is speci…

We’re sitting in on the trial of Steve Harmon, the protagonist of Walter Dean Myers’ groundbreaking novel Monster. Though first published in 1999, Monster remains as topical and unsettling now as ever before. Join us as we talk with two people whose lives were changed by Myers’ work—his long-time editor, Phoebe Yeh, and bestselling YA author Tiffan…

Open the wardrobe door and climb into the magical world of Narnia! Join us as we discuss one of the most famous children's book series of all time, The Chronicles of Narnia as well as C.S. Lewis, the brilliant man behind the beloved books. On the show, we talk with C.S. Lewis' stepson, Douglas Gresham about his experience with the late writer. Gres…

Looking back on some memorable moments of 2019.Which was your favorite? Tweet us @readingpod!Featured in this episode:-Stuart Little (Katherine Applegate)-Charlotte's Web (Jodi Kendall)-Bridge to Terabithia (Katherine Paterson)-Wayside School (Erin Entrada Kelly)Av HarperCollins Publishers

Most of us know Shel Silverstein as a prolific poet, but did you know he was also a songwriter? Among Shel's many talents, his ridiculous and profound wordplay amazes his readers from childhood long into adulthood. Today, he's known for his unique way of writing and displaying poems and as one of the most famous classic children's book authors of a…

Have you ever really thought about just how *weird* going to sleep is? On today's show, we're talking about one of the most famous children's books of all time: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown! The bedtime story's hypnotic rhythm stays with its readers from infancy long into adulthood. HarperCollins recently published The Important Thing abou…

This week, we’re tilting our paper crowns and gnashing our terrible teeth for Where the Wild Things by Maurice Sendak! Joining us in the wild rumpus is Dear Sweet Pea author Julie Murphy, podcast host Rebecca Sheir of Circle Round, and Sendak’s own editor and friend, Toni Markiet. In addition to firsthand accounts of Maurice, we’ll discuss the impo…

Ramona Quimby is a pest. So... why do we *love* her? Ramona is an icon who helps kids understand the things we can't control like family dynamics and classroom rules. She also teaches us to speak up and question everything—even grownups. In this episode, we'll talk about the Ramona Quimby series and its legendary author, Beverly Cleary, who herself…

One of the most banned books in history, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is still being checked out in libraries by kids (and adults!) today. On the show, we talk about why this book, despite its gruesome tales, is so important for childhood development. We sat down with bestselling, award-winning author J.A. (Jerry) White to talk about how Scary…

Stuart Little is a famous mouse (or...is he?) best known for his small but mighty reputation. On this episode, we're talking about imagination, growing up, and the wonder that nature inspires as we discover Stuart Little "the story"—a beloved and at one time *banned* book—as well as Stuart Little, "the character"—a mouse who is also a human. We'll …

Life is unpredictable, and if you've ever read Katherine Paterson's popular children's book, Bridge to Terabithia, you may still feel a lingering grief from this tragically beautiful tale. On today's show, Lindsay talks to Katherine Paterson about the book's creation and its lasting effect on readers. Katherine walks us through the shockingly true …

"Wayside School is a really warm happy place where everyone accepts everyone..." This week, we’re in conversation with bestselling, award-winning author of the Wayside School series, Louis Sachar (also author of Holes) to talk about the origins of Sideways Stories from Wayside School and its zany staff, including his own literary cameo. We’ll also …

Beverly Cleary is a living legend and one of the most beloved children's book authors of our time. She's the prolific writer of The Mouse and the Motorcycle, The Ramona Quimby series, and many other famous children's books, but did you know that, when she was younger, she *hated* reading? In today's episode, we talk about Beverly Cleary's resistanc…

A Series of Unfortunate Events begins with a warning... that this story is NOT for the faint of heart. Readers are determined to go on and prove their bravery. Listen as we talk to Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, on how he developed SUE and how fans have expressed deep connections with the harrowing circumstances of which its characters, The Ba…

Ella Enchanted is a modern day fairytale that has captured the hearts of many—so many, in fact, that it has legions of loyal fans! The story is celebrated for its feminist undertones and romance #goals. In this episode, author Gail Carson Levine shares the story behind the Ella Enchanted book as well as some touching fan mail. You'll also hear from…

Do you remember reading Charlotte's Web? In this episode, Lindsay uncovers the famous children's book about a pig and a spider and discovers author EB White's story behind this Newbery award-winning book. Authors Jodi Kendall (The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City) and Lisa Greenwald (TBH: This is So Awkward) reflect on themes of loss and friends…

Introducing Remember Reading, a podcast about classic children's books coming January 2019. In the show, host Lindsay Jacobsen searches to discover the meaning of a classic book. You'll hear from readers, the authors themselves—from archived interviews or in person with us in the studio—as well as contemporary, award winning authors as they reflect…