The Westing Game gave young readers a layered and complex mystery to solve and gave Ellen Raskin a Newbery medal. In this episode we discuss our heroine, Turtle Wexler, and her 15 fellow players in the Westing Game, and appreciate how richly drawn the characters are (except for Theo) in a book that is jam packed with main characters. We examine the themes of personal growth, being true to yourself, and found family. We try to decipher the true message of the book and debate whether the book is a paean to capitalism or low key progressive.  And, in a These Books Made Me first, we give plaudits for excellence in editorial work after being impressed by the tightly written and totally cohesive puzzle that is Sam Westing's game. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.We cover a lot of ground in this episode and used some articles and websites as jumping off points. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research:Capitalist or no? https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-westing-game-a-tribute-to-labor-that-became-a-dark-comedy-of-american-capitalismThe Westing Game online exhibit: https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/the-westing-game-manuscript/The Cover Art of Ellen Raskin: https://www.flickr.com/photos/crossettlibrary/albums/72157624916884152

The Westing Game gave young readers a layered and complex mystery to solve and gave Ellen Raskin a Newbery medal. In this episode we discuss our heroine, Turtle Wexler, and her 15 fellow players in the Westing Game, and appreciate how richly drawn the characters are (except for Theo) in a book that is jam packed with main characters. We examine the themes of personal growth, being true to yourself, and found family. We try to decipher the true message of the book and debate whether the book is a paean to capitalism or low key progressive.  And, in a These Books Made Me first, we give plaudits for excellence in editorial work after being impressed by the tightly written and totally cohesive puzzle that is Sam Westing's game. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and used some articles and websites as jumping off points. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Capitalist or no? <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-westing-game-a-tribute-to-labor-that-became-a-dark-comedy-of-american-capitalism" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-westing-game-a-tribute-to-labor-that-became-a-dark-comedy-of-american-capitalism</a> The Westing Game online exhibit: <a href="https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/the-westing-game-manuscript/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/the-westing-game-manuscript/</a> The Cover Art of Ellen Raskin: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/crossettlibrary/albums/72157624916884152" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/crossettlibrary/albums/72157624916884152</a>

The Westing Game

Marjane Satrapi's groundbreaking graphic memoir Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood chronicles the life of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In this episode we discuss the experience of reading graphic novels, the impact of Satrapi's illustration style, and the importance of this work in establishing non-serialized graphics as a legitimate genre of literature. We look at class, religion, and cultural memory through the eyes of Marji and wonder about Marjane's intended audience and how well the book resonates for readers who don't have pre-existing knowledge of Iranian history and culture (spoiler - it hits!). We consult with an Iranian-American millennial about the impact of the book in that community and we play a round of "name that tune" with some of the songs of Marji's childhood. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.We mentioned a lot of topics in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some informative articles about some of them if you want to do your own further research: Emma Watson interviews Marjane Satrapi: https://www.vogue.com/article/emma-watson-interviews-marjane-satrapiWomen and the Islamic Revolution: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/reconstructed-lives-women-and-irans-islamic-revolutionSatrapi interview about the film version of the book: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/mar/29/biography

Marjane Satrapi's groundbreaking graphic memoir Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood chronicles the life of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In this episode we discuss the experience of reading graphic novels, the impact of Satrapi's illustration style, and the importance of this work in establishing non-serialized graphics as a legitimate genre of literature. We look at class, religion, and cultural memory through the eyes of Marji and wonder about Marjane's intended audience and how well the book resonates for readers who don't have pre-existing knowledge of Iranian history and culture (spoiler - it hits!). We consult with an Iranian-American millennial about the impact of the book in that community and we play a round of "name that tune" with some of the songs of Marji's childhood. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>. We mentioned a lot of topics in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some informative articles about some of them if you want to do your own further research: Emma Watson interviews Marjane Satrapi: <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/emma-watson-interviews-marjane-satrapi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.vogue.com/article/emma-watson-interviews-marjane-satrapi</a> Women and the Islamic Revolution: <a href="https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/reconstructed-lives-women-and-irans-islamic-revolution" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/reconstructed-lives-women-and-irans-islamic-revolution</a> Satrapi interview about the film version of the book:<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/mar/29/biography" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/mar/29/biography</a>

Persepolis

This episode finds us in the brutal halls of middle school with Maleeka Madison, a 12 year old girl struggling with self-esteem, peer pressure, and grief in Sharon Flake's The Skin I'm In. Flake's almost 25 year old award winning book takes a hard look at colorism, the burden of low expectations, and the importance of teachers who want to be in their classrooms and in their school communities. We discuss how casually cruel middle schoolers can be to each other, skewed power dynamics in friendships, and cycles of grief and trauma. We also try to figure out just how meta the message about the power of stories and the written word is in this book. Special guest Alicia D. Williams joins us to discuss her own writing about colorism and we use a game of MASH to predict Maleeka's future. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.We mentioned a lot of topics in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some informative articles about some of them if you want to do your own further research:Notes from the field - non-traditional route to classroom experiences: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/09/i-quit-teach-for-america/279724/Talking colorism with kids:https://colorismhealing.com/brief-introduction-colorism-children-young-adults/

This episode finds us in the brutal halls of middle school with Maleeka Madison, a 12 year old girl struggling with self-esteem, peer pressure, and grief in Sharon Flake's The Skin I'm In. Flake's almost 25 year old award winning book takes a hard look at colorism, the burden of low expectations, and the importance of teachers who want to be in their classrooms and in their school communities. We discuss how casually cruel middle schoolers can be to each other, skewed power dynamics in friendships, and cycles of grief and trauma. We also try to figure out just how meta the message about the power of stories and the written word is in this book. Special guest Alicia D. Williams joins us to discuss her own writing about colorism and we use a game of MASH to predict Maleeka's future. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>. We mentioned a lot of topics in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some informative articles about some of them if you want to do your own further research: Notes from the field - non-traditional route to classroom experiences: <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/09/i-quit-teach-for-america/279724/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/09/i-quit-teach-for-america/279724/</a> Talking colorism with kids: <a href="https://colorismhealing.com/brief-introduction-colorism-children-young-adults/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://colorismhealing.com/brief-introduction-colorism-children-young-adults/</a>

The Skin I'm In

Basil E. Frankweiler

E.L. Konigsburg's From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler has endured on library shelves as many older Newbery books often do. In this episode we talk about whether the 1967 mystery cum adventure story still earns that spot on the shelf. We discuss Claudia Kincaid as a role model and possible queer feminist icon and also have a lot of feelings about the Met's admission policies. We look at epistolary writing style, parentless child tropes, and discuss whether inflation and technology have ruined madcap children's adventures. We also consult an expert who has served on the Newbery Award committee and Audrey and Kelsey fight over a Face Vase. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.We cover a lot of ground in this episode and used some books and articles as jumping off points. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research:The Met's not free anymore: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/arts/design/met-museum-admissions.htmlGreat garage sale finds: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/618643/amazing-yard-sale-findsWhat happened to automats?: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/automat-history

E.L. Konigsburg's From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler has endured on library shelves as many older Newbery books often do. In this episode we talk about whether the 1967 mystery cum adventure story still earns that spot on the shelf. We discuss Claudia Kincaid as a role model and possible queer feminist icon and also have a lot of feelings about the Met's admission policies. We look at epistolary writing style, parentless child tropes, and discuss whether inflation and technology have ruined madcap children's adventures. We also consult an expert who has served on the Newbery Award committee and Audrey and Kelsey fight over a Face Vase. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and used some books and articles as jumping off points. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: The Met's not free anymore: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/arts/design/met-museum-admissions.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/arts/design/met-museum-admissions.html</a> Great garage sale finds: <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/618643/amazing-yard-sale-finds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/618643/amazing-yard-sale-finds</a> What happened to automats?:<a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/automat-history" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/automat-history</a>

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

In this episode we are diving into one of the books in the comprehensive Alice series (25 books!) by children's literature paragon Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Alice in April covers one very dramatic month in the life of Alice McKinley. Journey with us and Alice through the awkwardness of middle school, complete with inappropriate nicknaming and sick burns about genitalia. We discuss some of the tough topics contained in this book, including death of a parent, child abuse, and suicide. While there are some heavy topics in the book, we also explore some lighter subjects and find out that one of our hosts retained virtually nothing from social studies class and another has a history of wearing lingerie over her clothes instead of under. We consult an expert on the state of Wyoming to find out why being named Wyoming might be a real compliment. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/. We cover some tough topics in this episode and in lieu of links to articles, we'd like to share some resources for anyone who needs them: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-8255 Childhelp Hotline: https://childhelphotline.org/   1-800-422-4453National Runaway Safeline: https://www.1800runaway.org/ 1-800-RUNAWAY

In this episode we are diving into one of the books in the comprehensive Alice series (25 books!) by children's literature paragon Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Alice in April covers one very dramatic month in the life of Alice McKinley. Journey with us and Alice through the awkwardness of middle school, complete with inappropriate nicknaming and sick burns about genitalia. We discuss some of the tough topics contained in this book, including death of a parent, child abuse, and suicide. While there are some heavy topics in the book, we also explore some lighter subjects and find out that one of our hosts retained virtually nothing from social studies class and another has a history of wearing lingerie over her clothes instead of under. We consult an expert on the state of Wyoming to find out why being named Wyoming might be a real compliment. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>. We cover some tough topics in this episode and in lieu of links to articles, we'd like to share some resources for anyone who needs them: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: <a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/</a> <a>1-800-273-8255</a> Childhelp Hotline: <a href="https://childhelphotline.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://childhelphotline.org/  </a> 1-800-422-4453 National Runaway Safeline: <a href="https://www.1800runaway.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.1800runaway.org/</a> 1-800-RUNAWAY

Alice in April

Beverly Cleary's many books for young readers have endured the decades with her boisterous heroine Ramona Quimby remaining a perennial favorite for both parents and children. In this episode we examine the original bookends of the Ramona books, beginning with Beezus and Ramona and ending with Ramona Forever. We discuss being the eldest child, the most beautiful doll names, the perils of returning damaged library books, and dead cats.  We also tackle the topic of sibling dynamics by consulting some true experts, our own siblings.  These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and used some books and articles as jumping off points. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research:Historical pregnancy weight gain recommendations: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235249/Beverly Cleary:https://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/clearyBirth order theory:https://www.webmd.com/parenting/what-to-know-about-birth-order#:~:text=A%20researcher%20named%20Alfred%20Adler,in%20shaping%20a%20child's%20personality.

Beverly Cleary's many books for young readers have endured the decades with her boisterous heroine Ramona Quimby remaining a perennial favorite for both parents and children. In this episode we examine the original bookends of the Ramona books, beginning with Beezus and Ramona and ending with Ramona Forever. We discuss being the eldest child, the most beautiful doll names, the perils of returning damaged library books, and dead cats.  We also tackle the topic of sibling dynamics by consulting some true experts, our own siblings.  These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and used some books and articles as jumping off points. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Historical pregnancy weight gain recommendations: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235249/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235249/</a> Beverly Cleary: <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/cleary" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/cleary</a> Birth order theory: <a href="https://www.webmd.com/parenting/what-to-know-about-birth-order#:~:text=A%20researcher%20named%20Alfred%20Adler,in%20shaping%20a%20child" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.webmd.com/parenting/what-to-know-about-birth-order#:~:text=A%20researcher%20named%20Alfred%20Adler,in%20shaping%20a%20child's%20personality.</a>

Ramona

Monica Murphy

Bill Wasik

Many of us vividly remembered Their Eyes Were Watching God as the book where a person gets rabies and is shot. Tea Cake's demise left us with so many questions so Hannah consulted experts Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy, the authors of Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus. They gave us such a fascinating interview that we couldn't bear to cut any of it to fit it into the main episode. We present the interview in its entirety here for your listening pleasure (or discomfort depending on how you feel about rabies). 

Many of us vividly remembered Their Eyes Were Watching God as the book where a person gets rabies and is shot. Tea Cake's demise left us with so many questions so Hannah consulted experts Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy, the authors of Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus. They gave us such a fascinating interview that we couldn't bear to cut any of it to fit it into the main episode. We present the interview in its entirety here for your listening pleasure (or discomfort depending on how you feel about rabies).

Bonus Episode: Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy talk Rabies

Zora Neale Hurston may have been unappreciated as an author during her lifetime, but Their Eyes Were Watching God was eventually rediscovered and has endured as a classic for the past several decades. We explore the life and loves of Janie Crawford and her impact as a heroine. Our hosts discuss gender roles, the complex nature of romantic love, and unfortunate decisions during natural disasters. We delve into the rather polarizing use of dialect in the book and everyone learns which TEWWG character they are. We are also privileged to speak with an expert interpreter of Janie's story, songstress Tamara Wellons.These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.We cover a lot of ground in this episode. If you'd like to learn more about some of the topics we touch on, here's some links you might enjoy: Voices of African American Female Authors: https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/powerprose/hurston/#9Tamara Wellons sings Songs for Janie:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QofU4KDIIaA&amp;feature=emb_titleDialect in TEWWG:https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plans/their-eyes-were-watching-god-folk-speech-and-figurative-language

Zora Neale Hurston may have been unappreciated as an author during her lifetime, but Their Eyes Were Watching God was eventually rediscovered and has endured as a classic for the past several decades. We explore the life and loves of Janie Crawford and her impact as a heroine. Our hosts discuss gender roles, the complex nature of romantic love, and unfortunate decisions during natural disasters. We delve into the rather polarizing use of dialect in the book and everyone learns which TEWWG character they are. We are also privileged to speak with an expert interpreter of Janie's story, songstress Tamara Wellons. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>. We cover a lot of ground in this episode. If you'd like to learn more about some of the topics we touch on, here's some links you might enjoy: Voices of African American Female Authors: <a href="https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/powerprose/hurston/#9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/powerprose/hurston/#9</a> Tamara Wellons sings Songs for Janie: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QofU4KDIIaA&amp;feature=emb_title" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QofU4KDIIaA&amp;feature=emb_title</a> Dialect in TEWWG: <a href="https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plans/their-eyes-were-watching-god-folk-speech-and-figurative-language" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plans/their-eyes-were-watching-god-folk-speech-and-figurative-language</a>

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Judy Blume didn't intend to write one of the most frequently challenged and banned books of all time when she penned Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. She just wanted to write a book that captured the trials and tribulations of adolescence, complete with girl talk about bras, periods, and boys. We wonder why the pretty tame discussion of puberty, and a storyline about an agnostic 12 year old figuring out her relationship with God, organized religion, and her family, continues to scandalize Americans who just keep challenging the book into the ALA Most Frequently Challenged lists every decade. We deconstruct whether the book holds up 50 years later and try to figure out just why feminine hygiene products still give some folks the vapors. We learn about some pervasive myths about periods, play historical women's health trivia, and chat with a Peer Educator about the importance of quality sexual education for adolescents.These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and used some books and articles as jumping off points. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research:Judy Blume as accidental Censorship Fighting Firebrand: https://jwa.org/thisweek/feb/12/1938/this-week-in-history-author-and-anti-censorship-advocate-judy-blume-is-born Updated depiction of feminine hygiene products in the book: https://rewirenewsgroup.com/article/2007/08/16/honoring-teens-sexual-reality-judy-blume/ Feminine products over the years: https://www.si.edu/spotlight/health-hygiene-and-beauty/feminine-hygiene-products

Judy Blume didn't intend to write one of the most frequently challenged and banned books of all time when she penned Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. She just wanted to write a book that captured the trials and tribulations of adolescence, complete with girl talk about bras, periods, and boys. We wonder why the pretty tame discussion of puberty, and a storyline about an agnostic 12 year old figuring out her relationship with God, organized religion, and her family, continues to scandalize Americans who just keep challenging the book into the ALA Most Frequently Challenged lists every decade. We deconstruct whether the book holds up 50 years later and try to figure out just why feminine hygiene products still give some folks the vapors. We learn about some pervasive myths about periods, play historical women's health trivia, and chat with a Peer Educator about the importance of quality sexual education for adolescents. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode and used some books and articles as jumping off points. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research:<ul><li>Judy Blume as accidental Censorship Fighting Firebrand: <a href="https://jwa.org/thisweek/feb/12/1938/this-week-in-history-author-and-anti-censorship-advocate-judy-blume-is-born" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://jwa.org/thisweek/feb/12/1938/this-week-in-history-author-and-anti-censorship-advocate-judy-blume-is-born</a> </li><li>Updated depiction of feminine hygiene products in the book: <a href="https://rewirenewsgroup.com/article/2007/08/16/honoring-teens-sexual-reality-judy-blume/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://rewirenewsgroup.com/article/2007/08/16/honoring-teens-sexual-reality-judy-blume/</a> </li><li>Feminine products over the years: <a href="https://www.si.edu/spotlight/health-hygiene-and-beauty/feminine-hygiene-products" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.si.edu/spotlight/health-hygiene-and-beauty/feminine-hygiene-products</a></li></ul>

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

We're spending time with Esperanza Cordero, her family, friends, and neighbors from 1984's groundbreaking novel, The House on Mango Street. This paragon of the Chicano/a literary canon challenges us to define it - is it a novel, a novella, an epic poem - and has itself been the subject of frequent challenges for its unflinching look at the lives and loves of its characters. We discuss scary nuns, high heels, uncles who just want to dance (or uncles who don't want Hawa to dance), and the hardships and joys of womanhood as we explore this classic work by Sandra Cisneros. We also chat with Professor Randy Ontiveros about the importance of the book to Chicano/a literature.These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/. We mentioned a lot of topics in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some informative articles about some of them if you want to do your own further research:The Chicano Literary Movement:https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/chicano-literary-renaissanceIntersectional Feminism:https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/6/explainer-intersectional-feminism-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters

We're spending time with Esperanza Cordero, her family, friends, and neighbors from 1984's groundbreaking novel, The House on Mango Street. This paragon of the Chicano/a literary canon challenges us to define it - is it a novel, a novella, an epic poem - and has itself been the subject of frequent challenges for its unflinching look at the lives and loves of its characters. We discuss scary nuns, high heels, uncles who just want to dance (or uncles who don't want Hawa to dance), and the hardships and joys of womanhood as we explore this classic work by Sandra Cisneros. We also chat with Professor Randy Ontiveros about the importance of the book to Chicano/a literature. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>. We mentioned a lot of topics in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some informative articles about some of them if you want to do your own further research: The Chicano Literary Movement: <a href="https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/chicano-literary-renaissance" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/chicano-literary-renaissance</a> Intersectional Feminism: <a href="https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/6/explainer-intersectional-feminism-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/6/explainer-intersectional-feminism-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters</a>

The House on Mango Street

These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at pgcmls.medium.com.

Noted Sagittarius and author Tamora Pierce brought us the groundbreaking, gender norm defying Alanna: The First Adventure in 1983. The book ended up being a formative text and gateway sword-and-sorcery fantasy work for many of us. Alanna was a Strong Female Protagonist for young adults before the Strong Female Protagonist conversation was a thing. Headstrong, improbably purple-eyed Alanna is determined to be a knight although girl knights are not allowed are in the Kingdom of Tortall, and nothing will stand in her way, not the rigors of knighthood training ( which involves far more homework than you'd expect), not a steady stream of bullies &amp; villains, and not even puberty, the greatest villain of them all. We discuss Alanna's internalized misogyny, magic swords, and the Tortellian class structures that went over our heads as young readers as we revisit (or visit for the first time in Kelsey's case) the technicolor, Errol Flynn-esque world of the first installment in the Song of Lioness Quartet. Some links for additional reading:https://www.themarysue.com/tamora-pierce-alanna-gender-fluid/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/tamora-pierce-interviewhttps://ejournal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/litera-kultura/article/view/28658/26235

Noted Sagittarius and author Tamora Pierce brought us the groundbreaking, gender norm defying Alanna: The First Adventure in 1983. The book ended up being a formative text and gateway sword-and-sorcery fantasy work for many of us. Alanna was a Strong Female Protagonist for young adults before the Strong Female Protagonist conversation was a thing. Headstrong, improbably purple-eyed Alanna is determined to be a knight although girl knights are not allowed are in the Kingdom of Tortall, and nothing will stand in her way, not the rigors of knighthood training ( which involves far more homework than you'd expect), not a steady stream of bullies &amp; villains, and not even puberty, the greatest villain of them all. We discuss Alanna's internalized misogyny, magic swords, and the Tortellian class structures that went over our heads as young readers as we revisit (or visit for the first time in Kelsey's case) the technicolor, Errol Flynn-esque world of the first installment in the Song of Lioness Quartet. Some links for additional reading: <a href="https://www.themarysue.com/tamora-pierce-alanna-gender-fluid/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.themarysue.com/tamora-pierce-alanna-gender-fluid/</a><a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/tamora-pierce-interview" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/tamora-pierce-interview</a><a href="https://ejournal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/litera-kultura/article/view/28658/26235" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ejournal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/litera-kultura/article/view/28658/26235</a>

Alanna: The First Adventure

We are back with part 2 of our foray into the world of Sailor Moon. In this episode we will discuss romanticism, Usagi's leadership style, the male gaze in Sailor Moon, and how much of a downer it would be to outlive everyone you love. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.                                       

We are back with part 2 of our foray into the world of Sailor Moon. In this episode we will discuss romanticism, Usagi's leadership style, the male gaze in Sailor Moon, and how much of a downer it would be to outlive everyone you love.  These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>.

Manga Edition: Sailor Moon, Part 2

Moon prism power, make up! This week we have both new and familiar voices transporting us to the world of Usagi Tsukino as we dive into manga for the first time with Sailor Moon. The iconic series by Naoko Takeuchi is perhaps the most widely beloved example of shojo manga and both the print and anime versions are standards in the 90's  Girl Power canon. In this episode we talk about everything from the magical girl trope, those outfits, censorship, and moon rabbits. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.                                       We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research:Shojo manga: https://www.jappleng.com/culture/articles/anime-manga/117/what-is-shoujo-shojo-genre-animeMagical Girl genre: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MagicalGirlMoon rabbits: https://www.bokksu.com/blogs/news/japanese-folktale-rabbit-on-the-moonBeautiful Fighting Girls: http://www.jstor.org/stable/26401943

Moon prism power, make up! This week we have both new and familiar voices transporting us to the world of Usagi Tsukino as we dive into manga for the first time with Sailor Moon. The iconic series by Naoko Takeuchi is perhaps the most widely beloved example of shojo manga and both the print and anime versions are standards in the 90's  Girl Power canon. In this episode we talk about everything from the magical girl trope, those outfits, censorship, and moon rabbits. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>.                                        We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Shojo manga: <a href="https://www.jappleng.com/culture/articles/anime-manga/117/what-is-shoujo-shojo-genre-anime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.jappleng.com/culture/articles/anime-manga/117/what-is-shoujo-shojo-genre-anime</a> Magical Girl genre: <a href="https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MagicalGirl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MagicalGirl</a> Moon rabbits: <a href="https://www.bokksu.com/blogs/news/japanese-folktale-rabbit-on-the-moon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bokksu.com/blogs/news/japanese-folktale-rabbit-on-the-moon</a> Beautiful Fighting Girls: <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/26401943" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.jstor.org/stable/26401943</a>

Manga Edition: Sailor Moon, Part 1

It's a store! It's a bistro for dolls! It's a rose-colored fever dream! It's our field trip to the American Girl Cafe at Tysons Corner! Journey with us through the strange world of the American Girl Cafe. Only in the AG  Cafe can you simultaneously feel like a small child and also incredibly old. We explore a plethora of dolls and accessories, ask just what it means to be an American Girl, and contemplate the viability of taking a date to the American Girl Cafe. While we all pined for the AG x Stoney Clover Lane swag, we were a little concerned by coffin cases, dolls trapped in glass, and a game that heckled us. It's the American Girl Cafe where there are surprises (and mozzarella sticks) around every corner! These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.

It's a store! It's a bistro for dolls! It's a rose-colored fever dream! It's our field trip to the American Girl Cafe at Tysons Corner! Journey with us through the strange world of the American Girl Cafe. Only in the AG  Cafe can you simultaneously feel like a small child and also incredibly old. We explore a plethora of dolls and accessories, ask just what it means to be an American Girl, and contemplate the viability of taking a date to the American Girl Cafe. While we all pined for the AG x Stoney Clover Lane swag, we were a little concerned by coffin cases, dolls trapped in glass, and a game that heckled us. It's the American Girl Cafe where there are surprises (and mozzarella sticks) around every corner! These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/.</a>

Bonus Episode: American Girl Cafe Field Trip

Earlier this season we discussed the Roald Dahl classic “Matilda.” The episode’s expert interview, Maggie Peterson from the College of Education at the University of Maryland, was too delightful not to be heard in full. Dr. Peterson speaks on her experience as an educator, impressions of Matilda, schoolyard tropes, and what makes great literature. Enjoy the extended cut of this insightful interview!These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.

Earlier this season we discussed the Roald Dahl classic “Matilda.” The episode’s expert interview, Maggie Peterson from the College of Education at the University of Maryland, was too delightful not to be heard in full. Dr. Peterson speaks on her experience as an educator, impressions of Matilda, schoolyard tropes, and what makes great literature. Enjoy the extended cut of this insightful interview! These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/.</a>

Bonus Episode: Professor Margaret Polizos Peterson, University of Maryland

These Books Made Me... scared? This week's bonus episode explores the scary side of literature. From Goosebumps to fairy tales to straight up horror, we take a look at the books that haunt us. We discuss horror as a genre and try to identify why it often appeals to women not only as readers, but also as writers. We reminisce about our own creepy encounters with books and get some listeners to chime in with their favorite scary stories. Jelan even created a spooky remix of the theme song! These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.

These Books Made Me... scared? This week's bonus episode explores the scary side of literature. From Goosebumps to fairy tales to straight up horror, we take a look at the books that haunt us. We discuss horror as a genre and try to identify why it often appeals to women not only as readers, but also as writers. We reminisce about our own creepy encounters with books and get some listeners to chime in with their favorite scary stories. Jelan even created a spooky remix of the theme song! These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/.</a>

These Books Scar(r)ed Me: Spooky Special

This episode marks our final foray into the American Girliverse and our season 1 finale. We delve into the world of Josefina Montoya,  our most introverted girl to date, but possibly the most resourceful. There is a piano disaster (and subsequent miraculous piano healing), a rattlesnake attack (and subsequent semi-miraculous healing), a deceased parent, a deceased goat, and a kind of squicky wedding. We discuss the great blanket gambit of 1824 and decide we may need to rebrand as a Tia Dolores stan account. Josefina introduces us to Florecita, truly the GOAT goat, whose passing we mourn to this day. We reminisce about our own families and traditions as we examine some of the Mexican roots of this series, from language to food to enigmatic musical fathers. We are also joined by a very special expert, Professor Tey Diana Rebolledo, who served on the AG advisory committee and has fascinating insights into the creation and legacy of Josefina. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.                                       We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research:Curanderismo: https://www.calhealthreport.org/2013/05/15/curanderismo-is-alive-and-well-in-america/History of fiber arts and textiles in New Mexico: https://www.newmexico.org/blog/post/the-colorful-history-of-fiber-arts-in-new-mexico/Rio Grande blankets and weaving history: http://www.chimayoweavers.com/HIST.htmlhttps://jamescomptongallery.com/rio-grande-blankets/Yucca, not yuca (don't eat this kind): https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=YUEL

This episode marks our final foray into the American Girliverse and our season 1 finale. We delve into the world of Josefina Montoya,  our most introverted girl to date, but possibly the most resourceful. There is a piano disaster (and subsequent miraculous piano healing), a rattlesnake attack (and subsequent semi-miraculous healing), a deceased parent, a deceased goat, and a kind of squicky wedding. We discuss the great blanket gambit of 1824 and decide we may need to rebrand as a Tia Dolores stan account. Josefina introduces us to Florecita, truly the GOAT goat, whose passing we mourn to this day. We reminisce about our own families and traditions as we examine some of the Mexican roots of this series, from language to food to enigmatic musical fathers. We are also joined by a very special expert, Professor Tey Diana Rebolledo, who served on the AG advisory committee and has fascinating insights into the creation and legacy of Josefina. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>.                                        We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Curanderismo: <a href="https://www.calhealthreport.org/2013/05/15/curanderismo-is-alive-and-well-in-america/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.calhealthreport.org/2013/05/15/curanderismo-is-alive-and-well-in-america/</a> History of fiber arts and textiles in New Mexico:<a href="https://www.newmexico.org/blog/post/the-colorful-history-of-fiber-arts-in-new-mexico/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.newmexico.org/blog/post/the-colorful-history-of-fiber-arts-in-new-mexico/</a> Rio Grande blankets and weaving history: <a href="http://www.chimayoweavers.com/HIST.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.chimayoweavers.com/HIST.html</a> <a href="https://jamescomptongallery.com/rio-grande-blankets/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://jamescomptongallery.com/rio-grande-blankets/</a> Yucca, not yuca (don't eat this kind): <a href="https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=YUEL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=YUEL</a>

American Girl - Josefina

On we trek through the American Girls canon as we journey through Addy Walker's world. We explore the formation of the Addy advisory committee, Connie Porter's writing style, and the way the series presents slavery and the Civil War time period to children. We discuss how this Harriet also might be a sociopath and how colorism is depicted in the text and in the illustrations, with a sidebar about the controversy surrounding the Addy illustrators and their work. All of us want to wear Addy's Christmas dress, reminisce about double dutch, and wish we could give poor Sarah (who deserved a spinoff!) a hug. Once again we have some real questions about AG chronologies and the economy of spool puppets. We also talk about the impact of Addy and just how revolutionary the Addy doll's textured hair was. Sadly, we also discover that none of us are all that great at spelling bees. We are joined by a very special guest who is foundational to the creation of Addy Walker and her story. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.                                        We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Links:The Creation of Addy Walker: https://slate.com/culture/2016/09/the-making-of-addy-walker-american-girls-first-black-doll.htmlConnie Porter: https://iridescentwomen.com/2020/02/28/connie-porter-on-writing-the-american-girl-collection-series-addy/Addy's Hair: https://www.salon.com/2021/05/15/we-were-american-girls-what-addy-taught-me-about-black-hair-freedom-and-myself/Spelling bee words:https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/us/spelling-bee-words.html

On we trek through the American Girls canon as we journey through Addy Walker's world. We explore the formation of the Addy advisory committee, Connie Porter's writing style, and the way the series presents slavery and the Civil War time period to children. We discuss how this Harriet also might be a sociopath and how colorism is depicted in the text and in the illustrations, with a sidebar about the controversy surrounding the Addy illustrators and their work. All of us want to wear Addy's Christmas dress, reminisce about double dutch, and wish we could give poor Sarah (who deserved a spinoff!) a hug. Once again we have some real questions about AG chronologies and the economy of spool puppets. We also talk about the impact of Addy and just how revolutionary the Addy doll's textured hair was. Sadly, we also discover that none of us are all that great at spelling bees. We are joined by a very special guest who is foundational to the creation of Addy Walker and her story. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>.                                        We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Links: The Creation of Addy Walker: <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2016/09/the-making-of-addy-walker-american-girls-first-black-doll.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://slate.com/culture/2016/09/the-making-of-addy-walker-american-girls-first-black-doll.html</a> Connie Porter: <a href="https://iridescentwomen.com/2020/02/28/connie-porter-on-writing-the-american-girl-collection-series-addy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://iridescentwomen.com/2020/02/28/connie-porter-on-writing-the-american-girl-collection-series-addy/</a> Addy's Hair: <a href="https://www.salon.com/2021/05/15/we-were-american-girls-what-addy-taught-me-about-black-hair-freedom-and-myself/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.salon.com/2021/05/15/we-were-american-girls-what-addy-taught-me-about-black-hair-freedom-and-myself/</a> Spelling bee words:<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/us/spelling-bee-words.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/us/spelling-bee-words.htm</a>l

American Girl - Addy

We are diving back into the American Girl canon with Felicity Merriman. Felicity was a second wave American Girl and infamous horse thief. We learn about the author of the original six Felicity books (as well as several of our previous AG books), Valerie Tripp, and wonder whether the gender roles focus in the Felicity books is particularly successful or just kind of confusing. In this episode, we tackle some big issues with the framing of slavery and plantation life in both the fiction and non-fiction parts of the book. We also learn that Kelsey doesn't believe in animal best friends and that Hannah has some grave concerns about what happened to Posey the lamb. We debate whether Ben really has what it takes to make it as a soldier, Ella explores Felicity's historically inaccurate hair and suggests some improvements, and everyone learns that nobody's getting jiggy with it in debtor's prison. We'll also horse around with our community expert, Tara Roberts, who has some insights about that Felicity and Penny relationship.These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.                                        We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Isaac and the Role of Black Soldiers in the Revolutionary Warhttps://www.army.mil/article/97705/black_soldiers_in_the_revolutionary_warDebtors' Prisonshttps://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/100938Notable Housewiveshttps://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/women-in-colonial-virginia/Horses in Felicityhttps://www.polygon.com/2020/11/23/21583105/real-horseback-riding-books-american-girl-meet-felicityThe Many Faces of Felicityhttps://dandridgehousedolls.com/2019/06/27/felicity-through-the-years/

We are diving back into the American Girl canon with Felicity Merriman. Felicity was a second wave American Girl and infamous horse thief. We learn about the author of the original six Felicity books (as well as several of our previous AG books), Valerie Tripp, and wonder whether the gender roles focus in the Felicity books is particularly successful or just kind of confusing. In this episode, we tackle some big issues with the framing of slavery and plantation life in both the fiction and non-fiction parts of the book. We also learn that Kelsey doesn't believe in animal best friends and that Hannah has some grave concerns about what happened to Posey the lamb. We debate whether Ben really has what it takes to make it as a soldier, Ella explores Felicity's historically inaccurate hair and suggests some improvements, and everyone learns that nobody's getting jiggy with it in debtor's prison. We'll also horse around with our community expert, Tara Roberts, who has some insights about that Felicity and Penny relationship. These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>.                                        We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Isaac and the Role of Black Soldiers in the Revolutionary War <a href="https://www.army.mil/article/97705/black_soldiers_in_the_revolutionary_war" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.army.mil/article/97705/black_soldiers_in_the_revolutionary_war</a> Debtors' Prisons <a href="https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/100938" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/100938</a> Notable Housewives <a href="https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/women-in-colonial-virginia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/women-in-colonial-virginia/</a> Horses in Felicity <a href="https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/23/21583105/real-horseback-riding-books-american-girl-meet-felicity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/23/21583105/real-horseback-riding-books-american-girl-meet-felicity</a> The Many Faces of Felicity <a href="https://dandridgehousedolls.com/2019/06/27/felicity-through-the-years/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://dandridgehousedolls.com/2019/06/27/felicity-through-the-years/</a>

American Girl - Felicity

We take a break from the American Girls (in more ways than one!) this week to discuss a British childhood classic of both page and screen, Roald Dahl's "Matilda". Matilda is a quintessential bookworm who uses her unmatched smarts and special powers to triumph over her less than ideal surroundings dominated by neglectful and at times abusive adults. In this episode, Hannah, Kelsey, and special guest/Matilda enthusiast Sarah discuss the eternal art vs. the artist debate, examine the various tropes of womanhood present, and *gasp* - consider whether the movie might be better than the book?! We also talk to Dr. Margaret Peterson from the College of Education at the University of Maryland about the depiction of teachers in children's literature.  These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at https://pgcmls.medium.com/.                                        We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Roald Dahl Family Apology for Anti-Semitic comments: https://www.roalddahl.com/global/rdsc-and-family-noticeAnalysis of anti-semitism in Roald Dahl's works and personal life: https://time.com/5937507/roald-dahl-anti-semitism/Racism in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: https://www.processhistory.org/yacovone-dahl-racism/4/Roald Dahl's life: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/wales/articles/the-story-of-roald-dahl/Nell Stevens article that Kelsey cites re: at vs. artist debate: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/sep/10/should-we-stop-reading-authors-lives-books-vs-naipaul?CMP=twt_books_b-gdnbooksVox article about art and artists: https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/10/11/17933686/me-too-separating-artist-art-johnny-depp-woody-allen-michael-jackson-louis-ckArguing that kids SHOULD read things that scare them: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-and-features/features/2019/february/fear-with-a-safety-net-why-children-should-read-scary-books/Some things actually just straight up go over kids heads. https://www.bustle.com/articles/177023-why-matilda-was-more-messed-up-than-your-childhood-self-realized But not everything, which is why parent’s discretion is always suggested. 

We take a break from the American Girls (in more ways than one!) this week to discuss a British childhood classic of both page and screen, Roald Dahl's "Matilda". Matilda is a quintessential bookworm who uses her unmatched smarts and special powers to triumph over her less than ideal surroundings dominated by neglectful and at times abusive adults. In this episode, Hannah, Kelsey, and special guest/Matilda enthusiast Sarah discuss the eternal art vs. the artist debate, examine the various tropes of womanhood present, and *gasp* - consider whether the movie might be better than the book?! We also talk to Dr. Margaret Peterson from the College of Education at the University of Maryland about the depiction of teachers in children's literature.  These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="https://pgcmls.medium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://pgcmls.medium.com/</a>.                                        We mentioned a lot of topics and articles in this episode. Here’s a brief list of some of them if you want to do your own further research: Roald Dahl Family Apology for Anti-Semitic comments: <a href="https://www.roalddahl.com/global/rdsc-and-family-notice" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.roalddahl.com/global/rdsc-and-family-notice</a> Analysis of anti-semitism in Roald Dahl's works and personal life: <a href="https://time.com/5937507/roald-dahl-anti-semitism/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://time.com/5937507/roald-dahl-anti-semitism/</a> Racism in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: <a href="https://www.processhistory.org/yacovone-dahl-racism/4/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.processhistory.org/yacovone-dahl-racism/4/</a> Roald Dahl's life: <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/wales/articles/the-story-of-roald-dahl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/wales/articles/the-story-of-roald-dahl/</a> Nell Stevens article that Kelsey cites re: at vs. artist debate: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/sep/10/should-we-stop-reading-authors-lives-books-vs-naipaul?CMP=twt_books_b-gdnbooks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/sep/10/should-we-stop-reading-authors-lives-books-vs-naipaul?CMP=twt_books_b-gdnbooks</a> Vox article about art and artists: <a href="https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/10/11/17933686/me-too-separating-artist-art-johnny-depp-woody-allen-michael-jackson-louis-ck" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/10/11/17933686/me-too-separating-artist-art-johnny-depp-woody-allen-michael-jackson-louis-ck</a> Arguing that kids SHOULD read things that scare them: <a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-and-features/features/2019/february/fear-with-a-safety-net-why-children-should-read-scary-books/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-and-features/features/2019/february/fear-with-a-safety-net-why-children-should-read-scary-books/</a> Some things actually just straight up go over kids heads. <a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/177023-why-matilda-was-more-messed-up-than-your-childhood-self-realized " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bustle.com/articles/177023-why-matilda-was-more-messed-up-than-your-childhood-self-realized </a> But not everything, which is why parent’s discretion is always suggested.

Matilda

These Books Made Me is a podcast about the literary heroines who shaped us and is a product of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System podcast network. Stay in touch with us via Twitter @PGCMLS with #TheseBooksMadeMe or by email at TheseBooksMadeMe@pgcmls.info. For recommended readalikes and deep dives into topics related to each episode, visit our blog at <a href="http://pgcmls.medium.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pgcmls.medium.com</a>.

These Books Made Me

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