Stories = Awesomeness: Recent Episodes
Lakshmi
The pandemic is making people scared and bored. Stories cure that. I am Lakshmi and I am 8 years old. I created this podcast for anyone who loves listening to stories or reading books. On each episode, I will read books chapter by chapter and always end with a poem. On special episodes, I will read picture books or board books (and I will describe the pictures). Things I care about include books, the pandemic, the climate crisis, and ending homelessness. You can send me suggestions for themes at storiesequalawesomeness@gmail.com and I will find a book that matches the theme.
It’s been waaaaay too long so we are doing another mega-episode to power through this book.
Happy 2022! I am back and more determined than ever to get through this book. My method? A mega-episode! Today, I read chapters 8 through 14 of Sideways Stories from Wayside School, by Louis Sachar.
It has been over a year since the pandemic changed all of our lives. This special episode is about bravery. In different ways, we have each needed to be brave and to adapt. Lakshmi’s Amma interviews her about the past year. Then, Lakshmi reads the book “What Do You Do With a Problem,” written by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom.
In the United States, tomorrow is Election Day. To get us ready, Lakshmi reads two books that encourage us to vote, explain the electoral college, and describe how two brave and considerate girls help make things better in their communities. The first book is Grace for President, by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. The second book is Sofia Valdez, Future Prez, by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts.
Lakshmi shares her retelling of a story called The Princess and the Poison Pea by Wiley Blevins. Warning: it is spooky and violent so listen only of you don’t get scared easily.
In today’s story, Calvin has to take a note that doesn’t exist to a teacher who doesn’t exist to a floor that doesn’t exist.
Chapter 6 is about Bebe and her amazing drawing skills. Today’s poem is about Jacqueline’s family having to move to the back of the bus when they travel from Ohio to South Carolina.
In today’s story, Todd unexpectedly becomes a hero when some strangers appear in class. I read two poems about Jacqueline’s parent’s arguing about Ohio and the South.
In our story today, we explore the wonders of Sharie’s ability to sleep. In today’s poem, Jacqueline Woodson explains how no one remembers the time of day that she was born – all the memories are very different.
This special episode is about my hero, Greta Thunberg. It is dedicated to my friends Mirah and Hazel. I read parts of two speeches by Greta and the Poem Lullaby from Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson.
In today’s story, Mrs. Jewels tries to teach one of the students how to count – don’t worry, it’s not boring! In today’s poem, Jacqueline Woodson talks about old photos on the walls – they each tell a story.
In this special episode, I read three of my favorite picture books about babies: Cinnamon Baby, by Nicola Winstanley, and illustrated by Janice Nadeau; The Day the Babies Crawled Away, written and illustrated by Peggy Rathmann; And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole. I end with the 3rd poem from Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, which is about a baby – Jacqueline herself.
In today’s story, the children of Wayside School meet Mrs. Jewels, who thinks they are monkeys! In today’s poem, Jacqueline Woodson talks about her second day of life and her unknown future.
In today’s story, the children of Wayside School are faced with Mrs. Gorf, an evil teacher. In today’s poem, Jacqueline Woodson talks about the day she was born.