Reading Rural YAL: Recent Episodes
Dr. Chea Parton
This podcast serves as a repository for the audio from my Reading Rural YAL YouTube videos. It's for folks who don't have time to sit for a video but can listen on a walk, during their commutes, or while folding all that laundry that's just been calling their name.
In this episode, Whippoorwill Award winner Kevin Dunn and I talk about the importance of rural voices in publishing, the impact that transactions of place have on identity, and the connection between DIY punk and rural culture.
To learn more about Kevin Dunn: https://www.kcdunn.com/
For more info on the Whippoorwill Award for Rural YA and MG Literature: https://whippoorwillaward.weebly.com/
In this episode, I sit down with my buddy, Brian Brady, to talk about the Whippoorwill Award winning Vicious Is My Middle Name by Kevin Dunn which is about Sydney Vicious Talcott and her efforts to derail the construction of an asphalt plant in her new home in Appalachia.
Here’s the jacket copy summary: With a partially-shaved head, purple Doc Marten boots, and the sinking realization that no one in a fifty-mile radius has ever heard of her favorite all-female punk band Lite Brite, thirteen-year-old Sydney Vicious Talcott wants to be anywhere but her new home of Beaver Dam, NC, especially when mean girl Bethany Winters treats her like the punchline to every joke. But just as life begins to seem more tolerable with her two new book-nerd friends and a growing appreciation for the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Sydney discovers that a shady corporation is planning to build an environmentally damaging asphalt plant right next to the school. Her attempts to work through the system to stop the plant’s construction fail, so it’s up to Sydney to fight the corporation and their political lackeys the only way she can, using the do-it-yourself tools she has learned from punk rock. But before she can triumph, Sydney, her family, and friends must endure bullying, harassment, immigration raids, and more.
Learn more about Kevin Dunn: https://www.kcdunn.com
Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781646032808
– Rural Teen Writing Contest Runner-Up –In this episode, high school junior, Laurel Aronian reads her award-winning poem, “So Long, Schoolhouse” and chats with me about her inspiration for the poem, her writing process, and gives some great advice to fellow young writers and teachers of writing alike.
Check out her poem: https://literacyinplace.com/2024/02/15/so-long-schoolhouse-by-laurel-aronian-runner-up-2023-rural-teen-writing-contest/
Learn more about the Rural Teen Writing Contest: https://literacyinplace.com/inaugural-literacy-in-place-writing-contest/
In this episode, Whippoorwill Award winning Tiffany D. Jackson sits down to chat with me about the importance of representation, her research process, and how to make a book authentic even when it’s about an experience outside of your own.
Let’s just all agree to ignore the number of flubs during her bio – I was starstruck and nervous, ya’ll!
To get the book using my affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780063029149
To learn more about Tiffany D. Jackson and her work: https://www.writeinbk.com
We’re kicking off Black History Month by acknowledging and honoring the experiences of rural Black folks. Rural America is not a white monolith, and we’d like for everyone to know that.
In this episode, I chat with a former Southern Wells student and current Purdue preservice teacher, Emily McCorkle. We talk about all kinds of tensions that exist in rural towns, including race, and our thoughts on the book. We hope you’ll join us.
Get the book (my affiliate link): https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780063029149
Learn more about Tiffany D. Jackson: https://www.writeinbk.com
We’re back, after a brief holiday hiatus, with an exciting bonus episode featuring the George Ella Lyon. Her poem “Where I’m From” has been used by English Teachers all over the world to invite students to think about who they are and their connections to their own places.
George Ella Lyon is an award-winning poet and author who grew up in Harlan County, Kentucky. She has written more than 35 books for young readers, including the Schneider Family Book Award-winning picture book The Pirate of Kindergarten and the young adult novel Sonny’s House of Spies, as well as numerous books for adults. She lives in Lexington, Kentucky.
In this episode, Lyon reads some of her work, talks about the importance of place to writing, and so much more!
To learn more about George Ella Lyon: georgeellalyon.com
To purchase Many-Storied House (affiliate link): https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780813142616
In this episode I talk to Gary Eldon Peter about craft, about out-migrant experiences and identity building, and about the importance of never giving up on yourself or your writing.
To buy the book with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781646032532
To learn more about Gary Eldon Peter: https://www.garyeldonpeter.com/bio
With this episode, Reading Rural YAL is starting something new! Rather than just me talking about the book, I’m going to talk about the book with preservice teachers, inservice teachers, and teacher educators.
Grace and Maya are fabulous and have incredible insights into the book as well as geospatial understandings of and in education.
I’m so excited for you to join us! Buy the book with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781646032532
Learn more about Gary Eldon Peter: https://www.garyeldonpeter.com
Find more rural YA recommendations and learn more about rural education: literacyinplacecom Help others find us by sharing this channel and podcast with friends and/or reviewing us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reading-rural-yal/id1606560033
This episode features four of the contributors to Tori Bovalino’s folk horror anthology The Gathering Dark. These women are so insightful, and I learned so much about folklore, folk horror, and more through our discussion. In this talk, we tackle everything from what defines folk horror to publishing industry categories to what makes rural places scary. That last part was probably my absolute favorite part of the conversation. I hope you’ll join us!
Get the book from my Bookshop.org storefront (and help support the show!): https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781645676225
Learn more about the authors (with websites) featured in this episode:
Alex Brown – https://www.alexbrownwrites.com
Olivia Chadha – https://www.oliviachadha.com
Hannah Whitten – https://hannahfwhitten.com
Halloween may be over, but for me spooky season doesn’t end until Thanksgiving. So, in honor of extended spooky season, this Book Talk features a short story collection full of spooky stories just perfect for this time of year. In it, you’ll find wonderfully goosebump-inducing folk horror stories that span a range of rural locations, cultures, and histories. It’s fabulous, so check it out.
Buy the book via our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781645676225
Get some Reading Rural YAL or Literacy In Place merch: http://tee.pub/lic/wqlsXCua0HY
In this episode Julia, David, and I talk about the importance of place and rurality to our lived experiences, to reading, and to writing. We also get to do something that few authors and readers get to do – talk to one another about the conversation we had across the page. This is one of my favorite things about this podcast.
Angel Falls Website: http://www.angelfalls.org/
Buy the book via our Bookshop.org affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781949140347
Reader Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GHlMbDWgpnSDgyYiuXpf2u9jK6SCjs0P/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=102079734450780712143&rtpof=true&sd=true
Spooky Stories on RethinkELA: https://www.rethinkela.com/october-inquiry-unit-reading-and-writing-spooky-stories/
More rural book recommendations: https://literacyinplace.com/rural-book-list/
Time to get our spooky on! In honor of Spooky Season, in this episode, I do a little reading, give a summary, and use some place-conscious analysis to talk about Whippoorwill Award winning Angel Falls. I also outline some teaching ideas for using the book in a rural (or non rural) ELA classroom.
Angel Falls Website: http://www.angelfalls.org/
Buy the book via our Bookshop.org affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781949140347
Reader Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GHlMbDWgpnSDgyYiuXpf2u9jK6SCjs0P/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=102079734450780712143&rtpof=true&sd=true
Spooky Stories on RethinkELA: https://www.rethinkela.com/october-inquiry-unit-reading-and-writing-spooky-stories/
More rural book recommendations: https://literacyinplace.com/rural-book-list/
Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr. is a brilliant poet and a kindred spirit, and I enjoyed every single second of this conversation. I hope rural English teachers out there will listen to it, because he puts language to a lot of issues faced by rural ELA in language with concrete examples that I’ve always wished I had. We had a big time talking, and hope you enjoy listening.
Get Gay Poems for Red States: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780813198125
Learn more about Willie and his work: http://williecarver.com
To read my rural language inventory: https://literacyinplace.com/2022/01/14/what-is-my-rural-language-variety/
To get some of our merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/literacy-in-place
In this episode I read a few poems from, give an overview of, and discuss how I would teach Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr.’s incredible collection, Gay Poems for Red States.
If you’re teaching in a school that is currently inhospitable to queer literature, know that there are poems in this collection could still work in your classroom, so this episode could still be useful for you!
Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780813198125
Listen to Read Appalachia: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-appalachia/id1665295313?i=1000617943530
Shop our merch!: https://www.teepublic.com/user/literacy-in-place
Y’all – this discussion with Regina Hansen was so good, I lost myself in the conversation and forgot about my questions. We talked about so much important stuff including Get the book: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781534482449 Learn more about Regina Hansen and her work: https://www.reginamhansen.com
In this Book Talk episode, I give the summary for, perform a mini analysis of the way place functions in the book, and provide a skeleton of an idea about how teachers could approach teaching The Coming Storm. Links to songs mentioned in the book:
In this Author Talk, Dr. Rob Petrone sits down with me to talk about my first book Country Teachers in City Schools. We talk about why I wrote it, how I wrote it, what’s in it, and what it means to me. I had so much fun and hope you do too! You can findContinue reading "Country Teachers in City Schools by Chea Parton | Author Talk"
In this episode, I give quite a few updates and announcements about cool stuff happening at Literacy In Place. I also talk about my book, Country Teachers In City Schools: The Challenge of Negotiating Identity and Place. Here are some things discussed in the show: You can buy the book Check out the Read AppalachiaContinue reading "Country Teachers in City Schools by Chea Parton | Book Talk"
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Darcie Little Badger to discuss her book Elatsoe, her rural background, her STEM background and PhD, and how all of that affects what and how she writes. It was a delightful conversation, and I hope you’ll listen in. Other books mentioned in this episode:
Confession: I’m terrible at remembering anniversaries. I know that the stereotype would have you believe that because I’m a woman I get all bent out of shape when my husband forgets ours, but that’s just not the case. Every year Ravi and I both remember a week or so after the anniversary has passed, andContinue reading "Happy Second Anniversary, Literacy In Place!"
In this episode, I sit down to talk with the winner of the Literacy In Place Rural Teen Writing Contest, Allison Strange, about her winning story, “Fate for a Cat.” We talk about how her rural background has inspired her as a writer, her writing process, and she gives some sage advice to would-be submitters to the contest and their teachers.
There are also some great movie and book recommendations this episode, including:
- Pet Sematary by Stephen King https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780743412285
- The Shining by Stephen King https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780307743657
- Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780062854605
- Clown in a Cornfield 2: Frendo Lives by Adam Cesare https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780063096912
- The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781250861092
- In Cold Blood by Truman Capote https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780679745587
- All These Bodies by Kendare Blake https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780062977175
In this episode, I talk about how I would use Allison Strange’s Rural Teen Writing Contest story, “Fate for a Cat” in my classroom. In connection, I discuss writing worshop and give a big shout-out to Deb Kelt and the Heart of Texas Writing Project that changed my whole life as a writer, teacher of writing, and person.
- Rural Teen Writing Contest Info: https://literacyinplace.com/inaugural-literacy-in-place-writing-contest/
- Allison’s Story: https://literacyinplace.com/2023/02/07/fate-for-a-cat-by-allison-strange/
- Heart of Texas Writing Project Summer Institute Info: https://sites.edb.utexas.edu/htwp/invitational-summer-institute/
- My favorite book by Randy Bomer: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780325013947
- My favorite book by Katherine Bomer: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780325029658
In this episode, I talk about Allison Strange’s winning story, Fate for a Cat. I read a bit from the beginning, give a summary, and then give a brief analysis of how place and rurality function in the story and how/why I connected it to it.
Learn more about why I started the Rural Teen Writing Contest here.
I’m so excited to be kicking off the series where I talk about this year’s winner of the Literacy In Place Rural Teen Writing Contest! Before I get to talking about Allison Strange’s story “Fate for a Cat” I wanted to do a special episode where I talk about why this thing even exists – where the idea came from and why it’s so important to me.
In this week’s episode, I discuss the reasons I started the #LiteracyInPlace Rural Teen Writing Contest and give some backstory on how it got started. I’m joined by the voices of authors who contributed to the RURAL VOICES anthology as well as those who made videos in support of teasing the first cycle of the contest.
Texts mentioned on today’s show: * Amplifying rural voices: Defining, reading, and writing rural stories. Montana English Journal – Chea Parton : https://scholarworks.umt.edu/mej/vol43/iss1/3/ * Rural Voices: 15 Authors Challenge Assumptions About Small Town America – Nora Shalaway Carpenter : https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781536226065 (affiliate link) * Fate for a Cat – Allison Strange : https://literacyinplace.com/2023/02/07/fate-for-a-cat-by-allison-strange/ * Heart of Texas Writing Project – https://sites.edb.utexas.edu/htwp/ * Building Adolescent Literacy in Today’s English Classrooms – Randy Bomer : https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780325013947 (affiliate link) * Hidden Gems: Naming and Teaching from the Brilliance in Every Student’s Writing – Katherine Bomer: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780325029658 (affiliate link) * For a Better World: Reading and Writing for Social Action : https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780325002637 (affiliate link) * Rethinking the “Adolescent” in Adolescent Literacy – Sophia Sarigianides and Robert Petrone: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780814141137 (affiliate link)
In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Dittemore, author of WINTER WHITE AND WICKED to talk about how the story came to be, her connections to rural places, what she wants to set the record straight about rural people and living, and drop a couple hints about what might be my latest project.
To learn more about Shannon and her work: https://www.shannondittemore.com/about
To get you a copy of WINTER WHITE AND WICKED: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781419740244
In this episode, I outline two ways that I would invite students to engage with WINTER WHITE AND WICKED. One way is through connections between the fantasy world of the novel and our own, and the other is through the world building and histories of the novel and our own.
For sample questions for teaching connections between our world and the world of the story: https://www.rethinkela.com/2022/09/winter-white-and-wicked-seeing-reality-through-fantasy-landscapes/
For more about Gaston’s Barking Cow: https://literacyinplace.com/2021/08/01/investing-in-community-gastons-the-barking-cow/
Summary & AnalysisIn this episode, I read a few pages from Shannon Dittemore’s WINTER, WHITE AND WICKED, provide a summary of the book, and do some analysis of the rural place of the novel. Specifically, I think about how themes of faith/religion, race and history, and economic systems in the novel connect to our own, and the possibilities that exist for rural fantasy books to connect to our own world in critical discussions about those themes.
It was a perfect icy, cold day in Texas to do it, too.
Get the book from my affiliate store here: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781419740244
Learn more about Shannon Dittemore and her work: https://www.shannondittemore.com
For more resources on teaching rural YA lit: https://literacyinplace.com
To learn more about the Whippoorwill Book Award: https://whippoorwillaward.weebly.com
In this episode, Terena Elizabeth Bell and I talk about the stories in TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE. We discuss her rural backrground and how that affects her writing, including the stories in this latest collection. We talk about rural places as culturally and linguistically rich supporters of art and the artists that produce it. Plus, we consider the collection and its fit for classrooms and young adults. It was such an enjoyable and thought-provoking conversation, and I really do hope y’all will check it out.
Get the book: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781952600227
Follow Terena Elizabeth Bell and her work: terenabell.com
Sometimes when I’m doing these talks, there’s part of the discussion that I really want to include but I’m not sure how to fit it in. This time it was just too good not to share, so I’ve made my first teaser.
Sitting down with Bell was like chatting with an old friend from word one. I had a blast and really enjoyed our conversation. And I think you will too, so stay tuned and check back Tuesday for the full interview!
In this episode I discuss how to use Bell’s story “#CoronaLife” to help students process the trauma of the pandemic, how it’s connected to place, and to study as a mentor text for their own writings. It even includes a sneak peak of the story!
For more on rural language varieties: https://literacyinplace.com/2022/01/14/what-is-my-rural-language-variety/
To get one, you can visit my bookshop affiliate store here: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781952600227
To learn more about Bell’s work and keep up with her, visit her website: http://terenabell.com
I’m kicking off Season 3 of Reading Rural YAL with TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE, an amazing short story collection by Terena Elizabeth Bell. I’m absolutely obsessed with it. It’s experimental, cutting edge, and powerful – especially in its exploration of life during the pandemic and the January 6th insurrection. I say it a million and a half times in the video, but you need to get a copy of this collection.
To get one, you can visit my bookshop affiliate store here: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781952600227d
To learn more about Bell’s work and keep up with her work, visit her website: http://terenabell.com
In this episode, I talk with New York Times Best-Selling and Whippoorwill Award winning Kalynn Bayron, who is the absolute epitome of cool. We talk about everything from her time growing up in Alaska, the underrepresentation of rural folks of color in YA, challenges faced by authors of marginalized identities in publishing, her reserach and writing of THIS POISON HEART, rural folk magic, and so much more!
This is hands down one of my favorite interviews so far!
Get the book: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781547609956
Already read THIS POINSON HEART? Get the sequel THIS WICKED FATE: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781547609208
In this episode, I detail the creative assessment and community exhibition “Mythology of Me” That I would use after students had finished reading the book. I also give shoutouts to Mrs. Pamme Meier-Fisher, the teacher who inspired me to be a teacher and with whom none of this’d be possible and to Randy Bomer and his work BUILDING ADOLESCENT LITERACY IN TODAY’S ENGLISH CLASSROOMS.
To get THIS POISON HEART: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781547603909
To get BUILDING ADOLESCENT LITERACY: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780325013947
In this episode, I read from Baryon’s Whippoorwill Award winning book and discuss how rurality contributes to the building of characters’ layered identities in ways similar to how we do it in our own lives. I also talk about ALAN and book boxes. For more info visit https://alan-ya.org/
In this episode, I sit down with Ginny Myers Sain. We talk about how place and rurality have impacted who she is and how she writes. She gives some solid tips and tricks for developing craft, especially through dialogue and one-act plays. We also chat about the representation of rural language varieties in young adultContinue reading "Author Talk | Ginny Myers Sain"
In this episode I outline two activities that I would use to teach this text. One involves a dramatic reading (which I hope Sain would love since I know she loves theater) and the other is to come up with your town’s claim to fame. Get a copy of the book: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780593403969 Learn more aboutContinue reading "Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain | Episode 2"
In this episode, I read from, summarize, and provide a brief critical place-based analysis of the Whippoorwill Award winning book. I specifically focus on place and how it shapes and is shaped by geography, history, and language practice. To buy the book: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9780593403969 To checkout the Spooky Unit with reThink ELA: https://www.rethinkela.com/october-inquiry-unit-reading-and-writing-spooky-stories/ To see howContinue reading "Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain | Episode 1"
Whippoorwill Award winning author Tim Lockette and I talk about TELL IT TRUE, how his rural background influences his writing, what it means and can look like to challenge rural stereotypes, how reading can influence your writing, and rural language practices. Shout-outs to Dr. Sarah J Donovan and EthicalELA. Get the book: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781644210826 More informationContinue reading "Author Talk | Tim Lockette"
In this episode, I talk about some ideas for teaching Tell It True, including turning the class into a newsroom, partnering with the art class for printing, and sharing with the community and school. Resources From This Episode Daily Yonder Article: https://dailyyonder.com/meet-the-77-year-old-woman-keeping-her-towns-newspaper-the-montezuma-record-alive-as-its-last-remaining-employee/2022/07/06/ Get the book: https://bookshop.org/a/86567/9781644210826 More information about Tim Lockette: https://timlockette.com/
In this episode, I provide a brief summary, read the first page (or so), and provide some analysis on important and rural-salient themes of Tim Lockette’s Tell It True. Specifically, I focus my analysis on the importance of local news staying local. Buy the Book: https://timlockette.com/
In this episode, Michelle Coles and I talk about so many things: How transactions across different types of places teach us to see and celebrate difference as well as connect through commonality The importance of authentic and intersectional stories of rurality How we’re essentially in a third cycle of Reconstruction and civil rights Her inspirationContinue reading "Author Talk – Michelle Coles"
In this episode, I talk about the possibilities of co-teaching this book with a history teacher and brainstorm projects such as Little Known History: Reconstruction Edition where students could learn about the historical events and people of the novel through research game creation. Learn more about Michelle Coles and find copies of Black Was theContinue reading "Black Was the Ink by Michelle Coles: Episode 2"
In this episode, I give a brief summary, read the first couple of pages, and do some critical place analysis of Michelle Coles’s Black Was the Ink. Its focus on Reconstruction America provides important connections to and insights for our own current cultural moment. It also importantly depicts Black rural folks – their history, struggles,Continue reading "Black Was the Ink by Michelle Coles: Episode 1"
In this episode, we talk about Monica’s rural connections, rural as cultural identity, code-switching/translanguaging with rural language varieties, and so much more. Another wonderful conversation I’m grateful to have had.
In this episode, I discuss some critical rural pedagogical approaches to teaching AIR, including a reading unit framed by an essential question with suggestions for reader’s notebooks; a PBL writing unit designed to learn about and improve accessibility in students’ school and community. Learn more about critical rural English pedagogy: https://youtu.be/NFrLzo27-Ek Resources about equity audits:Continue reading "Air by Monica Roe: Episode 3"
In this episode, I talk about how rurality shapes accessibility and role that plays in shaping Emmie’s story. I also connect it to my own experiences as a rural student and teacher. If you haven’t filled out my survey yet, I’d really appreciate it if you could. Connected Resources: Why We Need More Rural PerspectivesContinue reading "Air by Monica Roe: Episode 2"
In this episode, I give a brief overview of Monica Roe’s 2022 debut, AIR. I discuss the inspiration for the book and read the first chapter. Also… If you haven’t filled out my survey yet, I’d really appreciate it if you could. https://forms.gle/e26yPv8ycMppouPv5 Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/books/air-9781250798268/9780374388652
In this episode, Petrone and Wynhoff Olsen talk about their connections to rural places and the inspiration for their book. We discuss the affordances and challenges of living and teaching in rural places, work to outline what a critical rural English Pedagogy is, and how teachers and teachers educators can use critical rural pedagogy inContinue reading "Author Talk – Drs. Rob Petrone & Allison Wynhoff Olsen"
In this episode of Reading Rural YAL, I discuss each chapter of Teaching English in Rural Communities in more detail to show you all the theoretical and practical awesomeness contained in this book. Here’s a link to more resources on using a critical rural lens in teaching reading and writing: Buy the book here.
In this episode, I embark on a new feature of RRYAL – talking about trade books! Teaching English in Rural Communities is a book I wish I would’ve had when I was a rural English teacher. Here I provide a summary and reading of the first few pages. I hope this is helpful to allContinue reading "Trade Book Talks – Teaching English in Rural Communities Episode 1"
In this bonus episode of Reading Rural YAL, Dr. Jenn Sanders, one of the co-founders of the Whippoorwill Award for Rural Young Adult Literature discusses how and why the award got started, how winners are selected, and what she hopes the Whippoorwill does for rural teachers and students. To see past winners and learn more,Continue reading "Interview: Jenn Sanders, Co-Founder of The Whippoorwill Award for Rural YA Literature"
In this episode, Christopher Barzak and I cover a lot of ground. Because of our shared rural Midwestern experiences, we spend quite a bit of time talking about aspects of rural culture that we both recognize and have experienced. We also talk about his experiences in the global rural through his time living and teachingContinue reading "Author Talk: Christopher Barzak"
In this episode I discuss possibilities for trauma-based teaching THE GONE AWAY PLACE. Not only are they trauma-based, but they’re arts-integrated to boot!
In this episode, I talk about how The Gone Away Place helped me think about the way trauma and loss affect rural towns. I share how it connects to some of the (un)processed traumas I experienced while living in my 800 or so person hometown.
In this episode, I talk about how the physical location and the natural damage to the landscape shape the story and readers’ experience and understanding of it.
In this episode, I give a brief summary of Christopher Barzak’s Whippoorwill Award Winning book, The Gone Away Place, and give a reading of the first pages. Wanna learn more about the Whippoorwill Award? Visit https://whippoorwillaward.weebly.com
In this episode, I talk with Pedro Brown Hoffmeister about so many things! To say this was a great conversation is a massive understatement. Pedro is such an insightful human being and excellent storyteller. This one is definitely a can’t-miss conversation. If you enjoy it even half as much as I did, I would appreciateContinue reading "Author Talk: Pedro Brown Hoffmeister"
In this episode, I outline a lesson focused on human/environment interactions in which students complete a mutligenre project for authentic audiences.
In this episode, I discuss my reactions to the text as a rural reader. Related texts discussed in this episode: Townes Van Zandt songs to check out: “Tecumseh Valley” “Waiting’ Around to Die” “If I Needed You” Ash Beckham TED Talk: “Owning Your Duality”
In this episode, I discuss the way that place, wilderness, and ecology shape and function in the novel.
In this episode, I give a summary of the novel and read the first few pages. Interested in learning more about the UNLV YA Summit here. Visit Dr. Bickmore’s YA Wednesday
In this episode, Heath and I discuss everything from her rural background, farm and horse injuries, creating the world of a book while not living there, advice for young writers, and more. Follow her – On Twitter: @carlylheath On Instagram: @carlylynheath On the Web: https://www.carlyheathauthor.com Pick up the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/668136/the-reckless-kind-by-carly-heath/
In this episode, I give a brief description of a research project students could do and present to their own communities inspired by The Reckless Kind.
In this episode, I discuss the aspects of Heath’s novel that were connections and disconnections for me and what I learned from them.
In this video, Melissa Wyatt and I cover a lot of ground. Here are some of the major things we talk about: 01:25: Where she’s from 04:05 Defining rural 07:12 Becoming a writer 08:24 Crafting people and places that aren’t where you’re from 10:14 Who gets to write rural stories 14:31 Disrupting and nuancing dominantContinue reading "RRYAL: Author Talk – Melissa Wyatt"
This episode discusses how I would teach Funny How Things Change and the way it layers place and class.
In this episode, I discuss my personal reaction to FUNNY HOW THINGS CHANGE as a rural (out-migrant) reader. I read some of my favorite quotes and discuss how the book deals with complexities of rural folks leaving their hometowns.
In this episode, I talk about how place functions in the text – the complex connections to and opinions of the mountains held by both community insiders and outsides.
In this episode, I provide a summary of Wyatt’s novel as well as read the first few pages. I’m really excited to talk about this text because of the way the narrative of leaving a rural place sits in conversation with that of Zentner’s In the Wild Light. Check out Wyatt’s Twitter thread mentioned inContinue reading "RRYAL: Melissa Wyatt’s Funny How Things Change Episode 1"
In this episode, Jeff and I talk about everything from genetic memory of place to why he became a writer and his advice for aspiring writers out there. Here are the time codes: 01:44 His background and connections to rural people and places 03:58 Genetic memory and place 07:24 Why he became a writer andContinue reading "RRYAL: Author Talk – Jeff Zentner"
During this episode, I outline a possible assignment that uses embodied knowledge and a chosen passage from In the Wild Light to inform students’ writing. Students visit places in the community they love, take pictures, create Wordles, and ultimately write place-connected pieces that they then invite the community to view.
In this episode, I detail my reaction to Zentner’s text as a rural out-migrant and hillbilly reader. I discuss how IN THE WILD LIGHT raises questions about the experiences of rural out-migrants as well as the hero narrative attributed to rural folks who choose to leave their hometowns to pursue higher education.
For this episode, I discuss how Cash and Delaney’s out-migration helps us think about how place shapes the way we see and understand ourselves as well as how others see and understand us.
In this episode, I provide a brief summary of IN THE WILD LIGHT by Jeff Zentner and read from the first pages of the book.
In this interview, J.R. and I talk about everything from his rural background and its impact on his writing, building bridges across difference, the importance of translanguaging, and his writing life and advice for aspiring authors. See specific time codes below. 01:26 His rural background and its impact on his writing 07:58 Why he writesContinue reading "RRYAL: Author Talk – JR Jamison"
In this episode, I discuss some ideas for teaching Hillbilly Queer, including an argumentative assignment with a creative writing twist.
In this episode, I talk about my reaction to Jamison’s Hillbilly Queer as a rural reader.
In this episode, I analyze how place functions in Jamison’s memoir. In the talk, I mention my piece on Dr. Bickmore’s YA Wednesday.
In this episode, I give a brief summary of J.R. Jamison’s memoir Hillbilly Queer and read a bit from the first pages.
In this video Nora and I discuss: 01:26 Her rural background and its impact on her writing 06:34 Why she became a writer 11:20 What her writing life is like 14:23 First drafts, failures, and knowing your process 22:49 Finding your unique voice 25:15 What makes a good story 29:38 The importance of audience 34:21Continue reading "RRYAL: Author Talk – Nora Shalaway Carpenter"
In this episode, I walk through each of the individual pieces in the Rural Voices anthology, discussing what I liked or thought was important about them and share a favorite quote from each. Here are the time codes: 01:05 The (Unhealthy) Breakfast Club by Monica Roe 01:54 The Hole of Dark Kill Hollow by RobContinue reading "RRYAL: Nora Shalaway Carpenter’s Rural Voices Episode 3"
This video discusses Carpenter’s short story, “Close Enough” what it means to be from somewhere, and why folks may or may not claim a place as “theirs”.
This video gives an overview of the types of pieces that can be found in the Rural Voices anthology as well as discusses Carpenter’s goals for the project. You can find more about the individual pieces here. Visit Nora Shalaway Carpenter’s Author Page here.
In this episode, I discuss how the international and historic setting of The Reckless Kind provide opportunities for us to think about rural life in modern U.S. settings.
In this first episode, I introduce the book by providing a summary and reading the first pages,
In this episode, I drop some rapid fire ideas and then talk more in depth about how I would run place-based book clubs that look across Black experiences in rural and urban places. The clubs would serve to offer students an opportunity to explore and think with one another about the similarities and differences ofContinue reading "RRYAL: Kekla Magoon’s Season of Styx Malone Episode 4"
In this episode, I talk about my reaction to Magoon’s story. Representation matters, so I think one of the most important aspects of this book is that it gives readers opportunities to engage with the fact that people of color exist and thrive and experience hardship and joy in rural spaces. That they sometimes wantContinue reading "RRYAL: Kekla Magoon’s Season of Styx Malone Episode 3"
This episode provides a brief analysis of how place functions in the text, especially as it intersects with race. Here’s a well-resourced good start at learning about sundown towns:
This first episode provides a summary of and reading of the first pages of Kekla Magoon’s award-winning novel. **It has come to my attention that I did not pronounce Magoon’s name correctly in this first video. Now that I know better I will do better and get it right in subsequent videos.
In this episode I discuss a few ideas and approaches to teaching Sadie. For more information on teaching place through arts-integration with Sadie For more information on using arts-integration with YAL checkout this excellent book
In this episode, I discuss my reaction to the text as a rural reader and share some things that I appreciated about the book.
This is the inaugural four-part deep dive that paved the way for all the other episodes. Each subsequent series follows this structure – a summary video and reading of the first pages; an analysis of place in the text; my reaction as a rural reader; and some teaching ideas for folks interested in adding itContinue reading "RRYAL: Courtney Summers’s Sadie Episode 1"
I talk about some ideas for teaching The Serpent King in secondary English language arts classrooms.
I was so fortunate to get this book in my ALAN box. If you are an ELA teacher, librarian, or otherwise YA advocate, you need to know about ALAN aka Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE. Here’s a link to their website for more details about their annual conference and other helpful stuff. InContinue reading "RRYAL: Jeff Zentner’s The Serpent King: Episode 1"
Over the past few months, I’ve book-talked eight rural YAL books over the course of 31 videos and interviewed four fabulous authors. In talking with folks who follow the show, I realized that it might be nice for y’all to be able to listen while on the move and not in front of a screen.Continue reading "Introducing the Reading Rural YAL Podcast!"