Category Archives: Reading Rural YAL Podcast

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. ToContinue reading “Shannon Dittemore | Author Talk”

Summary & Analysis In 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 ourContinue reading “Winter, White and Wicked by Shannon Dittemore | Episode 1”

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.Continue reading “Terena Elizabeth Bell | Author Talk”

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,Continue reading “Tell Me What You See by Terena Elizabeth Bell | Episode 2”

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 millionContinue reading “Tell Me What You See by Terena Elizabeth Bell Season 3: Episode 1”

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 andContinue reading “Author Talk | Kalynn Bayron”

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”

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 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, 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 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”

This episode features ideas for teaching Rural Voices.

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 episode discusses and analyzes the role of rurality and place in Sadie.

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!”