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 TeenContinue reading “Fate for a Cat by Allison Strange | Ep. 1 Summary & Analysis”
Category Archives: Reading Rural YAL Podcast
Rural Teen Writing Contest Series | Episode 0
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 –Continue reading “Rural Teen Writing Contest Series | Episode 0”
Shannon Dittemore | Author Talk
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”
Winter, White and Wicked by Shannon Dittemore | Teaching Ideas
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 teachingContinue reading “Winter, White and Wicked by Shannon Dittemore | Teaching Ideas”
Winter, White and Wicked by Shannon Dittemore | Episode 1
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”
Terena Elizabeth Bell | Author Talk
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”
Terena Elizabeth Bell | Teaser
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 wordContinue reading “Terena Elizabeth Bell | Teaser”
Tell Me What You See by Terena Elizabeth Bell | Episode 2
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”
Tell Me What You See by Terena Elizabeth Bell Season 3: Episode 1
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”
Author Talk | Kalynn Bayron
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”
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron | Episode 2
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 andContinue reading “This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron | Episode 2”
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron | Episode 1
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/
Author Talk | Ginny Myers Sain
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”
Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain | Episode 2
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”
Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain | Episode 1
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”
Author Talk | Tim Lockette
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”
Tell It True by Tim Lockette Episode 2
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/
Tell It True by Tim Lockette: Episode 1
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/
Author Talk – Michelle Coles
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”
Black Was the Ink by Michelle Coles: Episode 2
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”
Black Was the Ink by Michelle Coles: Episode 1
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”
Author Talk – Monica Roe
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.
Air by Monica Roe: Episode 3
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”
Air by Monica Roe: Episode 2
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”
Air by Monica Roe: Episode 1
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
Author Talk – Drs. Rob Petrone & Allison Wynhoff Olsen
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”
Trade Book Talks – Teaching English in Rural Communities Episode 2
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.
Trade Book Talks – Teaching English in Rural Communities Episode 1
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”
Interview: Jenn Sanders, Co-Founder of The Whippoorwill Award for Rural YA Literature
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”
RRYAL: The Gone Away Place by Christopher Barzak Episode 4
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!
Author Talk: Christopher Barzak
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”
RRYAL: The Gone Away Place by Christopher Barzak Episode 3
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.
RRYAL: The Gone Away Place by Christopher Barzak Episode 2
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.
RRYAL: The Gone Away Place by Christopher Barzak Episode 1
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
Author Talk: Pedro Brown Hoffmeister
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”
RRYAL: Peter Brown Hoffmeister’s Too Shattered For Mending Episode 4
In this episode, I outline a lesson focused on human/environment interactions in which students complete a mutligenre project for authentic audiences.
RRYAL: Peter Brown Hoffmeister’s Too Shattered for Mending Episode 3
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”
RRYAL: Peter Brown Hoffmeister’s Too Shattered for Mending Episode 2
In this episode, I discuss the way that place, wilderness, and ecology shape and function in the novel.
RRYAL: Peter Brown Hoffmeister’s Too Shattered for Mending Episode 1
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
RRYAL: Author Talk – Carly Heath
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/
RRYAL: Carly Heath’s The Reckless Kind Episode 4
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.
RRYAL: Carly Heath’s The Reckless Kind Episode 3
In this episode, I discuss the aspects of Heath’s novel that were connections and disconnections for me and what I learned from them.
RRYAL: Author Talk – Melissa Wyatt
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”
RRYAL: Melissa Wyatt’s Funny How Things Change Episode 4
This episode discusses how I would teach Funny How Things Change and the way it layers place and class.
RRYAL: Melissa Wyatt’s Funny How Things Change Episode 3
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.
RRYAL: Melissa Wyatt’s Funny How Things Change Episode 2
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.
RRYAL: Melissa Wyatt’s Funny How Things Change Episode 1
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”
RRYAL: Author Talk – Jeff Zentner
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”
RRYAL: Jeff Zentner’s In the Wild Light Episode 4
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.
RRYAL: Jeff Zentner’s In the Wild Light Episode 3
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.
RRYAL: Jeff Zentner’s In the Wild Light Episode 2
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.
RRYAL: Jeff Zentner’s In the Wild Light Episode 1
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.
RRYAL: Author Talk – JR Jamison
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”
RRYAL: JR Jamison’s Hillbilly Queer Episode 4
In this episode, I discuss some ideas for teaching Hillbilly Queer, including an argumentative assignment with a creative writing twist.
RRYAL: JR Jamison’s Hillbilly Queer Episode 3
In this episode, I talk about my reaction to Jamison’s Hillbilly Queer as a rural reader.
RRYAL: JR Jamison’s Hillbilly Queer Episode 2
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.
RRYAL: JR Jamison’s Hillbilly Queer Episode 1
In this episode, I give a brief summary of J.R. Jamison’s memoir Hillbilly Queer and read a bit from the first pages.
RRYAL: Author Talk – Nora Shalaway Carpenter
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”
RRYAL: Nora Shalaway Carpenter’s Rural Voices Episode 4
This episode features ideas for teaching Rural Voices.
RRYAL: Nora Shalaway Carpenter’s Rural Voices Episode 3
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”
RRYAL: Nora Shalaway Carpenter’s Rural Voices Episode 2
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”.
RRYAL: Nora Shalaway Carpenter’s Rural Voices Episode 1
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.
RRYAL: Carly Heath’s The Reckless Kind Episode 2
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.
RRYAL: Carly Heath’s The Reckless Kind Episode 1
In this first episode, I introduce the book by providing a summary and reading the first pages,
RRYAL: Kekla Magoon’s Season of Styx Malone Episode 4
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”
RRYAL: Kekla Magoon’s Season of Styx Malone Episode 3
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”
RRYAL: Kekla Magoon’s Season of Styx Malone Episode 2
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:
RRYAL: Kekla Magoon’s Season of Styx Malone Episode 1
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.
RRYAL: Courtney Summers’s Sadie Episode 4
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
RRYAL: Courtney Summers’s Sadie Episode 3
In this episode, I discuss my reaction to the text as a rural reader and share some things that I appreciated about the book.
RRYAL: Courtney Summers’s Sadie Episode 2
This episode discusses and analyzes the role of rurality and place in Sadie.
RRYAL: Courtney Summers’s Sadie Episode 1
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”
RRYAL: Jeff Zentner’s The Serpent King Episode 2
I talk about some ideas for teaching The Serpent King in secondary English language arts classrooms.
RRYAL: Jeff Zentner’s The Serpent King: Episode 1
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”
Introducing the Reading Rural YAL Podcast!
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!”