Toni Morrison’s debut novel, The Bluest Eye, is often challenged for its depictions of childhood sexual abuse, rape, and incest. In this special rewind episode, Rachel and Andrea discuss the power of a good audiobook, the history of Black baby dolls, and the enduring power, beauty, and artistry of this modern American classic.

For another perspective, listen to the Black Feminist & Bookish podcast discussion of The Bluest Eye.

Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast.

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Charlie Rose: Toni Morrison Beautifully Answers an ‘Illegitimate Question on Race’

C-SPAN: Landmark Cases - Brown v Board Doll Test

L.A. Times: Baby Nancy, the first ‘black’ doll, woke the toy industry

NPR: Toni Morrison's only short story is available in book form for the first time

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In Tiffany D. Jackson’s Monday’s Not Coming, middle schooler Claudia investigates her best friend’s disappearance when no one else will.

Rachel and Andrea discuss the world-shattering fallouts of trauma, the business of ‘other people’s business,’ and the importance of community.

For another perspective, check out Amber Alise’s conversation with Merphy Napier on Monday’s Not Coming.

Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast.

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American Library Association: The USA PATRIOT Act

Bustle: This Book Puts The Spotlight On Missing Black Girls Who've Been Ignored By Police

DC News Now: Parents slam Loudoun County School Board over ‘dirty’ novels in curriculum

NBC News: Book bans in schools are catching fire. Black authors say uproar isn’t about students.

Twitter: Loudoun County School Board meeting video

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Ashley Hope Perez’s Out of Darkness sets a tale of star-crossed lovers against the true story of the 1937 New London, Texas school explosion.

In this episode, Rachel and Andrea discuss the violence of racism, the desire all people and families share to find a safe place to live and love, and the real-life tragedy that inspired the book.

For another perspective, check out Latinxs in Kid Lit’s Q&A with Ashley Hope Perez.

Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast.

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Congress.gov: Respect for Marriage Act

KLTV: A Look Back: 80 years after the New London school explosion

Oyez: Loving v. Virginia

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In Isabel Quintero’s Gabi, a Girl in Pieces, the title character fills the diary of her senior year with poetry, friendship, grief, and cute boys.

Rachel and Andrea discuss body image, cultural identity, and the power of poetry. Also, zines.

For another perspective, read NPR’s interview with Cuban writer Meg Medina.

Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast

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ACLU: BOE Memo - Challenged Material: Gabi, A Girl in Pieces 2.15.22

Adrienne Rich: Claiming an Education

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In Nic Stone’s Dear Martin, Black teen Justyce starts a journal of letters to MLK after he survives a troubling encounter with police while trying to help a friend.

Rachel and Andrea discuss the difficulty of choosing one’s own way when the odds are stacked, how the same book is read differently by different audiences, and what we loved about Justyce’s relationship with his debate partner, SJ.

For another perspective, listen to the While Black podcast’s interview with Nic Stone.Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @LitMixPodcast.

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Marshall Libraries: Banned Books 2022 - Dear Martin

MSNBC: Nic Stone, On ‘Dear Martin’ (#VelshiBannedBookClub)

Rudine Sims Bishop: MIrrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors

Smoky Mountain News: ‘Dear Martin’ Pulled from Tuscola Class

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Lit Mix is a podcast about the books that challenge us. In this special prologue episode, co-hosts Rachel and Andrea introduce themselves, share memories of eighth grade English class, and discuss what’s up with all the book bans lately.Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast.

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Google Books: The Goats by Brock Cole

PEN America: Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools

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Maia Kobabe’s 2019 graphic novel memoir, Gender Queer, was the most challenged book of 2021.

Rachel and Andrea discuss the difference between nature’s distinctions and department store categories, Plato’s Symposium, and what’s too adult – or not – for YA.

For another perspective, listen to the Gender Reveal podcast’s interview with Maia Kobabe.

Email us at litmixpodcast@gmail.com, and follow us on Instagram @litmixpodcast.

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Maia Kobabe, via Washington Post: “Opinion: Schools are banning my book. But queer kids need queer stories.”

Wikipedia: Spivak Pronouns

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Lit Mix: a podcast about the books that challenge us - out now!