Blogs & Podcasts

Find early literacy tips and children's books on the Children's Blog. Discover your next great read on the Books Movies Music Blog. Dig into Nashville history with the Community History Blog. Listen to stories, history, and culture on NPL Podcasts. Please see this Note for Readers.

This blog post is part of a series examining classic children’s literature titles that have been deemed racist. Whether or not you choose to share classic books such as these with the children in your life, we encourage you to have open conversations with them on the topic of race.

Podcast
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Just Listen: The Masque of the Red Death

In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death, Prince Prospero attempts to avoid a dangerous plague, known as the Red Death, by hiding in his abbey. He, along with many other wealthy nobles, hosts a masquerade ball within seven rooms of the abbey, each decorated with a different color. In the midst of their revelry, a mysterious figure disguised as a Red Death victim enters and makes his way through each of the rooms.

The news of Toni Morrison's passing on August 5 was met with tributes and gratitude for a life well lived. While she is best known as the author of such novels as The Bluest Eye and Beloved, Morrison also wrote several books for children. It is not yet too early to introduce the children in your life to the work of this incomparable writer.

Podcast
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Family Folktales: The Goose-GIrl

A princess journeying to her wedding is betrayed by her waiting-maid, who takes her place, while the real princess is given the task of looking after the geese. Will the king be able to help her regain her rightful place?

Podcast
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Legends of Film: Brian Trenchard Smith

During this episode Bill talks to director Brian Trenchard Smith. Mr. Trenchard Smith’s credits include Dead End Drive In, BMX Bandits, Turkey Shoot, and The Siege of Firebase Gloria. Trenchard Smith discusses the making of the film, and also talks about the best stunt he ever directed. 

Podcast
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Just Listen: To Build a Fire

One of the most widely anthologized stories in American literature is Jack London’s “To Build a Fire.”