Today's episode is about two children's books with very big themes. First, author-illustrator Vashti Harrison speaks with NPR's Juana Summers about Big, which chronicles how words affect children – and particularly young, Black girls – as they grow older and their bodies change from baby to big kid. Then, Dolly Parton joins NPR's Melissa Block to discuss Billy the Kid Makes It Big, a story about a music-making dog (inspired by a real-life pet!) standing up to the bullies around him.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Kultur & Gesellschaft
NPR's Book of the Day Folgen
In need of a good read? Or just want to keep up with the books everyone's talking about? NPR's Book of the Day gives you today's very best writing in a snackable, skimmable, pocket-sized podcast. Whether you're looking to engage with the big questions of our times – or temporarily escape from them – we've got an author who will speak to you, all genres, mood and writing styles included. Catch today's great books in 15 minutes or less.
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Folge vom 07.07.2023Books by Vashti Harrison and Dolly Parton teach kids about self-love and courage
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Folge vom 06.07.2023'Brotherless Night' examines the Sri Lankan Civil War through the eyes of one familyV.V. Ganeshananthan's new novel, Brotherless Night, dives into the Sri Lankan Civil War through the story of Sashi, a 16-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a doctor. As violence unfolds around her and her family, Sashi watches her goals – and personal stakes in the conflict – shift right before her eyes. In today's episode, Ganeshananthan speaks to Here & Now's Deepa Fernandes about the long-lasting impact of colonization in Sri Lanka and the importance of writing from a place of historical accuracy, even while fictionalizing her characters.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Folge vom 05.07.2023'Wonder Drug' traces the dark history of thalidomide and the birth defects it causedIn the 1960s, FDA inspector Frances Kelsey was assigned her first drug to review: thalidomide. Her thorough investigation led her to discover that the drug had caused pregnant women to bear babies with birth defects around the world – including in the U.S., where the drug had been distributed in clinical trials. Jennifer Vanderbes' new book, Wonder Drug, looks back on that chapter of American history. In today's episode, she tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe how big and unregulated the pharmaceutical industry was at that time, and how patients suffered the consequences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Folge vom 04.07.2023Adrienne Brodeur's novel 'Little Monsters' uncovers family secrets in Cape CodLittle Monsters is the story of two adult siblings, Ken and Abby Gardner, who were raised by their widowed father in Cape Cod. As their dad's 70th birthday approaches, all three members of the small family are on the precipice of great success in their respective fields – but also on the precipice of coming forward with some pretty dark secrets from their past. In today's episode, author Adrienne Brodeur tells NPR's Mary Louise Kelly about how this book takes inspiration from her own family, and what it means to unlearn and relearn the truths about your loved ones later in life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy