Backlisted Locklisted: Children's Books Special, Part One
Join the hosts as they dive into cherished childhood reads, reminiscing about the joy of libraries and spinning racks. They discuss the impact of the Puffin Club and share favorites like 'Emil and the Detectives' and the 'Hitchhiker's series.' Discover how audiobooks like 'The Secret Garden' and 'Ballet Shoes' provided comfort, along with the influential role of comics and compulsive series like 'Sweet Valley High.' The conversation reflects on how these books shaped their identities and offered solace, setting the stage for a sequel focused on teenage reading.
58:26
Libraries As Formative, Quiet Spaces
- Libraries used to be silent, authoritative spaces that taught children how to read seriously.
- Andy Miller associates the smell of polished parquet floors with the formative experience of literacy and reading devotion.
Pocket Money Fueled Reading Escapes
- John Mitchinson saved his 5p pocket money and treated reading as his escape from family tensions.
- He remembers reading as the single most important and consoling part of his childhood.
Outgrowing The School Library
- Andy Miller read everything in his primary school library until staff rang his parents asking for his own books.
- He was exceptionally good at reading from age four and the school ran out of material for him.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Why revisit childhood reading
02:28 • 1min
Early library memories and spinning racks
03:51 • 39sec
Bookshop display choices and B-format paperbacks
04:30 • 2min
Library atmosphere and parental attitudes
06:02 • 4min
Parents' bookshelves shaped tastes
10:02 • 3min
Reading as escape and personal refuge
12:42 • 5min
Showing treasured childhood books
17:30 • 2min
Puffin Club and book culture for kids
19:28 • 2min
Authors matter to children now too
21:12 • 2min
Early writer inspirations and series
23:15 • 2min
Sweet Valley High and compulsive series reading
24:50 • 3min
I-Spy, activity books and childhood engagement
27:57 • 2min
Keeping or discarding children's books
29:57 • 2min
Audiobooks as childhood comfort
31:32 • 59sec
The Secret Garden and dialect in children's books
32:30 • 2min
Books that made them cry
34:54 • 1min
Ballet Shoes and repeated listening
36:06 • 2min
Comics, mandy and nostalgic attachments
38:02 • 4min
Doctor Who novelisations and working-class writers
42:03 • 2min
Doctor Who prologue echoes The Inheritors
43:56 • 3min
Susan Cooper and The Dark Is Rising
46:36 • 3min
Projection, identity and comfort in reading
49:20 • 4min
Plans for a teenage reading sequel
53:26 • 2min
Outro
55:24 • 6sec
#91339
Ludo and the Star Horse
Mary Stewart
string
#33700
Doctor Who and the Cave Monsters
Malcolm Hulke
string
#89584
Alistair Cook's America
Alistair Cooke
string
#58794
In Search of Arthur's Britain
Geoffrey Ash
string
#72904
Achilles' Armor
Peter Green
string
#54
• Mentioned in 219 episodes
Dune
Frank Herbert
Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs.
The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities.
The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice.
Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people.
#62647
The Giant Under the Snow
John Gordon
string
#70802
I Spy
Natalie Sumner Lincoln
string
#71544
The Book of Goblins
Alan Garner
string
#86024
Long Way From Verona
Jane Gardham
string
#69254
The 18th Emergency
Betsy Byars
string
#36288
RED SHIFT
Alan Garner
string
#90489
The Honorary Consul
Graham Greene
Set in Argentina, Graham Greene's 'The Honorary Consul' explores themes of political corruption, faith, and the human condition.
The novel follows the story of Charley Fortnum, the bumbling honorary consul, who is mistakenly kidnapped by a group of revolutionaries.
As Fortnum becomes entangled in their cause, he confronts his own mortality and the complexities of love and sacrifice.
Greene masterfully weaves together elements of suspense and moral introspection, creating a compelling narrative that examines the blurred lines between right and wrong.
The book is a profound exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
#92133
Great Northern
Arthur Ransome
string
#89150
The People's almanac #2
David Wallechinsky
Irving Wallace
#42591
The House at Pooh Corner
A. A. Milne
The House at Pooh Corner is a 1928 children's book that follows the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.
The book introduces the character Tigger and includes various humorous adventures involving misunderstandings, mishaps, and happy conclusions.
Illustrated by E. H. Shepard, the book is notable for its charming stories and iconic illustrations.
It marks the end of the Pooh saga as Christopher Robin was getting older.
#70283
Emil and the Detectives
Erich Kästner
Published in 1929, 'Emil and the Detectives' is a groundbreaking novel that introduced realistic settings and characters to children's literature.
It follows Emil, a young boy who loses his money and enlists the help of a group of street-smart children to catch the thief.
#73400
Beast Quest
82: Falra the Snow Phoenix
Adam Blade
The Beast Quest series, written under the pseudonym Adam Blade, is a collection of children's fantasy-adventure novels.
The series follows the adventures of Tom and his friend Elenna as they embark on quests to save the kingdom of Avantia from various evil forces.
The stories involve battling fearsome beasts, overcoming challenges, and exploring the mythical world of Avantia.
With over 154 books across multiple series, the Beast Quest series has become a bestseller, appealing to boys and girls aged 7 and above.
#30663
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Inheritors
Eve Fairbanks
#71
• Mentioned in 197 episodes
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys.
The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis.
It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth.
The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements.
#229
• Mentioned in 92 episodes
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been expelled from Pencey Prep, as he spends three days wandering around New York City.
The novel explores Holden's disillusionment with the world around him, his feelings of loneliness and disconnection, and his struggle to find genuine relationships.
Despite his cynicism and criticism of others as 'phonies,' Holden reveals a deep emotional sensitivity, particularly in his interactions with his younger sister Phoebe.
The book delves into themes of adolescent angst, the loss of innocence, and the search for meaning and purpose in a seemingly superficial world.
#29817
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators
Nick West (Kin Platt)
Marc Brandel (Marcus Beresford)
Mary Virginia Carey
Robert Arthur Jr.
William Arden (Dennis Lynds)
The series, created by Robert Arthur Jr., follows the adventures of three young detectives living in Rocky Beach, California.
The boys, Jupiter Jones, Peter Crenshaw, and Bob Andrews, use their intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination to solve complex and often exotic mysteries.
Initially, the series was published under the title 'Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators', with Hitchcock introducing the stories.
Later titles featured Hector Sebastian instead of Hitchcock.
The series emphasizes the use of reason and logic to solve mysteries, often involving human agency behind seemingly supernatural phenomena.
#1175
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
Pedagogy of the Oppressed
Paulo Freire
Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" is a seminal work in education theory that critiques traditional, banking-style education and advocates for a more liberating approach.
Freire argues that education should be a transformative process that empowers students to critically analyze their world and challenge oppressive structures.
He emphasizes dialogue and participatory learning as essential tools for fostering critical consciousness and social change.
The book's enduring influence lies in its challenge to traditional power dynamics in education and its call for a more just and equitable learning environment.
Freire's work has inspired educators and activists around the world to rethink their approaches to teaching and learning.
#45846
Ballet shoes
Noel Streatfeild
Ruth Gervis
Ballet Shoes follows Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil, three orphans adopted by Great-Uncle Matthew, an eccentric paleontologist, and raised by his great-niece Sylvia in 1930s London.
When their guardian's financial support dwindles and money becomes scarce, the girls enroll at the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training to earn money for their household.
Each sister discovers her own path: Pauline becomes a talented actress, Posy develops into a brilliant ballet dancer, and Petrova, who despises performing, dreams of flying aircraft.
The novel explores themes of family loyalty, ambition, sacrifice, and coming of age as the sisters navigate the demands of stage life while supporting one another.
#25285
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
I am David
Anne Holm
I Am David fortæller historien om en 12-årig dreng, der har tilbragt hele sit liv i en koncentrationslejr i Østeuropa uden forældre eller slægtninge.
Med hjælp fra en fangevogter flygter han og rejser til Danmark, hvor han møder mange mennesker, der lærer ham om livet uden for lejren.
Undervejs lærer han om tillid, frihed og menneskelighed.
#15692
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Honest to God
John A.T. Robinson
In 'Honest to God', John A.T.
Robinson critiques traditional Christian theology, particularly the notion of 'God up there' and 'God out there'.
He advocates for an existentialist theology, drawing from the works of Paul Tillich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rudolf Bultmann.
Robinson suggests that God should be understood as 'the ground of our being', emphasizing the importance of love and the divine presence in everyday life.
The book also explores the concept of 'religion-less Christianity' and the need for a secular theology that integrates God's revelation into broader cultural contexts.
#14729
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The dark is rising
Susan Cooper
#77
• Mentioned in 186 episodes
The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy
Douglas Adams
The book follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary Englishman, whose house and planet are about to be demolished.
He is rescued by his friend Ford Prefect, an alien researcher for the 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'.
Together, they embark on a journey through space, encountering various characters such as Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed president of the galaxy, Trillian, a human woman, and Marvin, a paranoid android.
The story involves their adventures on the spaceship Heart of Gold, which has an Infinite Improbability Drive, and their quest to understand the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, which is revealed to be '42'.
The novel is known for its humor, satire, and imaginative storytelling.
#20942
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Sweet Valley High
The Album
Francine Pascal
The Sweet Valley High series, initiated in 1983, consists of 181 books and follows the lives of identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, along with their friends, in the fictional town of Sweet Valley, California.
The series spans various genres including soap opera, romance, and fantasy-adventure.
The twins, despite their physical similarity, have distinct personalities: Elizabeth is sensible and down-to-earth, while Jessica is outgoing and more concerned with fashion and popularity.
The series explores their relationships, high school experiences, and personal growth, and it includes several spin-off series such as Sweet Valley Senior Year and Sweet Valley University.
This Locklisted special on children's books was recorded in August 2020 and was previously available exclusively to supporters of our Patreon at patreon.com/backlisted. Join us on a journey through time and space as John, Andy and producer Nicky discuss the books they loved as children. The discussion covers the importance of libraries, the Proustian aroma of parquet flooring, the challenges of the display spinner, the significance of the Puffin Club, the utility of book tokens and the joys of early audio books. The books mentioned make for an eclectic mix and include Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner, The Eighteenth Emergency by Betsy Byars, the Hitchhikers series by Douglas Adams, I-Spy books, the epic sweep of Sweet Valley High, Great Northern by Arthur Ransome, The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne, the audiobook of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (as read by Glenda Jackson), the audiobook of Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, comics such as Mandy and Look-in, the sublime Peanuts collections by Charles M. Schulz and last but definitely not least, Doctor Who and the Cave Monsters by Malcolm Hulke. We so enjoyed making this episode that we recorded a sequel on our favourite teenage reading, which will be shared here soon. Backlisted is entirely funded by the contributions of our Patreons - many thanks to them! If you would like to hear all past episodes of Locklisted and support Backlisted in the process, please sign up as a Locklistener or Master Storyteller at patreon.com/backlisted.* To purchase any of the books mentioned in this episode please visit our bookshop at uk.bookshop.org/shop/backlisted where all profits help to sustain this podcast and UK independent bookshops.* For information about everything mentioned in this episode visit www.backlisted.fm
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