Ep. 1209 - Freedom Is For Neanderthals

This book is a reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning. Written by Jason Reynolds, it exposes young adult readers to the history of America's racist past, using a presentist approach to interpret historical subjects through the lens of contemporary norms and attitudes. The book aims to help readers understand why we are where we are today, why racist ideas persist, and how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in daily life.

Published in 1937, *And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street* is Dr. Seuss's first children's book. It follows Marco, a boy with an overactive imagination, as he embellishes his observations on his way home from school. The story showcases Dr. Seuss's signature rhymes and imaginative illustrations, highlighting the power of creativity and imagination. Despite its initial rejections, the book has become a timeless classic in children's literature.

The story follows the Cat in the Hat, a tall anthropomorphic cat in a red and white-striped top hat and a red bow tie, who visits two children, Sally and her brother, on a rainy day when their mother is away. Despite the objections of their pet fish, the Cat shows the children various tricks and introduces his companions, Thing One and Thing Two, causing chaos in the house. However, just before the mother returns, the Cat cleans up the mess using a machine. The book is known for its simple vocabulary, basic rhyme, and colorful illustrations, making it a favorite among children and parents alike.

The American Crisis is a series of pamphlets written by Thomas Paine between 1776 and 1783. The first pamphlet, published in December 1776, begins with the famous line 'These are the times that try men's souls. ' The series was designed to boost morale and rally support for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Paine's writings were highly influential and played a significant role in shaping public opinion and supporting the revolutionary cause.

In 'If I Ran the Zoo', Dr. Seuss tells the story of Gerald McGrew, a young boy who dreams of transforming his local zoo into a menagerie of fantastical creatures. The book is known for its imaginative and humorous narrative, but it has also faced criticism for its portrayal of cultural stereotypes. Originally published in 1950, it received a Caldecott Honor in 1951.