ReThinking Raising a new generation of readers with Shannon Hale
Shannon Hale, a prolific author known for her engaging children's literature, joins Adam and his daughter Joanna to discuss the critical role of books in teaching empathy. They explore how stories can challenge gender stereotypes and lament the decline in leisure reading. Shannon emphasizes the need for student choice in curricula to rekindle joy in reading and critiques how books are often banned for fostering empathy. The trio brainstorms ways to cultivate a new generation of readers, highlighting the transformative power of engaging narratives.
39:43
Princess Origin Moment
- Shannon Hale described her daughter thinking "princesses don't wear black," which inspired more versatile princess characters.
- She used that moment to write heroes who expand what girls can be and wear.
Validate All Reading
- Validate all forms of reading instead of shaming kids for their choices.
- Treat audiobooks, graphic novels, and fan fiction as legitimate reading that builds literacy.
Give Kids Library Ownership
- Use your local library and get children their own library cards to give them reading ownership.
- Put book choice in kids' hands and consult librarians for age-appropriate recommendations.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Shannon's origin as a storyteller
02:33 • 3min
Rejection, persistence, and first success
05:55 • 3min
Reviving readers with graphic novels
08:56 • 2min
Decline in leisure reading and remedies
10:47 • 2min
Why school reading often kills joy
13:01 • 4min
Parental influence on curriculum choices
16:37 • 43sec
Ad break
17:20 • 3min
Student voice on assigned classics
19:53 • 47sec
Purpose of English class is empathy
20:40 • 2min
Gendered reading and empathy gaps
22:38 • 5min
Curriculum imbalance and portrayals of girls
27:30 • 2min
Why books are targeted by bans
29:36 • 2min
Reading immerses you in others' minds
31:55 • 4min
Writing memoirs and the power of specifics
36:05 • 4min
Ad break
40:30 • 1min
Impact of Shannon's books on young readers
41:40 • 32sec
Quick advice for writers and readers
42:13 • 2min
Rethinking absolutes and creative habits
43:54 • 2min
Closing notes and family reading anecdote
46:10 • 24sec
Outro
46:34 • 3min
#59225
The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party
Dean Hale
Shannon Hale
In the second book of the New York Times bestselling Princess in Black series, Princess Magnolia must host the perfect princess party while keeping her alter ego as the monster-fighting Princess in Black a secret.
When monsters interrupt the festivities, she battles to save the day without revealing her dual identity to her guests.
The story combines humor, action, and the theme that princesses can be superheroes too.
#6173
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Huck Finn
Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a picaresque novel that follows Huck Finn and Jim, a runaway slave, as they travel down the Mississippi River.
The story explores themes of racism, identity, and the moral education of Huck, who learns to see Jim as a human being rather than a slave.
Through their adventures, Twain critiques societal norms and the hypocrisy of 'civilized' society.
#1
• Mentioned in 1,578 episodes
1984
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism.
The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother.
Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative.
He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination.
The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
#154
• Mentioned in 120 episodes
Think Again
Adam Grant
In 'Think Again', Adam Grant argues that the ability to rethink at personal, interpersonal, and collective levels is crucial in today's polarized world.
He uses scientific research, personal anecdotes, and engaging stories to illustrate how people can find joy in being wrong, leverage the benefits of impostor syndrome, and cultivate environments of lifelong learning.
Grant emphasizes the need to challenge our convictions, adopt a scientific mindset, and foster curiosity and humility.
He provides examples of individuals who have successfully rethought their approaches, from firefighters to business leaders, and offers practical exercises for improving rethinking skills.
#1488
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
Death of a Salesman
Arthur Miller
Written by Arthur Miller, 'Death of a Salesman' is a two-act tragedy set in late 1940s Brooklyn.
The play revolves around Willy Loman, an aging salesman who grapples with the reality that his American Dream of success and wealth is unattainable.
Through a montage of memories, dreams, and arguments, the play explores Willy's consciousness and his inner conflict.
Willy's life is marked by poor choices, delusions, and a desperate attempt to secure a better future for his sons through his life insurance policy.
The play critiques the American Dream and the superficial values that Willy has adopted, leading to his tragic downfall.
The final scene depicts Willy's funeral, attended by only a few people, highlighting the contrast between Willy's illusions and the harsh reality of his life.
#383
• Mentioned in 66 episodes
The grapes of wrath
John Steinbeck
Published in 1939, 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a powerful and poignant novel by John Steinbeck.
It tells the story of the Joad family, Oklahoma tenant farmers who are forced to leave their home after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.
The novel follows their arduous journey along Route 66 to California, where they face numerous hardships, including poverty, exploitation, and the loss of family members.
The book explores themes of family, survival, and the struggle for human dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
It also delves into the broader social and economic issues of the time, highlighting the conflict between the powerful and the powerless.
Steinbeck's work is known for its vivid portrayal of the human condition and its impact on American literature and society.
#22024
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Princess in Black
Dean Hale
Shannon Hale
In this engaging chapter book, Princess Magnolia leads a double life: by day, she is a perfect princess, but by night, she transforms into the Princess in Black to battle monsters threatening her kingdom.
The story combines humor, adventure, and strong female empowerment, challenging traditional princess stereotypes.
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham, the book is part of a popular series for young readers.
#46
• Mentioned in 228 episodes
Moby Dick
Herman Melville
Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg.
Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs.
nature, and the existential questions of good and evil.
The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.
#150
• Mentioned in 123 episodes
Hamlet
William Shakespeare
The play revolves around Prince Hamlet's journey to avenge his father's murder, which was committed by his uncle Claudius.
Hamlet's father's ghost appears and reveals that he was poisoned by Claudius, who then married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude.
Hamlet feigns madness while he investigates and plots his revenge.
The play explores themes of betrayal, mortality, and the human condition, culminating in a tragic finale where nearly all main characters die, including Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and several others.
#19740
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
On Dreams
Sigmund Freud
In 'On Dreams,' Freud provides a simplified and more accessible version of his extensive work 'The Interpretation of Dreams.
' He contrasts scientific and popular views of dreams, explains how dreams are influenced by the activities or thoughts of the preceding day, and discusses mental mechanisms such as condensation, dramatization, displacement, and regard for intelligibility.
The book offers insights into repression, the three classes of dreams, and censorship within the dream.
It serves as an introduction to Freud's basic understanding of mental operations and is intended for a wider audience than his more detailed work.
#6393
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak is a powerful novel by Laurie Halse Anderson that follows Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman struggling to cope with the aftermath of a rape at a summer party.
The story explores themes of trauma, identity, and finding one's voice, as Melinda navigates her freshman year in silence and isolation.
Through her art and personal growth, Melinda eventually confronts her past and begins to heal.
#25311
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Goose Girl
Shannon Hale
Shannon Hale's "The Goose Girl" is a captivating young adult fantasy novel based on a classic fairy tale.
The story follows a princess on her journey to an arranged marriage, where betrayal and survival become her central themes.
Amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and magical elements, the princess must navigate treacherous circumstances to protect herself and her kingdom.
The novel explores themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of power dynamics.
Hale's writing style is known for its engaging characters and immersive world-building, making "The Goose Girl" a beloved read for young adults and fantasy enthusiasts alike.
#22921
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Princess Academy
Shannon Hale
In this Newbery Honor-winning story, Miri and other girls from Mount Eskel are sent to a makeshift academy to learn poise, history, and commerce in preparation for the prince's arrival to choose his bride.
Facing a strict tutor, rivalries, and a bandit attack, Miri discovers the power of education, uses the villagers' unique quarry-speech ability to save her friends, and ultimately helps empower her community while navigating her feelings for her best friend Peder.
Shannon Hale is the author of more than 50 books for all ages, including the Princess Academy series and her graphic novel memoirs. In this episode, Adam and his daughter Joanna (a longtime fan of Shannon’s books) talk to Shannon about the powerful lessons books teach us about empathy, and take a closer look at how stories can either reinforce or dismantle the gender stereotypes kids learn early on. The three lament the decline in leisure reading, and brainstorm ways to nurture new readers and keep students interested in books.
Host & Guest
Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: https://adamgrant.net/)
Shannon Hale (Instagram: @squeetus | Website: https://shannonhale.com/)
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For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-adam-grant-transcripts
ReThinking is produced by Cosmic Standard. Our Senior Producer is Jessica Glazer, our Engineer is Aja Simpson, our Technical Director is Jacob Winik, and our Executive Producer is Eliza Smith.
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