Have you ever heard of Juneteenth? On June 19, 1865, almost two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, word finally reached Texas that the Civil War was over and that any slaves were free. Learn more about this celebration of freedom.
In this online exhibition, the Academy of Motion Pictures celebrates the genre of horror films. Explore interviews with famous directors and images from classic horror films.
For years, heartbroken people have been sending letters to the city of Verona addressed to Juliet. In the 1990s, the city of Verona created the Juliet Club to deal with all the letters. Read the article, and then listen to the full story.
Journalist Alison Flood investigates the increase of nature writing and reading in times of transition.
Read the descriptions and listen to the clips of protest songs from American history.
Read or listen to this account of Abraham Lincoln’s mindset leading up to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. View the artwork depicting the event at the bottom of article.
Read this article to find out how science fiction and horror stories have helped make fiction podcasts more popular.
What’s one way a teenager can go on a quest and still make it to school on time? By playing a video game, of course.
A geologist explores the intersection between his own field and myths around the world.
Give a popular poem a more careful reading and learn about the decision it may have driven Frost’s good friend to make.
Check out this interactive timeline of science fiction literature, from Jonathan Swift and Mary Shelley to Douglas Adams and Octavia Butler.
English professor Doni Wilson reflects on a literary event in which author Anthony Doerr read from his short story “The Deep” and discussed his passion for life and the natural world.
Read this biography of poet William Carlos Williams. Click “read this poet’s poems” to explore his work.
An historic letter written by George Washington is the inspiration for a cantata recently performed at a Jewish congregation in Philadelphia. Read why the creators of the musical piece found the document to still be relevant and important.
Educator and former U.S. Foreign Service officer Chris Livaccari discusses how Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” inspired him to examine his own family’s use of language.
A recent survey found that many parents avoid exposing their children to frightening stories and characters. Read to find out why some people think parents should let their kids read scary books.
Read about a recent sequel to Macbeth, based not only on Shakespeare’s tragedy but also on the historical record.
In this short video, the author of novels based in Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythologies discusses why mythology and middle school are a perfect fit.
Learn about a few of the ways in which you quote Shakespeare every day, without even knowing it!
One way we find common ground with others is by imagining ourselves in their circumstances. Reading novels and stories that put us into a character’s thoughts can develop our ability to make connections in the real world.
