An Audible Exclusive!What makes kids such great storytellers? What makes stories about kids so compelling? You'll find out in this collection of seven classic This American Life episodes, selected especially for Audible - with exclusive commentary by host Ira Glass:
Babysitting (Originally broadcast January 6, 2001)
This episode, Ira says, includes a story that "started with a letter". The result is a remarkable account of a troubled childhood.
Superpowers (Originally broadcast February 23, 2001)
A boy wears a superhero costume under his school clothes - forgetting he has to change for gym. A girl decides to become a superhero - and sets out to acquire powers. Plus David Sedaris sings "Goldfinger".
My Experimental Phase (Originally broadcast June 25, 2004)
Ira says one of the stories in this episode "generated as much hate mail as we've ever gotten".
Kid Logic (Originally broadcast June 22, 2001)
Ira says his staff prides itself on identifying a phenomenon, naming it, and exploring its many facets. Thus, Kid Logic - how children use their own twisted reasoning. This episode includes a reading by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon.
My Pen Pal (Originally broadcast September 12, 2003)
Ira calls the centerpiece of this episode - a 10-year-old girl's correspondence with Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega - "a continually surprising story".
Father's Day '98 (Originally broadcast June 19, 1998)
In what Ira calls "a killer story", a dad engages his daughter's fantasy in a well-meaning way - with bad results. Plus, a tale of child rearing from Dan Savage.
Truth and Lies at Age 10 (Originally broadcast August 7, 1998)
Lies, and the lying kids who tell them - including a boy whose dream of TV fame is dashed - until he realizes he can just lie about it.
Have a great listen!
