A Corner of the Universe

• The Betsy-Tacy Treasury

Hattie loves the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace. The first in the series was originally published in 1940! The first four titles are combined in this treasury.

• My Life in the Fish Tank

When Zinnia’s older brother is diagnosed with a mental illness, her family wants Zinnia to keep it secret in Barbara Dee’s 2020 middle grade novel. This related read explores similar issues to those in A Corner of the Universe.

• Shirley Temple

Adam and Hattie drink Shirley Temples—traditionally “kid” cocktails—at Nana’s introductory dinner. Here is the recipe for that classic nonalcoholic drink.

• Dobie Gillis - “Caper at the Bijou”

Hattie imagines what a date with teen heartthrob, Dobie Gillis, would be like. She also thinks that Angel looks like “one of those Dobie Gillis girls” (7). In this first episode of the famous ‘50s tv show, Dobie Gillis explains his driving motivations: money and girls. Note: Contemporary viewers may find Dobie’s attitude toward women dated and problematic.

• I Love Lucy (1951-1957) – Vitameatavegamin

Adam quotes from this classic I Love Lucy sketch when Hattie first meets him. This hilarious 4-minute excerpt gives unfamiliar viewers a great introduction to Lucy and her comic style—and why Adam found her so funny. Preview first: Alcohol is apparently a key ingredient in Vitameatavegamin!

• As Others See Us – 1953

Nana is a stickler for proper behavior. Here, vintage footage from 1953 shows the emphasis on etiquette and appearance at school, home, and in public during the 1950s.

• Circus Freaks and Sideshows

Sideshow “freaks” were a big draw in traveling carnivals, though Leila worries for those who are truly born different. This 42-minute episode of History’s Mysteries explores the origins of the freakshow and subsequent reform efforts.

• Nola Brass Band: “When the Saints Go Marching In” – Busking in Madrid

Adam cries, “Happiness! Happiness!” when the band plays this song. Here, the Nola Brass Band performs in front of a spontaneous and equally enthusiastic crowd.