The Black 'n' White

Perkins Local Schools
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What was the last great book you read? What's your favorite book? Who's your favorite character? These are the questions The Black 'n' White is asking of its guests – all of whom are students, alumni, or members of the Perkins Local Schools community here in beautiful Sandusky, Ohio. We believe reading not only happens in a classroom, but also in the home. Let's talk about the books we've read and why they are so awesome.

Episodes

  1. Jun 14

    The Keeper Of The Books

    Meet Kathy Thompson, the media specialist at Furry Elementary and Meadowlawn Intermediate schools. Mrs. Thompson has been at Perkins for 31 years. At the end of the 2025-2026 school year, she retired. First, we have to say thank you to Mrs. Thompson for her service to the school district and the children here. Second, oh my, it's great that she agreed to be a guest on The Black 'n' White. She is someone who has worked hard to help our youngest Pirates discover the joy in reading. She shares her thoughts on reading and her favorite author, Taylor Jennings Reid, who wrote The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and other books. Enjoy!

  2. May 27

    Avid Reader, Graduating Pirate

    Perkins High School senior Parker Camp recently sat down for an interview with The Black 'n' White. She talks about her future after high school and her intention to attend Florida Gulf Coast University (hurricanes and all), and her part-time job at a local bookstore (where she gets a great employee discount). She also discusses her favorite book, "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara. "It's a beautiful representation of mental health, the struggle, and overcoming trauma." She has a second book she recommends, "Foxhole Court" by Nora Sakavic. She discovered the book in middle school, and describes it as "the most insane and bizarre book I have ever read." Enjoy!

  3. May 15

    Author and undersea photographer Michael Patrick O'Neill

    Children’s book author and undersea photographer Michael Patrick O’Neill joins The Black ‘n’ White for Episode 6. Mr. O’Neill talks about how he transitioned from being a data analyst in the corporate world to finding his true calling, capturing images of sea creatures, and sharing them with young readers. Mr. O’Neill was a guest author at Furry Elementary and Meadowlawn Intermediate schools on May 14 and 15. He spoke with each class and shared not only his passion for the ocean but also his love of reading. You might be surprised by Mr. O’Neill’s favorite book – it’s not exactly related to the environment or the ocean, but rather a classic.

  4. May 5

    PHS Senior Susan Nichols

    Perkins High School senior Susan Nichols talks about her love of reading and her favorite book series (Maze Runner by James Dashner). She also talked about how she came to Perkins Schools at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, and reconnected with some old friends.

  5. Apr 30

    Episode 4: Reading With Friends

    Dozens of Perkins Pirates, in Kindergarten to 5th Grade, braved chilly temperatures to come out to the first Read Under the Lights event at Firelands Health Stadium at Perkins High School. Students, along with their parents and siblings, brought books and blankets to chill and read. Many of them took a break from their books to share what they are reading. Many of them also shared why they like to read, from "it's healthy for your brain" to "it helps me calm down."

  6. Apr 24

    More Than A Bus Driver: A Super Reader

    Ms. Sandy is a familiar face who greets Pirates each morning and tells them to have a great evening at the end of the day. She also reads a ton of books, and it is very common to see her with a book while she waits for the kids to board Bus No. 22. Ms. Sandy talks about author Mark Greaney's "Gray Man" series, which she just began, what she expects out of a "good book," and what she does when she encounters a book she does not like. Her current book is The Chaos Agent by Mark Greaney.

  7. Apr 22

    Adam West – PHS alumnus, wrestling coach, aspiring teacher

    In this episode, Adam West, a 2024 graduate of Perkins High School, sat down to catch up on his life since graduation and his plans to become a teacher. He also talks about his favorite book and the book he is now reading. He also shares his love of reading – and how when he was an elementary student he struggled with reading and when he discovered the magic of reading after he was placed in a gifted reading class in middle school.His favorite book: Anthem by Ayn RandHis current book: Red Rising by Pierce Brown

  8. Apr 20

    Annaliese Rogers – writer, dancer, and reader.

    This Perkins High School senior has a great story to tell. Annaliese has plans to attend Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, where she will study dance. She also is an avid reader – and creative writer. Her favorite book is The Inheritance Games, a trilogy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

  9. Apr 13

    The Black 'n' White – What It's All About

    In this prequel episode of The Black 'n' White, Furry Elementary School teacher Pamela Shirtz chats about reading. Mrs. Shirtz, a former 1st-grade teacher, took a new role during the 2025-2026 school year as a Literacy Coach. In this role, she works one-on-one and in small groups with elementary students. As a veteran educators, Mrs. Shirtz also works with her fellow teachers and helps them be better classroom educators. Mrs. Shirtz talks about her job, the elementary literacy crisis schools across America, and offers her feedback on how this podcast will look and feel in coming episodes. Thank you Mrs. Shirtz for being a great teacher – and sharing with us today.

  • 9 Episodes

About

What was the last great book you read? What's your favorite book? Who's your favorite character? These are the questions The Black 'n' White is asking of its guests – all of whom are students, alumni, or members of the Perkins Local Schools community here in beautiful Sandusky, Ohio. We believe reading not only happens in a classroom, but also in the home. Let's talk about the books we've read and why they are so awesome.

Information

  • Creator
    Perkins Local Schools
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Perkins Local Schools
  • Show Website
    The Black 'n' White