Badger's Parting Gifts
This Reading Rainbow episode features Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley, a story about friendship and remembering those we have lost. LeVar Burton shares treasured memories of his late grandparents. The book is read by actress Ruby Dee. LeVar discusses ways to process feelings of sadness or loneliness.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.
Enemy Pie
This Reading Rainbow episode features Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, a story about overcoming differences and the importance of friendship. LeVar visits a playground and talks about how misunderstandings can impact relationships. The feature book is read by actor Ed Harris. After the story, LeVar invites viewers to think about how they can make friends with people from different backgrounds.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.
Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express
This episode features Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express by Margaret K. Wetterer, a story about a young woman who risks her life to prevent a disaster. LeVar Burton gets an up-close look at a locomotive and prepares for an overnight journey. The book is read aloud by actor Brian Dennehy. An Amtrak engineer shares why she enjoys her job.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
This episode features Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop, a story about a young woman who takes charge of her family's lighthouse during a winter storm. LeVar Burton joins a sailing family for a day at sea on a 100-foot Maine coastal schooner. The book is read aloud by actress Sada Thompson. LeVar takes a tour of a modern-day lighthouse.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.
Mr. George Baker
This Reading Rainbow episode features Mr. George Baker by Amy Hest, a story about a 100-year-old man who goes back to school so he can learn to read. LeVar Burton explains that you are never too old to learn something new. The book is read by actor Wayne Brady. Viewers meet The Steppers, a group of senior women learning to dance to bring joy to themselves and others.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.
Ruth Law Thrills a Nation
This Reading Rainbow episode features Ruth Law Thrills a Nation by Don Brown, a book based on the true story of a record-breaking flight by a daring female pilot in 1916. LeVar discusses the history of aviation and shows viewers the inside of a biplane. The featured book is read by actress Linda Lavin. After the story, LeVar talks about how early plane travel required great courage.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.
The Tin Forest
This Reading Rainbow episode features The Tin Forest by Helen Ward, a story about a lonely man who builds the forest of his dreams from other people's discards. LeVar Burton spends time with students at P.S. 234, located just blocks away from Ground Zero, and talks with them about returning to school after 9/11. The book is read by actor Jeff Bridges. Students discuss their experiences and share messages of hope.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.
The Wonderful Towers of Watts
This episode features The Wonderful Towers of Watts by Patricia Zelver, a story about a man who built three unusual towers in his backyard. LeVar Burton talks about how communities are like mosaics. The book is read aloud by actress Angela Bassett. LeVar talks to a group of students about their neighborhood and the choices they have to make.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.
Uncle Jed’s Barber Shop
This Reading Rainbow episode features Uncle Jed’s Barbershop by Margaree King Mitchell, a story about a black barber who dreams of opening his own barbershop and overcomes many setbacks while working to save enough money. LeVar visits his favorite barber for a haircut. The featured book is read by actress Regina Taylor. LeVar talks about the importance of determination and pursuing your dreams.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.
Work Song
This Reading Rainbow episode features Visiting Day by Jacqueline Woodson, a rhyming book about ordinary people performing essential tasks. LeVar Burton explains that work is a way to share our talents and help others. The book is read by actor David Canary. LeVar explores a wide variety of jobs that make up our world of work.
Reading Rainbow and the Reading Rainbow logo are the registered trademarks of WNED Buffalo.