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Worlds of Words Center

@wowlit.org
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Books, Stories, Reviews, & Currents for educators focusing on global literature for young people. Housed in the University of Arizona College of Education. wowlit.org

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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 22/09/2026
For those of you who expressed interest in the IYL exhibit, "We Are Family!", please enjoy this list of books available in English in the U.S. wowlit.org/blog/wow-doz...
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: IYL's "Alles Familie" Exhibit Books Available in English
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Publisher Spotlight @pubspotlight.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
We are Family is a warm post from @wowlit.org this week. Bonus: ALL OUR FAMILIES ARE AWESOME from @florisbooks.bsky.social in a photo! wowlit.org/blog/we-are-...
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 18/08/2026
Children learn to cook as a practical preparation for adulthood & as a bonding activity that connects them to family & community. And, of course, sharing food can be an expression of love. Enjoy these 12 titles on preparing, sharing & eating food. wowlit.org/blog/wow-doz... #BookSky
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: Preparing, Sharing, and Eating Food
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 13/08/2026
We conducted an analysis of international children's & adolescent books published in the U.S. with our colleagues @usbby.bsky.social. Read our reports, access the data & play with interactive maps on our website => wowlit.org/resources/in... #BookSky
wowlit.org
International Book Reports
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Judi Moreillon, PhD @judimoreillon.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Protect students' right to read! Guide students as they deal w/#censorship! Read my @wowlit.org WOW Review of graphic novel "Wake Now in the Fire" by Jarrett Dapier, illustrated by AJ Dungo. #TLSky #EduSky we must uphold #FirstAmendment rights! journals.librarypublishing.arizona.edu/wowreview/ar...
journals.librarypublishing.arizona.edu
Wake Now in the Fire Review
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 24/07/2026
A Home on the Page by Kao Kalia Yang & illustrated by Seo Kim sheds light on both overt and subtle forms of racism and its impact on those targeted by it. #WOWRecommends #BookSky wowlit.org/blog/wow-rec...
wowlit.org
WOW Recommends: A Home on the Page
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 20/07/2026
Invite students to examine how Black communities across the world use storytelling, music, hair, family memory, spiritual traditions, migration & resistance to preserve identity & reclaim place in this text set from our July WOW Currents. #EduSky #BookSky wowlit.org/blog/global-...
wowlit.org
Global Representations of the Rural Black Experience in Children's Literature
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 23/06/2026
That's a "WRAP" on season 4 of the WOW Reads podcast. In the teen's finale, they discuss slow reading, share the joy of art, & thank their parents & caregivers. Enjoy the whole season by visiting the WRAP blog. wowlit.org/go/wrap-blog #BookSky #TeenVoices
wowlit.org
WRAP | Worlds of Words Center for Global Literacies and Literatures (University of Arizona)
Posts in this collection are created by middle schoolers and teens in the Reading Ambassador Program, highlighting their reflections on reading, literature and learning. Learn more about our Reading A...
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 17/06/2026
We are increasingly separated from how we grow, harvest & distribute what we eat. This #WOWDozen list includes fiction & nonfiction books that can help children think about where their food comes from. Visit our website to add your favorite food production-related titles. wowlit.org/blog/wow-doz...
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: Growing, Producing and Distributing Food
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 16/06/2026
All the Blues In the Sky by Renée Watson, a novel in verse about adolescent grief, healing & hope, is this month's #WOWRecommends! wowlit.org/blog/wow-rec... #BookSky
wowlit.org
WOW Recommends: All the Blues in the Sky
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 15/06/2026
Daniel Nayeri talks function & form, the beauty of the delayed punchline & a broad spectrum of his work in this Authors' Corner by @reblnation.bsky.social. He also shares his love for teachers who "pour a lot into you." wowlit.org/blog/authors... #EduSky
wowlit.org
Authors' Corner: Daniel Nayeri
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Judi Moreillon, PhD @judimoreillon.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Looking for innovative ways to celebrate #PrideMonth2026? #TLSky #EduSky please take a moment to learn about Read With Pride Relay UK founder Kate O'Connor's radical response #RadicalSchoolLibrarianship in support of teens' #FreedomToRead on @wowlit.org WOW Currents blog. wowlit.org/blog/readwit...
wowlit.org
The #ReadWithPride Relay: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Books and Authors
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 19/05/2026
This WOW Dozen presents titles that feature characters traveling to a new world, whether dropped in suddenly and finding a way back home or discovering magic that leads to fantasy lands in search of answers. #Isekai wowlit.org/blog/wow-doz...
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: Books that Drop You into New Worlds
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 15/05/2026
WOW Recommends: The Lions' Run by @sarapennypacker.bsky.social "To not only withstand but resist [Nazi] cruelty is evidenced in [this] story of an orphan boy who determinedly embraces the opportunities he sees to be human in a world that is so much less so. wowlit.org/blog/wow-rec...
wowlit.org
WOW Recommends: The Lions' Run
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 13/05/2026
The Orbis Pictus Award from @ncte.org (National Council of Teachers of English) recognizes excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children & commemorates Johannes Amos Comenius' Orbis Pictus (1657), considered the first book planned for children. wowlit.org/blog/orbis-p...
wowlit.org
The Orbis Pictus Award: Reflections from a Recent Committee Member
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 14/04/2026
Middle schoolers process heavy topics in this recap of their experience reading "The Freedom Seeker" & meeting @ruchiragupta.bsky.social at the Tucson Festival of Books in this WOW Reads podcast episode. wowlit.org/blog/wow-rea...
wowlit.org
WOW Reads: S4, E5 - The Freedom Seeker by Ruchira Gupta
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 08/04/2026
WOW recommends, Vida: The Mice, the Cat, and the Alebrije by Duncan Tonatiuh. The book celebrates the strength of community as a modern-day fable inspired by Aesop’s story of the belling of the cat. #BookSky @ wowlit.org/blog/wow-rec...
wowlit.org
WOW Recommends: Vida
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Judi Moreillon, PhD @judimoreillon.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Share: A dozen picturebooks that can touch the hearts and minds of young people (and their educators and parents): "Picturebooks to Build Empathy for the Experiences of Immigrant and Refugee Children." #TLSky #EduSky #kidlit @worldsofwords.bsky.social WOW Dozen page: wowlit.org/blog/wow-doz...
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: Picturebooks to Build Empathy for the Experiences of Immigrant and Refugee Children
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Judi Moreillon, PhD @judimoreillon.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Celebrate International Children's Book Day #ICBD2026. Read / share global #kidlit #mglit #yalit books. #TLSky #EduSky learn about the ASLA #Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children's Book Award (DANZ) on the @worldsofwords.bsky.social Currents blog! wowlit.org/blog/diversi...
wowlit.org
Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Award (DANZ): A New Initiative to Shine a Light on Authentic Literature for Youth
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 01/04/2026
Join Worlds of Words & @cercll.bsky.social for a 2-day workshop to engage in experiences & books that invite students to immerse themselves in an appreciation & awareness of the multiple languages in their lives & world. Details & registration: wowlit.org/event/multil... #Edusky
wowlit.org
Multilingualism as Stance
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 02/03/2026
To open any news source today is to witness stories of migration: opinions about "home," journeys connected to these & challenges along the way. Wildlife Crossings of Hope reminds us that these stories of movement, loss & survival extend beyond human experience. wowlit.org/blog/wow-rec...
wowlit.org
WOW Recommends: Wildlife Crossings of Hope
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 16/02/2026
"Authors and illustrators become people I know rather than just a name on a book cover, and I read their books with greater insight and connection," says Kathy Short of Tucson Festival of Books sessions. wowlit.org/blog/2026/02...
wowlit.org
Grow Your Book Stack at the 2026 Tucson Festival of Books • Worlds of Words
Prepare for the 2026 Tucson Festival of Books! This WOW Currents covers the notable authors/illustrators attending for children's and teens.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 04/02/2026
Teen Reading Ambassadors discuss disability experiences in K-12 literature in this ep of WOW Reads. Text set incl portrayals of disability & accessibility features with inspo from the 2025 IBBY Outstanding Books for Children with Disabilities honor list. worldsofwords.buzzsprout.com/2080893/epis...
worldsofwords.buzzsprout.com
WOW Reads: TRAP Considers Disability Experiences in Literature - WOW Reads
Join the Worlds of Words Teen Reading Ambassadors as we discuss disability experiences in K-12 literature.Books mentioned:Red Apple (picturebook), by Tadahiro OgawaFlutter Forest (picturebook), concep...
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 03/02/2026
A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by Maria Dolores Águila provides an emotional look into the events leading up to the 1931 court battle in which 12-year-old Roberto Alvarez stood against racism and school segregation in Lemon Grove, CA. #WOWRecommends wowlit.org/blog/2026/02...
wowlit.org
WOW Recommends: A Sea of Lemon Trees • Worlds of Words
This month, Cynthia discusses the impact of A Sea of Lemon Trees by Maria Dolore Aguila for WOW Recommends Book of the Month.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 02/02/2026
Explore multiple perspectives of the Partition of 1947, which lead to the creation of Pakistan through the redrawing of boundaries in India. This month’s two-part WOW Currents looks at children’s literature that share these perspectives. Part 1: wowlit.org/blog/2026/02...
wowlit.org
The Partition: 1947, Part 1 • Worlds of Words
This month, Seemi Aziz explores children's literature that provide Hindu and Muslim perspectives on the Partition of 1947. Part one looks at four books.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 23/01/2026
Over 40 educators, artists & members of our community participated in our Mock #Caldecott competition. We named one clear favorite & four honor books. Our Middle School Reading Ambassadors share their perspectives on the process in a bonus episode of WOW Reads. www.buzzsprout.com/2080893/epis...
buzzsprout.com
WOW Reads: Bonus - Our Mock Caldecott 2026 Prediction - WOW Reads
Join the Worlds of Words Center Reading Ambassadors (RAP) as we recap our experience around predicting the 2026 Randolph Caldecott Medal winner for picturebook illustration.In this episode, we discuss...
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 14/01/2026
Join @azpm.org for a screening & panel discussion of The Librarians, a powerful documentary exploring libraries, censorship & the freedom to read. We’re excited to highlight Rebecca Ballenger, our associate director, as one of the panelists. www.eventbrite.com/e/join-azpm-...
eventbrite.com
Join AZPM for a Screening and Panel Discussion of The Librarians
Librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment Rights.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 15/12/2025
This WOW Dozen booklist highlights individuals whose creativity, resilience & courage reshape their fields & expand how young readers understand the diverse contributions of Asian & Asian American communities. #BookSky wowlit.org/blog/2025/12...
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: The Visibility of Asian and Asian American Stories in Young Readers’ Nonfiction Books • Worlds of Words
Closing 2025, Yoo Kyung and Junko present a WOW Dozen on nonfiction for Asian American history that includes picturebooks and chapter books.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 10/12/2025
Jose Pimienta's books provide a range of readers multiple ways to connect. In this profile, they reflect on these connections, their approach to life & work, & their favorite ways to engage with readers. wowlit.org/blog/2025/12...
wowlit.org
Author's Corner: Jose Pimienta • Worlds of Words
This author's corner explores the work of Jose Pimienta, an author/illustrator who visited Tucson to meet with the Middle School Reading Ambassadors.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 18/11/2025
"Old as Stone, Hard as Rock of Humans and War" is a book that must be experienced and deeply reflected upon, according to this month's WOW Recommends by Cynthia Ryman. #books #VisualNarratives #AlessandroSanna wowlit.org/blog/2025/11...
wowlit.org
WOW Recommends: Old as Stone, Hard as Rock of Humans & War • Worlds of Words
This month, Cynthia Ryman recommends a visual narrative by Italian illustrator Alessandro Sanna, which depicts the history of war.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 14/11/2025
Aika explores ways manga can be used to encourage global literacy with high school students specifically, both inside and outside the classroom. wowlit.org/blog/2025/11...
wowlit.org
Promoting Global Literacy with Manga Inside and Outside the Classroom • Worlds of Words
November's WOW Currents discusses how manga can be used in the classroom, with recommendations of fiction and nonfiction manga for teens.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 03/11/2025
Meaningful inclusion in play & conversation among children of all abilities starts with every day activities. These 12 picturebooks & novels provide perspectives on & approaches to invitations between children with disabilities & their typical peers. #Books #EduSky wowlit.org/blog/2025/11...
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: Engaging with People of All Abilities • Worlds of Words
This WOW Dozen presents twelve titles that offer examples, and sometimes instruction, on initiating conversation and play between people of all abilities.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 06/10/2025
If you think Spirited Away inspires cool costumes, consider its recently-translated inspiration, The Village Beyond the Mist. Any one of its wise and caring characters serves as inspiration. Read more in this month's WOW Recommends by @reblnation.bsky.social. #MGLit wowlit.org/blog/2025/10...
wowlit.org
WOW Recommends: The Village Beyond the Mist • Worlds of Words
This month, Rebecca recommends the inspiration for Studio Ghibil's Spirited Away: The Village Beyond the Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 02/10/2025
Last year, the WOW Reading Ambassadors distributed 250 books, met 7 authors & recorded 10 podcast episodes. Don't ask how many bagels we ate! Checkout their interactive graphic for how we fund this free program for middle & high school students. www.thinglink.com/scene/202973...
thinglink.com
Crowd Funding - WOW Reading Ambassadors '25
View the interactive image by Worlds of Words
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 24/09/2025
Imagination Fridays return with virtual events for classroom teachers. Join Pam Muñoz Ryan, @adamrex.bsky.social, Duncan Tonatiuh, & Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris as they share their latest book & an activity while taking student questions. Free, registration required. wowlit.org/blog/2020/11...
wowlit.org
Worlds of Words Presents Imagination Fridays • Worlds of Words
Learn about Imagination Fridays, presented by Worlds of Words and the Tucson Festival of Books, every Friday at 1pm - 1:40pm.
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Judi Moreillon, PhD @judimoreillon.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
On this Sun Day when we celebrate the power of solar and other renewable energy, #TLSky #EduSky please take time to read my @worldsofwords.bsky.social book reviews of The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics and Black Beach: A Community, Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day. wowlit.org/on-line-publ...
wowlit.org
WOW Review: Volume XVII, Issue 4 • Page 9 of 12 • Worlds of Words
The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics Written by Susan Hood Illustrated by Christiane Engel HarperCollins, 2021, 48 pp ISBN: 978-0062981394 From the introduction to the “News You Can Use” at the end of th...
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 16/09/2025
The stories in this WOW Dozen emphasize that being a child of the village means growing & thriving with the unwavering support of family and community, carrying forward the deep-seated values & wisdom that shape Pacific Islander life. #BookSky #EduSky wowlit.org/blog/2025/09...
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: I am a Child of the Village • Worlds of Words
This month Monique Storie presents a dozen titles that feature Pacific Islander characters, inspired by the phrase "I am a child of the village."
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 10/09/2025
Our new Global Reading List is out! Visit our website to learn what trends we see & download our lists by grade level (with the caveat that comfort reading & stretch reading are both valuable - ignore the levels if that serves your needs). wowlit.org/blog/2025/09... #EduSky #BookSky #GlobalKidLit
wowlit.org
2025 Trends in K-12 Global Literature • Worlds of Words
For September's Currents, Kathy Short explores trends in global children's literature, highlighting titles from around the world.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 02/09/2025
We are fortunate to host this selection of international books on disability experiences in time to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! #IBBY #GlobalKidLit #BookSky wowlit.org/blog/2025/08...
wowlit.org
IBBY's 2025 Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities • Worlds of Words
A traveling exhibit featuring international books for and about young people with disabilities makes its U.S. debut in the Worlds of Words Center.
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worldkidlit.bsky.social @worldkidlit.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
September is World Kid Lit Month: a month for everyone of any age to explore the world through international children’s books. How to take part? Simply read a book for young people from another country. If you use social media, share what you’ve enjoyed with the hashtag #WorldKidLitMonth
Pink graphic with the words: 
World Kid Lit Month 
Read the world through children's literature
#WorldKidLitMonthPink graphic with the words: 
World Kid Lit Month 
Where will you travel by book?
#WorldKidLitMonthPink graphic with the words: 
World Kid Lit Month 
September: the month to explore the world through books for young people
#WorldKidLitMonthPink graphic with the words: 
World Kid Lit Month 
This September I'll be reading...
Insert book here :)
#WorldKidLitMonth
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Child's Play USA @childsplayusa.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
WOW! Delighted to THE CAN CARAVAN by Richard O'Neill, illustrated by @cindysykang.com in WOW Dozen: Picturebooks to Encourage Empathy and Helping booklist! wowlit.org/blog/2025/08... More via our bio #kidlit #WorldsOfWords #empathy @worldsofwords.bsky.social @pubspotlight.bsky.social
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 07/08/2025
As #educators, one of the most important things we can do in these early days of the school year is to begin building authentic, meaningful relationships with all students. #edusky #picturebooks #ReadAlouds #empathy wowlit.org/blog/2025/08...
wowlit.org
Back to School: Essential Read Alouds for Human-to-Human Connection and Empathy • Worlds of Words
To celebrate the start of a new school year in August, Angelica Serrano shares titles to explore and embrace differences with students in read alouds.
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worldkidlit.bsky.social @worldkidlit.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
It’s almost #WorldKidLitMonth - a time to explore the world through children’s literature! Read all about how to get involved here 📚 🌍 #kidlit #readtheworld worldkidlit.org/2025/08/01/i...
worldkidlit.org
It’s nearly World Kid Lit Month!
Next month is September, World Kid Lit Month: the time to explore the world through international and translated children’s books. September is a busy month for many of us, so how can we get …
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 05/08/2025
These 12 #picturebooks show children the ways they can be empathetic towards their peers and encourage kinder, more involved communities. The stories show people working towards empathy through policy, societal change and inclusion. #WOWDozen #booksky wowlit.org/blog/2025/08...
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: Picturebooks to Encourage Empathy and Helping • Worlds of Words
August's WOW Dozen brings together a dozen picturebooks on empathy, showing how children can help others and encouraging helping in communities.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 23/06/2025
In a special combined group of middle & high school readers, the Reading Ambassadors came together where story worlds collide - in this strange case: DC Comics, Robert Lewis Stevenson & @melissamarrwriting.bsky.social. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
podcasts.apple.com
WOW Reads: S3, E7 - RAP Reads The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley by Melissa Marr
Podcast Episode · WOW Reads · 06/18/2025 · 24m
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 05/06/2025
This #WOWDozen on hair could easily be three times as long; however, a dozen is 12, so we narrowed the book list to provide a variety of depictions and representations with the underlying belief that all hair (or lack thereof) is good hair. wowlit.org/blog/2025/06... #GlobalKidLit
wowlit.org
WOW Dozen: Books About Hair • Worlds of Words
This month, Janine Schall shares a dozen titles that celebrate hair and all that it can mean for different people and communities.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 07/05/2025
Guojing's nearly monochromatic illustrations in Oasis convey the emotional depth of loneliness and loss for millions of children due to family separation while the story and her use of traditional media take a stance against AI replacing humans in the creation of art. #WOWRecommends #BookSky #MGLit
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WOW Recommends: Oasis • Worlds of Words
The May WOW Recommends Book of the Month is Guojing's graphic novel, Oasis, a touching narrative about family set in a post-apocalyptic landscape.
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School Library Journal @slj.com · 15/04/2025
8 Nonfiction Titles to Inspire Young Animal Conservationists www.slj.com/story/8-nonf...
slj.com
8 Nonfiction Titles to Inspire Young Animal Conservationists
From a picture book about whales to middle grade books on rescuing red wolves and honeybees, these informational texts will encourage burgeoning environmentalists to take on a cause.
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Worlds of Words Center @wowlit.org · 17/04/2025
#NicStone is open & warm, like her favorite color - orange. In this ep of WOW Reads, teens discuss Nic's assertion of fiction as truth through the lens of a lie, how a psychology degree helps character development & that pursuit of discomfort contributes to growth & staves off boredom. #YALit
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WOW Reads: S3, E6 - TRAP Reads Dear Manny by Nic Stone - WOW Reads
Join the Worlds of Words Center Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRAP) as we discuss Dear Manny by Nic Stone.Nic Stone is open and warm, just like her favorite color -- orange. We discuss her commentary on l...
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