WOW Reads

Worlds of Words Center
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS

Worlds of Words Center of Global Literacies and Literatures is committed to creating an international network of people who share the vision of bringing books and children together, thereby opening windows on the world. The WOW Reads podcast centers voices of young readers who serve as Reading Ambassadors by engaging in literature discussions and author interviews and sharing books in their school and social contexts. Worlds of Words is a center in the University of Arizona College of Education.

  1. NOV 13

    WOW Reads: MSRAP Reads Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta

    Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta. In this episode, we discuss...  Jo’s creative process.The places and spaces we feel halfway between.We recommend this book for our parents and teachers (the OG book influencers), our friends and basically everyone!This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the U of A College of Education. Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director Lit Discussant: Narges Zandi, U of A COE Graduate Assistant Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Art Major Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Nursing Major Digital Collaborator: Melanie Reyes, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student For more information on the Worlds of Words Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP), visit wowlit.org. Today's Podcast Music was made by Nathan LaValley (Royalty Free Bossa Music). ### We Can Promote Global Literature Together! The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation. Thank you for listening and keep reading!

    14 min

  2. DEC 1

    WOW Reads: TRAP Considers Refugee Experiences in Literature

    Join the Worlds of Words Center Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRAP) as we discuss the refugee experience in children's literature. Books mentioned in this episode: "We Are Displaced" by Malala Yousafzai "The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees" by Don Brown "Ink Knows No Borders" edited by Patrice Vecchione and Alissa Raymond "Internment" by Samir Ahmed "From the Tops of the Trees" by Kao Kalia Yang and Rachel Wada "To the Other Side" by Erika Meza "Dounia and the Magic Seeds" by Marya Zarif "A Star Shines Through" by Anna Desnitskaya "We Are Not from Here" by Jenny Torres Sanchez If you would like a copy of our ‘zine response to these books, please send a 6.5 X 9.5 self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE - flat rate for under 2 oz.) to: Worlds of Words Center - TRAP, U of A College of Education, 1430 E Second St, Rm 453, Tucson, AZ 85721 This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the U of A College of Education. Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Art Major Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Nursing Major Digital Collaborator: Melanie Reyes, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student Today's Podcast Music was made by Nathan LaValley (Royalty Free Bossa Music). For more information on the WOW Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRAP), visit wowlit.org. ### We Can Promote Global Literature Together! The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation. Thank you for listening and keep reading!

    17 min

  3. JUL 10 · BONUS

    WOW Reads: S3, Bonus - End of Year Review

    Worlds of Words Center Middle School and Teen Reading Ambassadors discuss the past academic year as they read and promoted reading together. For us, books and bagels are a natural pairing. Bruegger's by the University of Arizona, if you're listening, know that once a month since January of 2018, multiple bagel bundles fuel our reading discussions. This is not a paid announcement, just facts. But... if you have cheddar to share, we'll take your dough. Meanwhile, each Reading Ambassador studied four novels this year. We met at least eight authors, participated in the Tucson Festival of Books, had our first in-person Read-A-Thon, and recorded 10 episodes of this podcast. We continued to hear about the surprising frequency of book bans and challenges. We shared our best book recommendations, changing perspectives, librarian love, and advice for having a good school experience. Books and authors mentioned in this episode: Fiona Frizzle (iykyk) Donna Barba Higuera -- The Last Cuentista and Alebrijes Bill Konigsberg -- Destination Unknown Karen McManus -- The Cousins Sally Rooney -- Normal People Nic Stone Kait Waterhouse -- A Stirring from the Depths This podcast was recorded in the U of A College of Education media studio with assistance from the U of A COE Tech Team. Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director Lit Discussant: Kait Waterhouse, U of A COE Graduate Assistant Learning & Engagement Intern: Bonnie Rock, U of A W.E. Franke Honors College Student Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Art Major Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Student Employee and Nursing Major For more information on the WOW Reading Ambassadors, visit wowlit.org (under the About tab). We Can Promote Global Literature Together! The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation. Thank you for listening and keep reading!

    23 min

  4. JUN 18

    WOW Reads: S3, E7 - RAP Reads The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley by Melissa Marr

    Join the Worlds of Words Center Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRAP) as we discuss The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley by Melissa Marr. In a special combined group of middle and high school readers, the Reading Ambassadors came together where story worlds collide -- in this case, DC Comics, the gothic world of Robert Lewis Stevenson, and author Melissa Marr's imagination. We thoroughly enjoyed Melissa's second visit with us, especially she shares her writing process and thoughts on book challenges. We also give a shout out to illustrator Jenn St-Onge. Program note: Melissa discussed Dissociative Identity Disorder as distinct from the literary theme of the duality of human nature with us. In this episode Reading Ambassadors using terms such as "alter egos" refer to the literary theme, not the mental health condition. Authors/books mentioned in this episode: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson Guadalupe García McCall, who joined us in WOW Reads' Season 1. This podcast was recorded in the U of A College of Education media studio with assistance from the U of A COE Tech Team. Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director Lit Discussant: Kait Waterhouse, U of A COE Graduate Assistant Learning & Engagement Intern: Bonnie Rock, U of A W.E. Franke Honors College Student Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Art Major Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Student Employee and Nursing Major For more information on the WOW Reading Ambassadors, visit wowlit.org. We Can Promote Global Literature Together! The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation. Thank you for listening and keep reading!

    24 min

  5. APR 8

    WOW Reads: S3, E6 - TRAP Reads Dear Manny by Nic Stone

    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 lies (fiction is truth through the lens of a lie), her degree in psychology (understanding human experience helps with character development) and the habit of pursing discomfort (helps us grow and staves off boredom).  Authors mentioned in this episode: Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, Jacqueline Woodson and Terry J. Benton-Walker. Additional authors and the books mentioned in this episode: Jason Reynolds, Long Way Down Elle Desamours, Needy Little Things Louis Sachar, Holes (a book that also came into play with the Middle School Reading Ambassador conversation around Jasmine Warga) Jeffrey Eugenides, The Virgin Suicides Thanks to the Tucson Festival of Books for coordinating Nic Stone's visit. This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the U of A College of Education with assistance from the U of A COE Tech Team. Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director Lit Discussant: Kait Waterhouse, U of A COE Graduate Assistant Learning & Engagement Intern: Bonnie Rock, U of A W.E. Franke Honors College Student Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Student Employee and Nursing Major For more information on the WOW Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRAP), visit wowlit.org. ### We Can Promote Global Literature Together! The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation. Thank you for listening and keep reading!

    19 min

  6. APR 3 · BONUS

    WOW Reads: Bonus - RAP on University of Arizona Museum Day 2025

    Join the Worlds of Words Center Reading Ambassadors (middle and high school) as we recap our experience around University of Arizona Museum Day. Twelve cultural and science collections on the U of A campus offered free or reduced admission and special programming on Saturday, March 29, 2025. In this bonus episode, we briefly discuss...  The UA Museum of ArtCenter for Creative PhotographyGreivenkamp Museum of OpticsLaboratory of Tree-Ring ResearchWorlds of Words CenterWorlds of Words shared three experiences for U of A Museum day: our original exhibit "Cepeda Stories: Everyone Has a Story to Tell," art from our archives that complement the exhibit, and award-winning global picturebooks with outstanding illustrations. The Reading Ambassadors share how these kinds of campus-wide events impact them personally and how they benefit the community. Special thanks to the U of A Research, Innovation & Impact and the committee who worked to launch this second campus-wide day celebrating art, science and the humanities, including the above listed units as well as Poetry Center, Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Museum of Democracy, African American Museum of Southern Arizona, Flandrau Science Center, Museum Association of Arizona, and The Archive of Visual Arts. This podcast was recorded in the Worlds of Words Center studio in the U of A College of Education. Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director Audio Engineer: Liam Arias, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Radio, TV, Film Major For more information on the Worlds of Words Reading Ambassadors, visit wowlit.org and look under "About." ### We Can Promote Global Literature Together! The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation. Thank you for listening and keep reading!

    11 min

  7. APR 2

    WOW Reads: S3, E5 - MSRAP Reads A Strange Thing Happened at Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga

    Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga. In this episode, we discuss...  How are we seen in real life and in books? How do we see ourselves?In what ways do we help or hinder our relationships with friends and family?The tight nature of writing in the mystery genre. And Emaline takes a clear stance on graphic organizers.Bonus Book Mentions: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery Thanks to the Tucson Festival of Books for coordinating Jasmine Warga's visit. In our session, we learned Jasmine previously taught 6th grade. We determined she was likely an excellent teacher. She also mentioned Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine and Holes by Louis Sachar (a book that also came into play with the Teen Reading Ambassador conversation around Nic Stone). This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the U of A College of Education with assistance from the U of A COE Tech Team. Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director Lit Discussant: Kait Waterhouse, U of A COE Graduate Assistant Learning & Engagement Intern: Bonnie Rock, U of A W.E. Franke Honors College Student Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student Audio Engineer Supervisor: Liam Arias, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Radio, TV, Film Major Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Nursing Major For more information on the Worlds of Words Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP), visit wowlit.org. ### We Can Promote Global Literature Together! The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation. Thank you for listening and keep reading!

    24 min

  8. JAN 28

    WOW Reads: S3, E4 - TRAP Reads The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow

    Join the Worlds of Words Center Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRAP) as we discuss The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow. In this episode the Teen Reading Ambassadors talk about perceptions of love and life as idyllic, though the reality of most people's experiences aren't always so tidy. We also appreciate Kathleen's writing advice, which could also help with college applications, and found Kathleen's experiences traveling for book events in different countries interesting. Books mentioned in this episode: The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson Dear Manny by Nic Stone Guides for Dating Vampires (series) by D.N. Bryn More Happy than Not by Adam Silvera The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Swordcrossed by Freya Marske Kathleen's special edition books: The Glass Girl Target Exclusive Edition Girl In Pieces Delux Edition Song: "Boys Will Be Bugs" by Cavetown This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the University of Arizona College of Education with assistance from the UA COE Tech Team. Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director Audio Engineers: Liam Arias, Student Employee and Radio, TV, Film Major, and Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Student Employee and Nursing Major For more information on the WOW Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRAP), visit wowlit.org. We Can Promote Global Literature Together! The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation. Thank you for listening and keep reading!

    21 min
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About

Worlds of Words Center of Global Literacies and Literatures is committed to creating an international network of people who share the vision of bringing books and children together, thereby opening windows on the world. The WOW Reads podcast centers voices of young readers who serve as Reading Ambassadors by engaging in literature discussions and author interviews and sharing books in their school and social contexts. Worlds of Words is a center in the University of Arizona College of Education.

Information

  • Creator
    Worlds of Words Center
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Worlds of Words Center for Global Literacies and Literatures
  • Show Website
    WOW Reads