WOW Reads

In this final reflection on the year, Teen Reading Ambassadors hardly know who we are.

We changed up the teen program to emphasize social and artistic opportunities to share what we are reading. Teens chose our themes and used a broader selection of books, directed our own conversations and created and distributed response art in the form of ‘zines.

In this episode, we talk about our bad reading habits — ignoring homework — and good ones — using reading as a reward for studying. We weigh in on skipping ahead in books and time invested in reading graphic novels versus long-form novels.

We also conclude that slowing down with content, whether books or Artemis II compilations or french fries, allows for a better appreciation for human connection.

Books mentioned in this episode:
Wings of Fire, Book 16 by Tui T. Sutherland
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Also, ‘zines are too expensive. Incidentally, ours will cost readers the price of a self addressed stamped envelope.

Huge thanks to our parents and caregivers, donors, Kathy Short and everyone who inspired us to read this year.

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, Student Employee and Nursing Major
Digital Collaborator: Melanie Reyes, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student

Music is “O Trio” by Não Posso Esquecer

For more information on the Worlds of Words Reading Ambassadors, visit wowlit.org.

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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!

In this final reflection on the year, Middle School Reading Ambassadors say we indulged ourselves in truth through fiction.

In our experience, books tell us stories that we might not otherwise have access to about important topics that require discussion. We’ve learned how to ask good questions and make connections. Also, we’ve had growth in our ability to talk about these topics with each other and how we engage authors. 

Four is the magic number:
4 - Books we read together (officially)
4 - Authors we met (officially)
4 - Hours of focused reading during our Read-a-thon

Unenumerated:
* The excitement we experience when someone picks up a book we recommend
* All the bagels we consume

Books mentioned in this episode:
Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta
Don’t Cause Trouble by Arree Chung
The Freedom Seeker by Ruchira Gupta
Alone and Away by Megan E. Freeman
Miracle by Karen S. Chow

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, Student Employee and Nursing Major
Digital Collaborator: Melanie Reyes, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student

Music is "A Day In The Life" by Grant Green

For more information on the Worlds of Words Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP), visit wowlit.org.

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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!

Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around Alone (and Away) by Megan E. Freeman.

In this episode, we talk about... 

• The ways we are prepared, or not, for an “imminent threat” event.
• Books in verse and how poetry and prose differ.
• The importance of “what if” questions and how they can be suppressed.
• Megan’s openness, careful acknowledgment of others and her supernatural approach to story inspiration.
• Pascal Campion’s book cover illustrations and ways to interpret them.

Biggest takeaway: Keep Your Phone Charged!

Best suggestion: Publisher should name the 3rd companion book, “Afar” (Due: January 2027). Cheyenne came up with this idea on the spot, and we all agree.

Best intention: We would definitely read the 3rd companion book and the sequel. 

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
Literature 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

Music is "A Day In The Life" by Grant Green

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!

Join the Worlds of Words Teen Reading Ambassadors as we discuss the 2026 Tucson Festival of Books (TFOB).

Books & Authors mentioned:
Warriors graphic novels by Natalie Riess & Sara Goetter (Erin Hunter, not at TFOB)
Lynn Painter (Fake Skating)
Emiko Jean (Love Me Tomorrow)
Kat Cho (K Verse books)
Heiress of Nowhere by Stacie Lee
Scott Campbell (Cabin Head Tree Head)
Julie Kagawa (Storm Dragons series)
The Color Purple by Alice Walker (Not at TFOB)
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Not at TFOB)
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson (Not at TFOB)
1619 Project from the New York Times / Nikole Hannah-Jones (Not at TFOB)
The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar by Sonido Reyes
One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram
Rosa by Any Other Name by Hailey Alcaraz
Sisters In the Wind by Angeline Boulley

Shout out to the following exhibitors:
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
U of A Campus Store
U of A College of Education
Science City (All the Exhibitors, but especially the Magic Rock booth.)
Ben’s Bells
Thanks for the SWAG!

This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the University of Arizona College of Education.

Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Associate Director
Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, U of A Art Major
Coordinator: Vianey Torres, U of A Nursing Major
Digital Collaborator: Melanie Reyes, U of A First-year Student

Today's music is Music is Drive My Car by Breezy Moment.

For more information on 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!

Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around The Freedom Seeker by Ruchira Gupta.

In this episode, we talk about... 

• Preparing for the Tucson Festival of Books
• Mixed-faith families and polarization
• Cultural and political polarization in the general or historical sense
• The importance of hope for Ruchira Gupta
• Community as a critical tool for advocacy

You are invited to share your thoughts with us at https://wowlit.org/go/wrap-blog. You can find this episode under the post for The Freedom Seeker.

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

Music is "Easy Romance" by Joe Alfaraby.

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!

Join the Worlds of Words Teen Reading Ambassadors as we discuss disability experiences in K-12 literature.

Books mentioned:
Red Apple (picturebook), by Tadahiro Ogawa
Flutter Forest (picturebook), concept by Colette Pelt
Black Book of Colors (picturebook), by Menena Cottin and Rosana Faria
You Started It (YA), by Jackie Khalilieh
Where You See Yourself (YA) by Claire Forrest
Disability Visibility (YA), edited by Alice Wong
Darius the Great Is Not Okay (YA), by Adib Khorram
Waking Ben Doldrums (picturebook), by Heather Smith and Byron Eggenschwiler
Breathe and Count Back from Ten (YA), by Natalia Sylvester
Incredible Dogs (picturebook from Chile, not Spain), by Mariajose Creixell Moya and Catalina Fuenzalida

TRAP includes disabled and non-disabled people. Those who identify as disabled are clear that their disability is not their personality. The same is true of the characters we met. We discuss relationships, desire for independence, body image, acceptance and honesty.

We also share accessible characteristics of books that include dyslexic fonts, braille, textured illustrations, formats and bindings, details that enhance side-by-side reading and scented pages, all of which make reading a more immersive experience. We took inspiration from IBBY’s Outstanding Books for Children with Disabilities 2025 list.

If you would like a copy of our ‘zine response to these books, 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 University of Arizona College of Education.

Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Associate Director
Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, U of A Art Major
Coordinator: Vianey Torres, U of A Nursing Major
Digital Collaborator: Melanie Reyes, U of A First-year Student

Today's music was Claim to Fame - The Gray Room by Clark Sims.

For more information on 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!

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... 

• Our understanding of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Caldecott committee's criteria and process for selection.
• How we used those understandings in determining our nomination and final voting.
• Our selection for the winning and honor books.
• How the experience informed our view of picturebooks.

We also would like to make a pitch to the Caldecott committee to include at least one youth member on the selection committee. We do understand it means reading 700 picturebooks.

Book Mentions:
Don’t Trust Fish, illustrated by Dan Santant
The History of We, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
Every Monday Mabel, illustrated by Jashar Awan
Our Lake, illustrated by Angie Kang
Popo the Xolo, illustrated by Abraham Matias
Broken, illustrated by X. Fang

Special Guest: OIivia, Pine Reads Review Teen Intern

Additional Thanks: We appreciate the educators, artists and others in the community of picturebook lovers who attended the Worlds of Words’ 2026 Mock Caldecott event (all 40+ of you!) and helped us think more deeply about picturebook illustrations.

Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director
Literature Discussant: Kathy Short, Worlds of Words Director and U of A Regents Professor
Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, 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 is by Ievgen Poltavskyi.

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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!

Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around Don’t Cause Trouble by Arree Chung.

In this episode, we talk about... 

• Our Star Burger orders.
• Awkward moments in middle school life and being “halfway to somewhere.”
• Our creative processes, both digital and with physical media, in writing and illustration.
• The Cold War and Communism in China.
• We recommend this book for “the whole world."

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 episode music is Claim to Fame - The Gray Room by Clark Sims.

###

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!

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!

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!