WOW Reads
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.
Episodes
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...
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...
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 ac...
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)
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
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 Al...
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.
- O...
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 ...
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
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 Innovat...
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'l...
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, e...
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).
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...
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 clea...
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...
Join the Worlds of Words Center Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRAP) as we discuss Destination Unknown by Bill Konigsberg.
Wherever our destination is, we will enjoy the music! In this episode the Teen Reading Ambassadors talk about the joys of banter between friends, complicated family interactions, and how music connects us regardless of the decade. We, like Bill, hope everyone finds love in a beautiful way.
Band mention...
Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around predicting the 2025 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 an...
Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan.
In this episode, we discuss...
Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around Miracle by Karen S. Chow.
In this episode, we discuss...
- Everyone needs an editor -- and multiple kinds! SO to the copy editor who led Chow to her eventual decision to have the characters play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild throughout Miracle.
- Relationships and mind reading and how we can short ourselv...
Popular Podcasts
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.