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April 8, 2025 18 mins

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.

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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!

Mark as Played

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