Open a book . . .
Open a mind . . .
Change the world!
Worlds of Words: Center of Global Literacies and Literatures builds bridges across global cultures through children’s and adolescent literature.
Book the WOW Center for field trips, tours or event hosting! Use the green navigation bar to find field trips for more information. The Worlds of Words Center is located in the University of Arizona College of Education, Room 453.
WOW News
A new traveling exhibit featuring international books for and about young people with disabilities makes its U.S. debut in the Worlds of Words Center in time to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The books in this exhibit show how children around the world can read independently, learn alongside their peers and enjoy all life has to offer. Learn more about the IBBY’s 2025 Outstanding International Books for Young People with Disabilities.
See our complete listing of all WOW News announcements.
WOW Currents
Graphic novels and manga have seen a jump in popularity in school classrooms and libraries in recent years. With such a rise in popularity for manga, more and more middle and high school-aged readers can engage in international stories that have been translated for U.S.-based audiences. In this WOW Currents, Aika Adamson explores ways manga can be used to encourage global literacy with high school students specifically, both inside and outside the classroom.
See our complete listing of all WOW Currents entries.
WOW Dozen
Some children have disabilities; many people will gain a disability in their lifetimes; and all people benefit from engaging with the disability community. Engaging in accessible activities and inclusive communication eases discomfort and brings new understandings and joy. These twelve titles offer examples, and sometimes instruction, on initiating interactions between people of all abilities.
See a complete list of Dozens in our WOW Dozen archive.
∞ WOW Stories, WOW Review and WOW Libros are accepting submissions. Our online journals are available to you without subscription, membership or fee requirements. We are proud to offer these journals and want to hear from you. E-mail us with questions, feedback and submissions.
WOW Stories
WOW Stories: Connections from the Classroom is a regular on-line publication of Worlds of Words containing vignettes written by educators about children’s experiences reading and responding to literature. If you would like to submit to WOW Stories, please see our current call and guidelines. ISSN 2577-0551
See our complete listing of all WOW Stories issues.
WOW Review
WOW Review: Reading Across Cultures is a regular on-line publication of Worlds of Words containing reviews of selected books to be published quarterly. The reviews are careful examinations of the books, primarily focused on the cultural authenticity of the text and illustrations. If you would like to submit to WOW Review, please see our current call and guidelines. ISSN 2577-0527
See our complete listing of all WOW Review issues.
WOW Libros
WOW Libros: Leyendo entre palabras is a regular on-line publication of Worlds of Words containing Spanish-language reviews of Spanish-language books. If you would like to submit to WOW Libros, please see our current call guidelines.
See our complete listing of all WOW Libros issues
Journey through Worlds of Words during our open reading hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exceptions include holidays and UArizona closures.
We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.