Mission

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. We encourage thoughtful dialogue around global literature so that children can reflect on their own cultural experiences and connect to the experiences of children across the globe.

The center holds an estimated 40,000 volumes of children’s and adolescent literature focusing on world cultures and Indigenous peoples. Additional holdings include original art from published picturebook illustrators and other artifacts. Housed at the University of Arizona, College of Education in a recently renovated center, Worlds of Words has a large collection space along with a special collections room, studio, offices, visiting scholar office, and a classroom. The space is open to the public and used for a variety of events and functions.

These resources are used to:

•promote intercultural understanding and global perspectives.
•identify excellent culturally authentic literature about children’s lives around the world.
•provide resources for adults who share a passion for connecting readers with books.
•share the stories of children’s dialogue and interactions around global literature.
•encourage the integration of global literature into the curriculum.