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.
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Wilson Ong’s last name was Wong until the fourth grade when his father revealed he used a false name to immigrate to the U.S. as a “paper son.” His father’s story isn’t that different from Lee’s story in the picturebook illustrated by Wilson, Paper Son: Lee’s Journey to America. Each of Wilson’s original oil illustrations for this book were purchased by Mary J. Wong, also the child of a paper son, and donated to the Worlds of Words Center where they are now back on exhibit until August 10, 2023. Read More…
Mary J. Wong, renowned collector of art and signed, first-edition children’s picturebooks, donated sixteen original picturebook illustrations to the Worlds of Words (WOW) Center of Global Literacies and Literatures in the UArizona College of Education. The donation includes works from some of the most notable children’s picturebooks published in recent years – including art by illustrators attending the Tucson Festival of Books. Read More…
See our complete listing of all WOW News announcements.
WOW Currents
There are many great books for young people available, and summertime is a great time to take advantage of the books we might have set aside hoping to get to them. Within the numerous books we might read, every now and then there is one that not only brings us pleasure but can have us thinking deeply about the state of the cosmos. In this WOW Currents post find out why Holly Johnson says Wolfstongue by Sam Thompson is one such book. Have you read it? Do you agree? Let us know what good books you are reading this summer by leaving a reply in the comments.
We the People: Migrant Waves in the Making of America, an institute sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, challenged the perception that migration is a recent negative phenomenon. This special series features pieces written by institute participants.
See our complete listing of all WOW Currents entries.
WOW Dozen
Although we are constantly bombarded with images of the war in Ukraine, many people know little about this country, its culture or its long history of conflict with Russia/Soviet Union. This WOW Dozen from Kathy Short reflects a range of perspectives on Ukrainian culture and history, many authored and illustrated by Ukrainians or people with Ukrainian heritage. Take a look and let us know what you would add.
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.