Worlds of Words Center of Global Literacies and Literatures recognizes our global lives.
Open a book. . . Open a mind. . . Change the world!
No matter where we live, our daily lives interconnect through global mobility and rapid economic, social and technological changes. Knowledge of the world and an understanding of global perspectives have thus become a necessity, not a luxury. Children no longer have a decision about whether they will lead global lives — but they do need to decide how they will live in a global society — and literature can play a role in opening their options.
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The Worlds of Words Center is located in the University of Arizona College of Education, Room 453.
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Featured Journals
WOW Stories is a regular on-line publication of Worlds of Words containing vignettes written by educators about children’s experiences reading and responding to literature.
WOW Review 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.
WOW Libros is a regular on-line publication of Worlds of Words containing Spanish-language reviews of Spanish-language books.
We're 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.
Current Calls, Guidelines and Submission Instructions:
WOW Blog Features
Check out our latest blog collections for insights, updates, and expert perspectives.
This month, explore poems from Japan and Korea in two WOW Current blogs. First delve into the differences between Japan's Haiku and Korea's Sijo and why one is more commonly taught in U.S. schools. Then celebrate Asian American voices in children's poetry from recently published picturebooks.
In times of global turmoil, hope can be hard to find. This middle grade nonfiction tackles the science of hope and its importance, inspiring readers to hope for better futures. Read more in this month's WOW Recommends.
The food we eat not only sustains our bodies but is deeply connected to our culture and heritage. Children learn to cook from older family members not only as practical preparation for adulthood, but as a bonding activity and a way to learn about their culture, history and family. And, of course, making and sharing food can be an expression of love. This month's WOW Dozen presents twelve titles on preparing, sharing and eating food.
Former chef turned prolific author and editor Daniel Nayeri shares his thoughts on writing, reader relationships and the various ways he plays with structure and content when creating his books.
Looking for more?
Browse our resource collection for book recommendations and teaching tools.
Global Children’s and YA Literature Initiatives
Our students live in a global world. The opportunities we offer through literature in our classrooms can invite them into the richness of cultural diversity and global communities. To globalize the text exemplar lists included in standards documents that guide instruction in many states and countries, we developed global book lists of recommended fiction and nonfiction books organized by themes within K-12 grade level bands.
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