Over the summer, a group of young readers met in Worlds of Words for a focus group to better understand their needs as readers. They expressed a desire for more social connection. This connection certainly happens between peers in the program, and it also is a function of a wider community who connects in digital spaces like their Instagram or podcast feeds.

The success of this crowdfund campaign, to hit 126% of our fundraising goal, does mean that we will be able to distribute more books, fly in authors who we otherwise couldn’t afford, and reach out to connect to readers across the country. It also means so much to be able to tell them the community — YOU — support their love of reading and attempts to connect with other readers and experiences through literature.

middle schooler shares her art with author and illustrator Jose PimientaA Middle School Reading Ambassador shares her sketch with author and illustrator, Jose Pimienta, at a cartooning workshop run by the artist. Pimienta flew to Tucson for the workshop and provided special edition books to participants who bravely shared their work.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

You haven’t heard the last from us yet. This November we launch season 4 of WOW Reads, a new video short series, and start prep for the 2026 Tucson Festival of Books — all with the help of your generous gifts!

WOW Currents is a space to talk about forward-thinking trends in global children’s and adolescent literature and how we use that literature with students. “Currents” is a play on words for trends and timeliness and the way we talk about social media. We encourage you to participate by leaving comments and sharing this post with your peers. To view our complete offerings of WOW Currents, please visit its archival stream.

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• Themes: Crowdfund Campaign, Reading Ambassadors, Rebecca Ballenger
• Descriptors: Books & Resources, Student Connections, WOW Currents