Crowdfund Campaign: Catch the Reading Ambassadors In Action
Rising Action
Reading Ambassadors participate in literature discussions with books that offer multiple perspectives and equip them to be critical thinkers, empathetic citizens and reading promoters. They share their connections and understandings on the WOW Reads podcast and in their All WRAP’d Up! ‘zine. Show your support by listening to their podcast or stopping by to pick up a copy of their 'zine. You can also support the Reading Ambassadors by showing up to one of their public events.
Assemble for Adventure
Please join these remarkable readers in action this October as they meet best-selling and Newbery-winning author, Donna Barba Higuera. Author events like this one are special because they are planned, promoted and moderated by Reading Ambassadors. From selecting refreshments to crafting thoughtful questions, these readers take ownership of the process. They are eager to show their peers—and you—the power of literature.
Middle School Reading Ambassadors Present Donna Barba Higuera
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Worlds of Words Center, College of Education, Room 453
Studio B Portraits
Higuera will share her new book, Xolo, which tells the true tale of Xolotl, the god of lightning, death and misfortune. This novel offers a perspective on the story of Quetzalcoatl who helped create the earth and stole back the bones of humanity from the evil god of the Underworld. Higuera, along with illustrator Mariana Ruiz Johnson, reimagine the Aztec myth of the origin of man and man's best friend.
Higuera’s books have been translated into over a dozen languages and include Lupe Wong Won't Dance, El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!, The Last Cuentista Series, The Yellow Handkerchief.
U of A Campus Store will join us with copies of several titles available for sale and autographing. Book sales and signing will occur from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
RSVPs are encouraged but not required.
Be a Supportive Character
These events are more than just opportunities to meet authors—they are moments of community engagement, where Reading Ambassadors hone their abilities as organizers, moderators and champions of literature for people their ages. Your support makes a huge impact, allowing the Reading Ambassadors to access a variety of books, participate in thoughtful discussions and develop the skills they need to be leaders—both in their school and other social contexts.
By interacting with the podcast, ‘zine and author events, you'll witness first-hand how your contributions can support these middle school and teen readers. You'll see them ask probing questions, foster discussions on critical issues and create spaces for their peers to engage with literature in new and exciting ways.
Together, we can ensure that the Reading Ambassadors continue to discover the world through literature and help shape it using their voices. We look forward to seeing you at these exciting events!
