In this final reflection on the year, Teen Reading Ambassadors hardly know who we are.

We changed up the teen program to emphasize social and artistic opportunities to share what we are reading. Teens chose our themes and used a broader selection of books, directed our own conversations and created and distributed response art in the form of ‘zines.

In this episode, we talk about our bad reading habits — ignoring homework — and good ones — using reading as a reward for studying. We weigh in on skipping ahead in books and time invested in reading graphic novels versus long-form novels.

We also conclude that slowing down with content, whether books or Artemis II compilations or french fries, allows for a better appreciation for human connection.

Books mentioned in this episode:
Wings of Fire, Book 16 by Tui T. Sutherland
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Also, ‘zines are too expensive. Incidentally, ours will cost readers the price of a self addressed stamped envelope.

Huge thanks to our parents and caregivers, donors, Kathy Short and everyone who inspired us to read this year.

This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the U of A College of Education.

Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director
Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Art Major
Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Student Employee and Nursing Major
Digital Collaborator: Melanie Reyes, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student

Music is “O Trio” by Não Posso Esquecer

For more information on the Worlds of Words Reading Ambassadors, visit wowlit.org.

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We Can Promote Global Literature Together!

The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation.

Thank you for listening and keep reading!

In this final reflection on the year, Middle School Reading Ambassadors say we indulged ourselves in truth through fiction.

In our experience, books tell us stories that we might not otherwise have access to about important topics that require discussion. We’ve learned how to ask good questions and make connections. Also, we’ve had growth in our ability to talk about these topics with each other and how we engage authors.

Four is the magic number:
4 - Books we read together (officially)
4 - Authors we met (officially)
4 - Hours of focused reading during our Read-a-thon

Unenumerated:
* The excitement we experience when someone picks up a book we recommend
* All the bagels we consume

Books mentioned in this episode:
Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta
Don’t Cause Trouble by Arree Chung
The Freedom Seeker by Ruchira Gupta
Alone and Away by Megan E. Freeman
Miracle by Karen S. Chow

This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the U of A College of Education.

Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director
Lit Discussant: Narges Zandi, U of A COE Graduate Assistant
Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Art Major
Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Student Employee and Nursing Major
Digital Collaborator: Melanie Reyes, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student

Music is "A Day In The Life" by Grant Green

For more information on the Worlds of Words Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP), visit wowlit.org.

###

We Can Promote Global Literature Together!

The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation.

Thank you for listening and keep reading!

Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around Alone (and Away) by Megan E. Freeman.

In this episode, we talk about...

• The ways we are prepared, or not, for an “imminent threat” event.
• Books in verse and how poetry and prose differ.
• The importance of “what if” questions and how they can be suppressed.
• Megan’s openness, careful acknowledgment of others and her supernatural approach to story inspiration.
• Pascal Campion’s book cover illustrations and ways to interpret them.

Biggest takeaway: Keep Your Phone Charged!

Best suggestion: Publisher should name the 3rd companion book, “Afar” (Due: January 2027). Cheyenne came up with this idea on the spot, and we all agree.

Best intention: We would definitely read the 3rd companion book and the sequel.

This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the U of A College of Education.

Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director
Literature Discussant: Narges Zandi, U of A COE Graduate Assistant
Audio Engineer: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Art Major
Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Nursing Major
Digital Collaborator: Melanie Reyes, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student

Music is "A Day In The Life" by Grant Green

For more information on the Worlds of Words Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP), visit wowlit.org.

###

We Can Promote Global Literature Together!

The Worlds of Words Reading Ambassador program is completely free for participants who receive a book for themselves and a book to share with their school librarian, ELA/English teacher, or other school entity. If you would like to support this program, please make a gift on-line through the University of Arizona Foundation.

Thank you for listening and keep reading!