WOW Reads

Join the Worlds of Words Center Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP) as we recap our experience around Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan.

In this episode, we discuss...

• Our connections with the main character, Summer, and the fun we have when we reunite with distant family.
• How Buffalo Dreamer is the first formal introduction for the Reading Ambassadors about Residential/Industrial Schools for Indigenous children in North America, and how we can carry this new information forward. We consider the idea of "moving forwards, backwards" (sourced from University of Arizona faculty member, Sheilah Nicholas), and how even when history doesn't repeat itself, it can often "rhyme."
• The empathy and admiration we have for Violet Duncan after her book was announced as a finalist for the 2024 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. It can be hard to be in the spotlight, but this award is well-deserved.

Violet embodied grace and generosity on her visit, and we are thankful she took time to share her time with us.

Bonus Book Mentions:
We Are the Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac
And maybe someone can help us locate the title of a book about a young girl who is a member of the Yaqui Tribe and successfully petitions to save a tree?

This podcast was recorded in the Digital Innovation and Learning Lab (DIALL) in the U of A College of Education with assistance from the U of A COE Tech Team.

Producer/Host: Rebecca Ballenger, Worlds of Words Center Associate Director
Co-host and Lit Discussant: Kait Waterhouse, U of A COE Graduate Assistant
Audio Engineer: Liam Arias, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Radio, TV, Film Major
Audio Engineer In Training: Alexis Mendoza, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A First-year Student
Coordinator: Vianey Torres, Worlds of Words Student Employee and U of A Nursing Major

For more information on the Worlds of Words Middle School Reading Ambassadors (MSRAP), 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!