Join the Worlds of Words Teen Reading Ambassadors as we discuss disability experiences in K-12 literature.

Books mentioned:
Red Apple (picturebook), by Tadahiro Ogawa
Flutter Forest (picturebook), concept by Colette Pelt
Black Book of Colors (picturebook), by Menena Cottin and Rosana Faria
You Started It (YA), by Jackie Khalilieh
Where You See Yourself (YA) by Claire Forrest
Disability Visibility (YA), edited by Alice Wong
Darius the Great Is Not Okay (YA), by Adib Khorram
Waking Ben Doldrums (picturebook), by Heather Smith and Byron Eggenschwiler
Breathe and Count Back from Ten (YA), by Natalia Sylvester
Incredible Dogs (picturebook from Chile, not Spain), by Mariajose Creixell Moya and Catalina Fuenzalida

TRAP includes disabled and non-disabled people. Those who identify as disabled are clear that their disability is not their personality. The same is true of the characters we met. We discuss relationships, desire for independence, body image, acceptance and honesty.

We also share accessible characteristics of books that include dyslexic fonts, braille, textured illustrations, formats and bindings, details that enhance side-by-side reading and scented pages, all of which make reading a more immersive experience. We took inspiration from IBBY’s Outstanding Books for Children with Disabilities 2025 list.

If you would like a copy of our ‘zine response to these books, send a 6.5 X 9.5 self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE - flat rate for under 2 oz.) to: Worlds of Words Center - TRAP, U of A College of Education, 1430 E Second St, Rm 453, Tucson, AZ 85721

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

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

Today's music was Claim to Fame - The Gray Room by Clark Sims.

For more information on TRAP, 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!

WOW Reads: TRAP Considers Disability Experiences in Literature