We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for the 3rd Annual Words of Wonder (WOW) Literary Festival. Your presence and enthusiasm made the day truly special. Thank you for being a part of our WOW community and helping us bring the joy of books and art to life! We can’t wait to see you again next year!
W.O.W!
The Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival is a celebration of books-to-be-written and books-to-be-read.
Come and join us each year for a literary festival on the South Side of Chicago designed with young readers and writers of all ages in mind!
We will have interactive literacy and art programming, opportunities for youth and families to connect with community resources, animated storytelling by Black authors and illustrators, a diverse group of book vendors and installations for all ages, story-based dance, interactive writing workshops, Indigenous and African styled drumming, a wide range of live music, healthy food choices and snacks, giveaways and much more!!
2024 W.O.W Lit Fest
Impact
We had a total attendance of 737 people at this year's festival.
We had over 77 vendors in attendance to make this event a success.
We had both local and national authors who were a part of the event.
We had 16 sponsors for the festival.
Hundreds of books were sold, given, and blessed to all attendees.
What Attendees Had to Say About The Festival
This event is definitely a space to learn about the value of books and reading, various community resources and make great connections!!!
- Attendee
I was happy to attend the WOW Literary Festival because I know I just witnessed something special! I'm already looking forward to next year and I know it will grow exponentially because people will want to go and experience this for themselves, their families, and their organizations!
- Jessica Smith
The W.O.W. Literary Festival and its venue was steeped in Black excellence along with meaningful exchanges between literary organizations from across our city. Our Southside communities need these kind of events as staples in our community. Keep it up and see you next year!
- Jami Rhue
I absolutely loved everything about the event and so happy to be a part of it. I was amazed at the amount of resources, performers and services that were provided. I also love that this was on the south side with highlights from Black Excellence in every spectrum. Thank you for having us and would love to work together again in the future.
- Bria Jackson
This Literary Festival made books come alive for children. The excitement was palpable. Children and families had a lovely time meeting authors and other reading enthusiasts.
- Attendee
Having this festival on the far south side is what we need for our community. Burst Into Book is transforming our community which is beautiful and we thank you.
- Attendee
I’m a teacher and I was impressed with the way things turned out.
- Attendee
I had a great time, learning about the other vendors' resources and went home with some great books for my 7 year old daughter!
- Attendee
I had a great time and I loved getting to interact with the kids and adults who stopped by my table.
- Attendee
This Literary Festival made books come alive for children. The excitement was palpable. Children and families had a lovely time meeting authors and other reading enthusiasts.
- Attendee
Burst into Books
is very inspiring!
- Camesia Perry
Great family event!
First time vendor but I have it already marked on my calendar
for next year.
- Attendee
This festival is a true celebration of the importance of books. A place for people of all ages who appreciate that making great literature accessible for young people can change the world.
- Emily M. Hooper Lansana
The WOW Literary Festival was a great experience, both as a vendor and as a participant. There were so many activities and so many interesting people to speak with.
- Attendee
The LITerary Fest organized by Burst Into Books was a phenomenal celebration highlighting literary culture and togetherness. It was well executed and we were thrilled to be a part.
- Chrislin Flanagan
2024 Sponsors
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Our 2025 Author Headliner is
Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, Emmy-winning producer and #1 New York
Times bestselling author of 42 books, including the new release How Sweet The Sound, Black Star, the second installment of his Door of No Return trilogy, This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets, Why Fathers Cry at Night, An American Story, the Coretta Scott King Award-winning book illustrated by Dare Coulter, The Door of No Return, Becoming Muhammad Ali (co-authored with James Patterson), Rebound, which was shortlisted for the prestigious UK Carnegie Medal, and The Undefeated, the National Book Award nominee, Newbery Honor, and Caldecott Medal-winning picture book illustrated by Kadir Nelson.
Kwame is also the Emmy-winning Executive Producer, Showrunner, and Writer of The Crossover TV series, based on his Newbery-Medal winning novel of the same name, which premiered on Disney+ in April 2023. The series was produced in partnership
with LeBron James' SpringHill Company and Big Sea Entertainment, Kwame's production company that is dedicated to creating innovative, highly original children’s and family entertainment. Other current projects in development at Big Sea include America’s Next Great Author, the groundbreaking reality television series for writers.
A regular contributor to NPR’s Morning Edition, Kwame is the creator and host of the Why Fathers Cry podcast, premiering September 2023, featuring conversations about love and parenting and loss, with fathers and sons. He regularly shares his passion for literacy, books and the craft of writing around the world at events like the Chautauqua Lecture Series, the Edinburgh Book Festival, Aspen Ideas, and the Global Literacy Symposium in Ghana, where he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana. Most recently he was appointed the Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts and Writer-in Residence at the Chautauqua Institution.
His mission is to change the world, one word at a time.
You can learn more about him at www.kwamealexander.com.
Be A Sponsor!
This one-of-a-kind sponsorship opportunity
will allow you to be a part of history!
When you invest in the inaugural Words of Wonder Literary Festival you help us weaken the hold of the last two years’ frustration and resignation and
re-ignite the interest of our young people in culture, creativity and community.
Our 2025 Headliner Illustrator is
London Ladd
London Ladd is an award-winning illustrator whose work has been featured in publications such as HarperCollins, Philomel Books, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Scientific American and community-based murals. Utilizing a unique mixed-media technique, he brings various subjects to life by combining acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper. Each image is infused with emotion, reflecting the artist's dedication to portraying the essence of life.
He serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Syracuse University, where he received his BFA and MFA degrees. Ladd received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the State University of New York and multiple nominations for an NAACP Image Award. He was also shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards, and several organizations, including the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, American Illustration, and the American Library Association, have recognized his work.
His vision is to establish a visual arts community center in Syracuse, NY, where lower-income families can engage in artistic activities in a fun and creative environment.
You can see his works at www.londonladd.com.
Sign up for the
Dare to Share Workshops
Come engage in writing and illustration workshops!
Workshop Series Schedule
Our 2025 Mainstage Author is
Lesa Cline-Ransome
Lesa Cline-Ransome is the author of numerous non-fiction and historical fiction titles for picture book, chapter book, middle grade and young adult readers and her work has been named to ALA Notable Books and Bank Street Best Children’s Book lists.
Her verse biography of Harriet Tubman, Before She Was Harriet was nominated for an NAACP image award and received a Jane Addams Honor, Christopher Award and Coretta Scott King Honor for Illustration. Her debut middle grade novel, Finding Langston, won the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction and received the Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor. The companion novels Leaving Lymon and Being Clem complete the Finding Langston trilogy. For Lamb is her debut YA historical fiction novel set in Jim Crow Mississippi.
A 2022 NAIBA Legacy Award recipient, Lesa has received numerous honors and awards including NAACP Awards , Kirkus Best Book, New York Public Library Best Book, SLJ Best Book, CBC Choice Awards, two Top 10 Sports Books for Youth, and an Orbis Pictus Recommended Book.
She is currently an SCBWI Advisory Council member and host of KidLitTV's Past Present: Giving Past Stories New Life.
She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and frequent collaborator, James Ransome and their family.
You can learn more about her at www.lesaclineransome.com.
Media Features
Our 2025 Mainstage Illustrator is
James E. Ransome
James E. Ransome has been honored with the 2023 Children's Literature Legacy Award by the American Library Association in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Children's Literature. With a career spanning over 33 years, James has illustrated more than 70 books. His passion for drawing was kindled in Rich Square, NC, and as a teenager, he moved to Bergenfield, NJ, before pursuing a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.
Ransome's remarkable talent has garnered him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Coretta Scott King Awards, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, ALA Notables, a Jane Addams Award, and NAACP Image awards. He has also showcased his artistry through murals displayed at notable locations such as the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Poughkeepsie's Adriance Memorial Library, and the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati.
In recent years, James has extended his artistic prowess to create theater posters for Washington DC's Arena Stage. Furthermore, his illustrations have been featured in the History Channel Documentary "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Civil War" narrated by James' childhood basketball idol, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He resides in New York State alongside his wife and frequent collaborator, author Lesa Cline-Ransome.
You can see his works at www.jamesransome.com.
W.O.W Lit Fest
Performances
Main Stage Performances:
11:00 am - 11:30 am
OPENING
Dr. Obari Cartman
11:30 am - 11:45 pm
Pep Rally Takeover
11:45 am - 12:15 pm
Vanessa Brantley Newton Live Interview
Moderator - Duane Davis
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Pep Rally Takeover
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm
D-Composed with special guest Harold Green III
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Moderator - Dr. Gholdy Muhammad
Derrick Barnes Live Interview
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Pep Rally Takeover
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Kenwood School of Ballet
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Pep Rally Takeover
Outdoors Main Performances:
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
11:30 am to 12:15 pm -
African Dance Class
12:20 pm to 1:00 pm -
A 40-min Theater Performance
Book Signings:
2:00 pm
Harold Green III
2:00 pm
Natasha Tarpley
3:30 pm
Derrick Barnes
3:30 pm
Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Outdoor Activities
Since 2018, Project sWish Chicago (PSC) has impacted and reached more than 5,500 youth and young adults through free innovative programming and effective youth-centered resilience and advocacy practices. The mission of PSC is to create a space where men and women utilize basketball, art therapy, music therapy, mental health programming and other innovative healing practices to navigate through histories and moments of trauma and violence.
Project sWish Chicago was founded by 26-year-old Whitney Young and Xavier University Alum in 2018 from a place of pain. McKinley Nelson struggled with his own mental health challenges due to the untimely death of dozens of friends due to senseless gun violence. McKinley’s mission is to harness the power of what happens on the court to change and save lives off the court.
For more information, please visit Projectswishchicago.com
We are excited to have Project sWish partner with us this year to host basketball skills camp and mindfulness activities. Signup link to participate will be released by March 1, 2025.
Hosted from 2 pm to 6 pm at the fest, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market is an award-winning program that teaches young people about the power of entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership through experiential learning. The markets started in Utah and sold out for five years straight, helping nearly 10,000 kids before expanding to 24 additional states.
Parents and kids everywhere agree that learning and earning in a competitive environment is a unique and fun experience. Kids rise to the challenge of deciding what to sell, creating a booth, talking to customers, and handling money. A growing number of markets showcase returning youth entrepreneurs who desire additional development of their skills and small business.
There will be up to 50 booths available for youth entrepreneurs. Visit Children's Entrepreneur Market's website to be notified when registration opens up.
We are excited to have Open Books join us with their new book mobile! Families will get to show on their mobile bookstore and enjoy outdoor literacy activities.
More details will be shared in March 2025 so stay connected.
Storytelling Tent
Miss Nina
2:00 PM
Transitions Area
This area will focus on providing resources for parents with children who need learning, physical, socioemotional and behavioral support. The focus will be from birth to 22 years old.
In addition, in that area will be manipulatives and items that can aid children while at the festival too. For example, noise cancelling headphones and fidgets. This area will be hosted by parents, educators and specialists.
Meet Our Host!
Zion Ali is a dynamic performer and singer-songwriter whose music uplifts and inspires, particularly focusing on youth empowerment. With songs like “I Believe,” “Make it Through,” and from his youth-centered album “I Believe in Youth,” Zion has captured the hearts of audiences across Chicago and beyond. He’s also made waves performing at major events like the Bud Billiken Parade and the UniverSoul Circus.
Follow Zion Ali social handles
Instagram: @zionaliofficial
Facebook: @Zion Ali
LinkedIn: @Zion Ali
Activation Stations
Chess Tournament
A Step Ahead Chess is hosting our FIRST EVER Burst Into Books Chess Tournament at the Words of Wonder Festival on July 27th, 2024.
All ages are welcome to play and compete, and trophies and medals will be awarded!
Below is the schedule for the chess:
11:00 AM - 12:45 PM
Open Chess Play
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Free Chess Demo and Tournament Rules
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Chess Tournament
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Awards Ceremony
Flash Hoops
FlashHoops is the fun, free, smart app for developing youth math skills through short workouts led by elite athletes. We fuse physical activity and gamification while learning to boost interest, provide tailored learning tracks and keep youth on the move!
Englewood Arts Collective
Come out and enjoy two stations with the Englewood Arts Collective.
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Station #1 will have a photoshoot centered on showing each child as a star!
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Station #2 will be a painting star magnets area. Also, there will be an introduction to ceramics too!
Open Books
We are excited to have Open Books host our Readers' Choice Area at the festival. Attendees will be able to choose a book, find a comfortable seat and take a journey through a book.
All the books in this area will be free and able to be taken home to add to your own home library.
Youth & Family Area
Health and Wellness Area
medical screenings
Dental information and screenings
Vision Screenings
Health Resource Tables
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Farm Stand
Sistas In The Village will have a farm stand from 11 am-2 pm (while supplies last) with locally grown fresh produce for sale from their farm in Englewood. They will also give a short demonstration on how to make their famous Summertime Chi Salad.
Sistas In The Village is an urban farm in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago committed to growing food to nourish an intergenerational African Indigenous community.
Food Trucks
Here's a glimpse of our Inaugural Words of Wonder Literary Festival.
