Thank you for making the 3rd Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival unforgettable!

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