W.O.W!
The Words of Wonder Literary Festival was a celebration of
books-to-be-written and books-to-be-read.
Everyone gathered on July 30th for a literary festival on the South Side of Chicago
designed with young readers and writers of all ages in mind!
We had 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!!
What People Are Saying About The Festival
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 inaugural WOW Lit Fest 2022 was a gathering of some of the most intentional organizations in youth education, advocacy and community advancement. It was an honor to be invited to be in that room and serve youth alongside everyone.
- Cydney Edwards
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 apart 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.
- Anonymous
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.
- Anonymous
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.
- Anonymous
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
W.O.W Lit Fest
Performances
Main Stage Performances:
11 am to 12 pm
LIVE DJ
DJ Ca$h Era
3 pm to 3:30 pm
LIVE DJ
DJ Ca$h Era
12 pm to 12:30 pm
POET
Nué
4 pm to 4:30 pm
EMCEE/POET
Phenom
12:30 pm to 2 pm
LIVE DJ
PEP Rally Takeover
4:30 pm to 5 pm
LIVE DJ
DJ Ca$h Era
2 pm to 3 pm
W.O.W. Lit. FEATURE HOUR
Jacqueline Woodson & E.B. Lewis
Main Floor Performances:
1 pm to 1:30 pm
Tumbling Performance 👉🏾 Jesse White Tumbling Team
3:30 pm to 4 pm
Dance Performance 👉🏾 Ultimate Threat Dance Organization
Meet the Performers
Sign up for the
Dare to Share Workshops
Come engage in writing and illustration workshops!
Workshop Series Schedule
Health and Wellness Area
Vaccinations
Dental information and appointments
Vision Screenings
Health Resource Tables
Youth & Family Area
Youth & Family Area Schedule
2022 Sponsors
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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.
Meet Our Host
