Words Take Wing: Honoring Diversity in Children’s Literature

Words Take Wing: Honoring Diversity in Children’s Literature celebrates diverse children’s literature and its ability to inform, inspire and empower. Every February, the UC Davis School of Education introduces students to acclaimed authors from diverse backgrounds, creating a unique shared space in which reluctant readers can become life-long enthusiasts, and budding writers can be inspired to their tell their own stories. Since 2005, more than 16,000 elementary students have enjoyed and benefited from this inspiring event. 

The School of Education’s Words Take Wing: Honoring Diversity in Children’s Literature program was established by Dr. Joanne Galli-Banducci with support of founding committee. Currently including the current committee Wendy Chason, who serves as a program committee co-chair. They are supported by the following committee members: Rebecca Rosa, Nancy Tseng, Rebecca Hachmyer, Sharon Hallberg, Christie Hamm, Chantal Lacrampe-Mace, Amy Medovoy, Sandi Redenbach, and Karen Street.

Our priority is to fundraise for this year’s event on February 23, 2021, when we will host award-winning children’s author Lesa Cline Ransome in a virtual version of our traditional matinee. Donations provide the funding needed to sponsor notable authors and in providing the opportunity for diverse classes to participate.  

About Your Donation The School of Education depends on the support of alumni, staff, faculty and friends in order to produce Words Take Wing for schools and districts throughout Northern California. Words Take Wing offers children a unique opportunity to meet the writers of the books they love, to hear their personal stories first hand, and to be inspired by the knowledge that great writers and literature included people who look like them. Above all, Words Take Wing encourages children that they too can be writers, and that their personal stories can be worthy subjects of great literature.