5th Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival

Dear Chicago: A Love Letter to the City

The 5th Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival

Chicago, we have a story to tell, and you are part of it!

Join Burst Into Books on the South Side for a joyful celebration of the voices, neighborhoods, and creative traditions that make our city extraordinary. This year’s theme, “Dear Chicago: A Love Letter to the City,” invites us to honor our history, celebrate our communities, and imagine the stories still waiting to be written.

Saturday, November 14, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wendell Smith Elementary School
744 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60628

Whether you are a young reader discovering your favorite author, a writer with a story to share, or a family looking for a day of creativity and connection, there is something here for you!

Explore a day filled with:

• Storytelling and reading experiences featuring Black authors, illustrators, and community voices
• Interactive literacy and art activities that bring your imagination to life
• Creative writing workshops where your words become part of Chicago’s story
• Dance, live music, and performances celebrating storytelling through movement and sound
• Conversations about Chicago’s history, living legacy, and next chapter
• Chess and engaging activities for curious minds
• A vibrant marketplace of books, local vendors, and community organizations
• Tasty food, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with your neighbors

Bring the whole family and get ready to read, write, dance, and dream. Together, let’s celebrate the city we love and the people who keep its stories alive.

Come for the books. Stay for the vibes. Help us write this love letter to Chicago!

View our sponsors, vendors, partners, and highlights from past festivals at www.wowlitfest.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wowlitfest

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wowlitfest