Kwame Alexander's Wimpy-ton Reading Ball

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of stories—featuring Kwame Alexander, Mychal Threets, Jeff Kinney and Julia Quinn

About the Event

Have you been curious about what makes One Word at a Time special? Here’s your chance to experience the fun, interactivity, and creative spark that students around the country have joined this year in our flagship program, Author Study.

This isn't your typical fundraiser. Kwame Alexander's Wimpy-Ton Reading Ball is a one-hour virtual celebration of reading, storytelling, and the authors who inspire us. Expect live readings, participate in a one-of-a-kind community poem, hear behind-the-scenes conversations and a real-time Q&A session. A celebration of words and reading – moments of genuine joy—all while supporting One Word at a Time's mission to bring Author Study experiences to 200,000 students in Year 2. And you can join the fun from the comfort of your own home, surrounded by people you enjoy.

Hosted by Kwame Alexander with special guests:

Mychal Threets Celebrity librarian, children’s book author and storyteller, host of Reading Rainbow, and champion of reading joy who's made library patronage a movement

Jeff Kinney Creator of the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series who's shown millions of disengaged readers how fun reading can be

Julia Quinn New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series and literacy champion, who proves romance and wit belong on every shelf

What to Expect

✨ Live author readings you won't hear anywhere else

✨ Intimate conversations about craft, inspiration, and why books matter

✨ A once-in-a-lifetime community poem

✨ Surprise moments (we're not spoiling everything)

✨ Your chance to support literacy for students who need it most

✨ Access to the recording for two weeks after the event (with the purchase of a Page Turner or Bestseller ticket)

Whether you're tuning in solo with your favorite snack or hosting a Watch Party with your book club, this is an evening you won't want to miss.

Why This Matters

In our first year, One Word at a Time brought award-winning authors to nearly 85,000 students across 44 states—many of whom had never met an author before. We're making reading joyful, accessible, and cool for students who thought books weren't for them.

• Over 60% of the schools we serve receive Title I funding
• More than 50% of students we serve had not met an author before this school year
• 74% of respondents to our mid-year survey report students’ enthusiasm for reading has increased because of Author Study
• 82% surveyed state students are checking out more books from the school library
• 40% surveyed state students are talking about books more with each other

Your ticket—and your support—helps us double that impact.

With your help, we'll reach 200,000 students in Year 2.

Imagine the impact for 200,000 kids meeting authors who look like them, sound like them, and have something to say directly to them. That's 200,000 students re-discovering that reading can be enjoyable and writing can be powerful.

Together, we are changing the world -- one word at a time.

Ticket levels

• $25 — Reader Access to event livestream only
• $50 — Page Turner Access to event livestream + recording for two weeks
• $100 — Bestseller Access to event livestream + recording for two weeks + special recognition during the event
• $250 — Watch Party Host your book club, PTO, neighborhood group, or bookstore + get special recognition during the event (Visit www.onewordcommunity.org/gala for ideas to make your watch party a hit!)

Every ticket purchase receives a single-use Zoom Webinar link that connects you to the event on April 26 at 5 pm EDT.

All tickets are tax-deductible and directly support our programing that motivates readers by connecting students across the country. to favorite authors.