Kwame Alexander's
Wimpy-Ton Reading Ball
The One Word at a Time 2026 Virtual Gala
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 5:00–6:00 PM EST
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 our Author Study program? Here’s your chance to experience the fun, interactivity, and creative spark that students around the country have joined this year. 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. 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
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—can help us double that impact. We aim to reach 200,000 students in Year 2! That's 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 discovering that reading can be theirs.
Ticket Options
$25 — Reader (Access to event livestream)
$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 live event)
$250 — Watch Party (Host your book club, PTO, neighborhood group, or bookstore + get special recognition during the event)
*All tickets are tax-deductible and directly support bringing authors to students across the country.*
Host A Watch Party!
Turn the Wimpy-Ton Reading Ball into a shared experience! The $250 Watch Party ticket is perfect for: ~ Book clubs looking for a special April gathering ~ PTOs bringing families together for literacy ~ Neighborhood associations celebrating community ~ Bookstores hosting customer appreciation events ~ Teacher teams making it a staff bonding night Make it your own: Serve themed snacks (wimpy kid favorites? Regency-era tea? rainbow treats?), invite your favorite book lovers, and celebrate together while supporting students who deserve a reading life they love.
Thank you to our sponsors
Plot Twist Sponsors
Rising Action Sponsors
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Opening Line Sponsors
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Watch Party Sponsors
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the event? Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 5:00–6:00 PM EST (2:00 PM Pacific | 4:00 PM Central | 6:00 PM Atlantic)
About One Word at a Time
Founded by Newbery Medal- and Emmy Award-winning poet Kwame Alexander in July 2025, One Word at a Time brings affordable, interactive virtual author experiences to students in schools and libraries across the United States. We’re on a mission to turn around the non-reading trend that takes hold in middle school by connecting students with authors and books they love. In short, we make reading cool and fun!
We believe every student deserves to meet an author who inspires them—not just the schools that can afford a $5,000 in-person author visit—because meeting authors motivates readers. Motivated readers read more, achieve higher learning levels, develop empathy, and form critical thinking habits.
In our first year, we reached 85,000 students in 44 states. In Year 2, with your support, we're aiming for 200,000.