World of Wonders educator resources

World of Wonders in the classroom

On this page, you’ll find links to request a desk copy, educator praise, discussion questions, information to request an Aimee Nezhukumatathil visit to your school, a sample curriculum, coloring pages, and video readings and events.

The forthcoming paperback of World of Wonders (publishing 4/16/2024) includes an interview with Aimee Nezhukumatathil and Ross Gay, Wonder Prompts, Suggested Essay Prompts, and Discussion Questions.

World of Wonders has reached thousands of students at over 120 schools through Common Read selections, as well as elementary, middle, high school, and higher education classes. Courses include Creative Writing, Reading and Writing, Ethnobotany, Biology, Honors Seminar, Environmental Justice, Creative Nonfiction, Environmental Literature, Human Identity and the Natural World, Literary Landscapes, Environmental Studies, and Personal Essay and Memoir.

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Nonfiction

World of Wonders

In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments

By

Aimee Nezhukumatathil

National bestseller

Beloved author Aimee Nezhukumatathil’s celebrated work of nonfiction, now including additional essays and illustrations in paperback.

Learn more

Educator praise

“One of the best lessons writers learn—and re-learn—is how to be curious about the world and express that curiosity in language. World of Wonders teaches us to do that with awe, wit and grace.” —Kathy Fagan, Professor and Director of Creative Writing at The Ohio State University
“[World of Wonders] glows with hope and sparkles with pure and genuine delight; Nezhukumatathil’s observations and curiosity will help our students find and appreciate the remarkable in our community and in each other.”—Tyler Caldwell, 9th Grade Program Coordinator at Phillips Exeter Academy
“Nezhukumatathil is a poet who writes thoughtfully about nature and a naturalist who sees the world through a poet’s eyes. She has a knack for revealing the beauty and wonder of the natural world for her readers in ways that ultimately lead [our students] to reflect upon their own place in their very own world of wonder.”—Michael Cervas, English Teacher at Westminster School
“World of Wonders was the perfect antidote to cynicism. It awakened an awe of the world in my first- year composition students and advanced creative writing majors, while asking them to think deeply about ways nature, gender, race and location intersect. Aimee’s virtual visit drove home the book’s resounding call to approach the world with wonder as a means of action, in art, and in life.” —Rebecca Lehmann, Assistant Professor at Saint Mary’s College
“World of Wonders is that rare book of Asian American joy. Each chapter touches on one of nature’s wonders: the peacock, the octopus, the firefly, the axolotl. For your exercise, think about how your race and/or cultural background affect how you have approached the natural world. Write not in the abstract but about something you remember.” —Matthew Salesses, Coe College & Ashland University

Sample discussion questions and essay prompts

Nezhukumatathil writes about her identity as an Asian American woman—often seen as an outsider by those around her. In what ways does she come to terms with feeling the pull to ‘blend’ in with her white classmates and friends?

World of Wonders speaks to the beauty and surprise of the natural world, along with the responsibility we hold toward it; Nezhukumatathil emphasizes the dangers facing nature as she wrestles with humanity’s impact on it. Where does her concern stem from? In what ways do you connect with her message?

Based on “The Potoo” Essay: When would you say is a time that you feel most “seen,” for who you are? When you need to “slow down,” or “be still,” what do you find helps you? What benefit can come from doing less, being still, looking inward, or taking a step back?

Do your own research on an animal or plant in nature and craft a personal essay that connects your own life to something about that plant or animal, while also paying careful attention to narrative and figurative language.

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About Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Aimee Nezhukumatathil is the author of World of Wonders, an illustrated essay collection, as well as of four books of poetry, including, most recently, Oceanic, winner of the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Award. Other awards for her writing include fellowships and grants from the Guggenheim Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Mississippi Arts Council, and MacDowell. Her writing appears in Poetry, the New York Times Magazine, ESPN, and Tin House. She serves as poetry faculty for the Writing Workshops in Greece and is professor of English and Creative Writing in the University of Mississippi’s MFA program.

For all speaking requests, guest-teaching engagements, and school visits, please email Anya Blackund at Blue Flower Arts.

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Sample curriculum

Thanks to Cliff Burke and Cristina Veresan at The Nueva School, we’re pleased to offer this World of Wonders curriculum, for grades 6-12. The “Wonder Essay Project” includes the full unit plan, chapter-by-chapter lessons, and classroom-ready supporting documents.