​Winner of the Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY) for "Most Original Concept" 2018, The World is Just a Book Away is an anthology edited by USC professor James J. Owens and illustrated by Ryane Acalin that captures the stories of how books and reading inspired some of the world s most prominent people. This book takes readers on a unique journey through personal stories from five Nobel Peace Prize laureates, actors, royalty, world leaders, scientists, humanitarians, and many more.

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All profits from the book go to the international children's literacy charity The World is Just a Book Away (WIJABA).