Noah Webster’s Fighting Words by Tracy Nelson Maurer –ADVISABLE

Maurer, Tracy Noah Webster’s Fighting Words.  PICTURE BOOK.  Millbrook, 2017.  $19.99.  Content: G.

This is a picture book biography of Noah Webster’s life, with a focus on his contributions to the American English dictionary. We learn a bit about his childhood and his part in the revolutionary way, his strong opinions on the teaching and acceptance of American English over British English, and his passion for how language should evolve. As a fun addition, Noah “himself” makes mark-ups and comments, that are often funny and interesting. Feature collage style illustrations.

I am not sure if the author/publisher realized there was already a great picture book out about Noah Webster called W is for Webster : Noah Webster and his American dictionary. I honestly think they are both great, so either one would be perfect for a school library collection. This one is fun because of what feels to be little blurbs and odd spelling from his journals and the little mark-ups that Noah “himself” adds, which make it feel like he is reading along with you. The collage style art is a bit busy at times, but the pages are large enough that a group would still enjoy this as a read-aloud and could see the images. Great for a lesson on dictionaries or biographies of early Americans.Could work for 2 grade and up fairly well.

EL(K-3), EL – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.