Words of Wonder from Z to A

May 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-In a colorful and busy picture book, 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Avant-Garde writes an inspiring ABC of affirmations, but with a nod to her name, opens with Z. Every letter is a different color and each word is used in many affirmations and examples of how children can be great. Included are quotes from writers and leaders, such as Maya Angelou and Nelson Mandela. Although alphabet books are widely associated with young children, this can definitely be consumed by older readers or adults who may want or need some positive affirmations. The illustrations depict diverse children in happy settings, whether they are laughing, having fun outside, or spending time with loved ones. Back matter includes a lighthearted but thorough glossary. VERDICT A wonderfully uplifting book for the alphabet, affirmation, or novelty shelves.-Annmarie Braithwaite

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Starred review from May 1, 2023
A spelling-bee champ welcomes readers to the zesty, awesome world of wording wizardry. Whether you recite it from A to Z or in reverse, the alphabet's cool, not to mention the words you can build by combining its letters in myriad ways. Such is the premise of this cheerful book that lists 26 empowering words, from Z to A--Avant-garde's own initials--each beginning with a different letter of the alphabet (except X, for which extraordinary subs). Each word is a favorite of the teen author, who in 2021 became the first African American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The word list begins and ends with the author's own names (Zaila, meaning "mighty, powerful," and Avant-garde, "to be at the forefront"). On each page, the same word appears three to five times, printed in boldfaced type, alongside brief, thought-provoking, upbeat observations. The words cavort spiritedly on the page in hyphenated form ("L-A-U-G-H-T-E-R," "K-I-N-D-N-E-S-S"), inviting readers to draw their pronunciations out slowly, as if to playfully savor their "feel." A pithy quotation from luminaries such as Albert Einstein, Sitting Bull, and Shakira accompanies each word. Energetic, bold illustrations featuring dynamic patterns and characters diverse in skin tone, age, and physical ability greatly enliven the book. Readers should be strongly encouraged to create personal word lists and commentaries. (This book was reviewed digitally.) In a word: Wonderful. (the origins of Zaila's words of wonder) (Picture book. 7-10)

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