Wikipedia

How Do You Spell Unfair?

How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee is a 2023 nonfiction children's book written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison. It was well received by critics and was named one of the best children's books of the year by multiple sources.

How Do You Spell Unfair?
AuthorCarole Boston Weatherford
IllustratorFrank Morrison
PublisherCandlewick Press
Publication date
April 11, 2023
Pages40
ISBN978-1-536-21554-0

Reception

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Reviews

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How Do You Spell Unfair was well received by critics, including starred reviews from Booklist,[1] Kirkus Reviews,[2] Publishers Weekly,[3] and School Library Journal.[4] Reviewers have Weatherford's lyrical prose and meticulous research in bringing to life the story of MacNolia Cox, the first African American finalist in the National Spelling Bee.

Booklist's Carolyn Phelan noted that Weatherford's "free-verse poetry is a perfect fit for this story, capturing the emotions and drama of the competition."[1] Kirkus Reviews called the book "inspiring" and praised Weatherford's ability to "convey the excitement and tension of the competition."[2] Publishers Weekly described the book as "a stirring tribute to a trailblazing young woman."[3] John Scott, writing for School Library Journal, praised the book's "vivid language" and "compelling narrative," noting that it would be "an excellent addition to any elementary school library or classroom."[4]

Awards and honors

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How Do You Spell Unfair is a Junior Library Guild book.[5] In 2013, Kirkus Reviews named it among the year's best picture books,[6] Booklist included it on their "Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth" list,[7] and School Library Journal named it one of the year's best nonfiction books.[8] The following year, Bank Street College of Education named it a book of "outstanding merit" for children ages five to nine.[9] The same year, the Association for Library Service to Children and International Literacy Association (CL/R SIG) named it a notable children's book,[10][11] and Booklist included it on their list of the "Top 10 History Books for Youth".[12]

Awards for How Do You Spell Unfair?
Year Award Result Ref.
2024 Coretta Scott King Award Honor [13]
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist [14]
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Children Finalist [15]

References

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  1. ^ a b Phelan, Carolyn (February 1, 2023). "How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee". Booklist. Archived from the original on August 4, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "How Do You Spell Unfair?". Kirkus Reviews. February 7, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford". Publishers Weekly. January 19, 2023. Archived from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Scott, John (June 1, 2023). "How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee". School Library Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  5. ^ "How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  6. ^ "Best of 2023". Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  7. ^ "Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2023". Booklist. December 1, 2023. Archived from the original on March 20, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  8. ^ Dragan, Jonah; Fakih, Kimberly Olson; Ha, Vi; Simmons, Florence (November 22, 2023). "Best Nonfiction Elementary 2023 | SLJ Best Books". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  9. ^ "The Best Children's Book of the Year, 2024 Edition, Five to Nine" (PDF). Bank Street College of Education. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  10. ^ "Notable Children's Books: 2024". Booklist. March 15, 2024. Archived from the original on May 15, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  11. ^ "NBGS Lists". CL/R SIG. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  12. ^ Khuri, Ronny (February 1, 2024). "Top 10 History Books for Youth". Booklist. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  13. ^ Roback, Diane; Kantor, Emma; Jones, Iyana (January 22, 2024). "Eggers, Harrison, King Win 2024 Newbery, Caldecott, Printz Awards". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  14. ^ "Awards: Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Winner; Jane Addams Children's Picture Book Finalists". Shelf Awareness. November 22, 2023. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  15. ^ Jackson, Angelique (January 25, 2024). "Colman Domingo, Ayo Edebiri, Victoria Monét and Usher Lead NAACP Image Award Nominations". Variety. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
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