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Reviewed by: Taylor Coonelly, Elementary School Librarian Title: Words of Wonder from Z to A Author: Zaila Avant-garde Publisher: DoubleDay
Year: 2023 Good for Grades: K-5 (I could see this being used/read by anyone) Genre/Type of Book: ABC Picture Book/Nonfiction
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: N/A Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: Beautifully illustrated cover and non-traditional take on an ABC book If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: Zaila has created a bright book filled with inspiration and wisdom for all ages |
Review:
Words of Wonder from Z to A is vibrantly illustrated and inspiring book filled with 26 words descending in the alphabet like Why, Together, Optimism, Family and more. Each page features the word, as well as a quote from an inspirational figure with that word, starting with Z for the author's first name and A for her last. The illustrations not only feature Zaila, but other diverse characters and family dynamics, and are brightly colored and reminiscent of children's drawings. I loved this picture book, and I think it would be an incredible addition to a picture book collection. This book focuses a lot on kindness, tolerance, and imagination, and uses everyday situations juxtaposed with life lessons from people like Barack Obama and Albert Einstein. I definitely think that this book would be chosen by students based on the vibrant cover, and I can think of several curricular uses for this picture book besides for general circulation amongst students. This book can be used for a multitude of lessons on concepts that are aforementioned in the book, could be used during a spelling unit, could be highlighted during Black History Month as the author was the first Black American to win the Scripps Spelling Bee in 100 Years or during a research unit on influential young people (Zaila won at the age of 14), and much more. After reading, the class could even have their own spelling bee (with grade appropriate words), or discuss what the words chosen in the story mean to them. A must add for elementary library collections.
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Find this video and more resources for Words of Wonder from Z to A at TeachingBooks.net
For more information about this book, see the Publishers Website