Book Review: Noah Webster & His Words

Noah Webster & His Words

Author: Jeri Chase Ferris

Illustrations: Vincent X. Kirsch

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt- 2012

Juvenile Nonfiction: Biography

ISBN: 978-0-547-39055-0

Noah Webster & His Words is an excellent biography about how our dictionary today was researched and written by Noah Webster early in the 1800’s. The words and the illustrations engage the reader from the first page and carry the reader on the long journey of finding every word that was originally written into the dictionary.

The story of how Noah wanted to write as a boy and followed his dream by traveling to other countries and libraries around the world to complete his work is demonstrated through text and pictures. It is a great addition to the classroom library and serves well as an excellent source for teachers and students regarding history of the written word.

The book includes an illustrated timeline from 1758 and Noah’s birth to 1843 when Noah dies in New Haven. The timeline includes other historical facts that become a spring board for other history learning activities for classroom teachers or parents who home school. The book is an excellent example of bringing the reader into the past and making them feel the past rather than memorizing facts about the same. Readers will feel like they have met and know Noah Webster. They will gain a new appreciation for the importance of research and for the dictionary itself coming away with another great book that teaches students to love the written word.

Information about the author can be found at www.jerichaseferris.com

Information about the illustrator can be found at www.vincentxkirsch.com

Information about other books by the publisher can be found at www.hmhbooks.com

Noah Webster & His Words is a great addition to any collection. It is rare to find a biography that entertains as well as educates and this fits the bill.