How Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison - ADVISABLE

How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Frank Morrison. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2023. $19. 9781536215540

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

MacNolia Cox worked diligently to become the first African-American to win the Akron, Ohio spelling bee in 1936. Many citizens in her town rejoiced with her and helped her earn money to attend the National Spelling Bee. She memorized one hundred thousand words in preparation for the contest. Many came out to see her off on her trip. But, when she crossed the border into Maryland, she found racism on every side. 

Weatherford beautifully tells a story that all should hear. Throughout this story, I like the way the author used spelling words to emphasize her narrative, such as: How do you spell nervous? How do you spell surprised? How do you spell discrimination? Etc.

MOMMMAC