Stacey's Extraordinary Words
Sweet story encourages perseverance, spotlights diversity.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Stacey's Extraordinary Words is the first picture book written by politician, lawyer, and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams. The story promotes kindness, passion, and perseverance in a fictional story based on one of Abrams' childhood experiences. Although the story is about her participation in a spelling bee, it can be interpreted as an allegory for her run for governor in 2018. Ethnically diverse characters are featured on many pages of the book, along with extraordinary words -- such as "ptarmigan," "onomatopoeia," and "persnickety" -- that young readers may want to learn and use themselves. The author's note gives readers an up-close-and-personal message about Abrams' relationship with words and how she learned to use words to do good in the world. There are a few important themes that parents and kids can discuss, and there are opportunities to make real-world connections.
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What's the Story?
In STACEY'S EXTRAORDINARY WORDS, readers meet Stacey, a delightful character with an appreciation for words. She loves to study new words, their meanings, their origins, and what makes them special. Stacey's teacher picks up on her way with words and invites her to participate in a spelling bee. Stacey is excited until she realizes that she will be competing with Jake, a boy who bullies kids by using words to hurt their feelings. Stacey works hard all week to prepare for the spelling bee. On the big day, she gives a noteworthy performance. In the end, her understanding of winning changes, and she learns that true success comes from using her gifts and talents for good.
Is It Any Good?
This heartwarming and motivating story makes for an enjoyable read-aloud, in a classroom or cuddled up on the couch. Stacey's Extraordinary Words empowers and entertains, and delivers a visually appealing experience. Though the book introduces readers to a bunch of exceptional new words (like "dither," "perseverance," and "sesquipedalian"), it's written in short sentences (and sometimes fragments) that kids can understand and relate to. The story itself is easy for kids to grasp, and the very personal author's note makes the story and its themes even more real for young readers. Fans and supporters of Stacey Abrams will especially enjoy discovering how the resilience and tenacity she displayed in her 2018 race for governor was shaped by her childhood experience.
Kitt Thomas brings the story to life with stunning illustrations. Diversity contributes to the beauty on the pages. The colorful spreads are bold, yet warm. Overall, this simple story is an extraordinary endeavor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about interests and talents when reading Stacey's Extraordinary Words. What is Stacey interested in, and how does she show her passion? What interests you? How can you share that interest or talent with others?
Look at Stacey's Notebook of Extraordinary Words on the last page of the book. Which of these words do you know? Which words are new to you? Make a plan to use the new words throughout the week.
Stacey Abrams persevered through many words and spelling bees until she finally won. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know had to persevere? What was challenging about that experience? What made you keep going?
Book Details
- Author: Stacey Abrams
- Illustrator: Kitt Thomas
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Balzar+Bray
- Publication date: December 28, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: December 15, 2021
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