Noah Webster & His Words by Jeri Chase Ferris

A delightful biography of Noah Webster and his dictionary.
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Resource: picture book, biography
Time: 1758 - 1843
Place: America

Summary:
The dedication in Noah Webster's dictionary reads: "To my fellow citizens...for their happiness and learning...for their moral and religion elevation...and for the glory of my country."  Noah Webster & His Words reflects that dedication beautifully.  The prose of this short book draws readers in, whether the reader is old or young, with dictionary definitions of big words planted directly into the text.  The illustrations are whimsically drawn by Vincent X. Kirsch.  This is a short biography of Noah Webster's life and an accounting of his most important work, the American Dictionary, along with some of his lesser works, spelling and grammar books.  He was a scholar and a patriot, and in the end his vision of one nation united under one language (all spelled the same way) came true.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
none

Reading Level: grade K - 3
Lexile Measure: 820L
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:
From the author's website:
Mentor Text Lesson Plan
Activity Guide
Study Guide 

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Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat by Roxane Orgill

Ella Fitzgerald turned herself from a raggedy cat into a jazz star.
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Resource: (beginning) chapter book
Time: 1917 - 1938
Place: America

Summary:
Ella Fitzgerald's rise to stardom was rough.  As a child she loved to sing and dance, but when she was just fourteen her mother died.  Ella had a rough time, lived with an unloving aunt, quit school, and broke the law, eventually ending up homeless.  She sang at amateur nights, eventually catching the attention of Chick Webb.  She became the official vocalist of the Chick Webb band.  Together they composed the song "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" which became a big hit.  This is a beginner chapter book with very short chapters and easy to read words.  Illustrated by Sean Qualls.

Potentially Objectionable Content:
There is a good description of the kind of punishments she received after she sent to a school for orphans, including beating, and chaining the girls up in the basement. 

Reading Level: grade 1-4
Lexile Measure:820L
Guided Reading Level:not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

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