Synopses & Reviews
Noah Webster may be best remembered the enormous and ambitious task of writing his famous dictionary, but for him, this accomplishment was a means to an end. His true goal was to streamline the language spoken in our newly formed country so that it could be used as a force to bring people together and be a source of national pride. Though people laughed at his ideas, Webster never doubted himself. In the end, his so-called foolish notions achieved just what he had hoped.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Here, in the only account of Noah Webster for teens, the seasoned biographer Catherine Reef guides us through Websterand#39;s remarkable life, from boyhood on a Connecticut farm through the fight for American independence to his days as a writer and political activist who greatly influenced our Founding Fathers and the direction of the young United States.
Review
* andquot;Featuring a large font and images throughout, this attractive offering is an excellent look at a noteworthy individual. A first-rate addition to biography and history collections.andquot;
andmdash;School Library Journal, starred review
andquot;Thorough, well-documented, and smoothly written.andquot;
andmdash;Kirkus
andquot;Reef capably weaves Websterand#39;s biography into the history of Americaand#39;s early years.andquot;
andmdash;Booklist
andquot;Historical background gives context to this cradle-to-grave biography, and en epilogue discusses how our language continues to change.andquot;
andmdash;Horn Book Magazine
Synopsis
With his engaging and timeless narrative prose, two-time Newbery Honor Book author Jim Murphy tells the awe-inspiring story of George Washington's glorious fight for an independent America.
It is 1776, and George Washington and his army of rebellious American colonists are emboldened by its stunning victories over the British at Lexington and Concord. But now, the Americans face the threat of a brutal British retaliation.
George Washington, who has little experience with a threat of this magnitude, is unanimously chosen as commander in chief in hopes he can unite the colonies. Britain's army is massive and well trained. America's is small and unruly. As the British begin their invasion of New York City and its environs, George Washington isn't the only one (continued)
Synopsis
An upper-middle-grade biography on Noah Webster, a controversial political activist, the primary shaper of the American language, and author of the famous dictionary that bears his name. Illustrated with archival images.
About the Author
Jim Murphy is the celebrated author of more than thirty-five books for young readers, most notably TRUCE: THE DAY THE SOLDIERS STOPPED FIGHTING and THE GREAT FIRE, a Newbery Honor Winner. His carefully researched, engaging, and elegantly written nonfiction has garnered the most prestigious awards in the field. He lives in Maplewood, New Jersey, with his wife and their two sons.