Book review: Noah Webster Father of the Dictionary

By Isabel Proudfit

Illustrated by Hazel Pinkerton
Bradford Press
219 pp.
Fictionalized Biography

Ever since I first learned how to read sufficiently on my own and discovered the literary treasures stored on our family's bookshelves, I have loved to read biographies! Having read a variety of biographies written for children, I was eager to see what the content of this book was like. 

It brings to life again the life of the man who provided Americans with one of the crucial books in their education, beginning when he was a young boy on his family's farm.

The publisher's review states:

''Noah Webster’s influence in the development of the United States was a real contribution to its growth. His life covers a fascinating period in American history when the young republic was just getting on its feet. Where others gave the new country its laws and government, he provided schoolbooks glowing with the American spirit. Twenty-five million copies of Webster’s Spelling Book were used in schools during his lifetime. The American Dictionary, which he compiled when he was fifty years of age, was his greatest achievement''

I found that this book, republished from the original 1942 edition. is perfect for children around age 8-12. My 10-year old sister absolutely loved this and couldn't wait for reading time to get back to it! I thought the illustrations were sweet. I recommend this book, as I do recommend most biographies for children for your family's library. I would have liked Noah Webster's faith to have been mentioned more. Yet it is a good book which will help develop your child's love for history!

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's CFR Title 16, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."