(2) 4-6 Although he didn't study, sixth grader Ben Bellini thought he had a chance at winning the 1985 Southern California Regional Spelling Bee. He felt like such a clodpoll (his losing word, meaning blockhead) when he didn't. Ben loves words and competitive spelling, so when his grandmother invites him to spend the following summer with her in San Francisco and be coached by a former National Spelling Bee winner, off he goes. The trip doesn't go well: Nan shows signs of forgetfulness, the coach turns out to be a jerk, and Ben gets robbed. But he does meet Asha Krishnakumar, who shares his love of spelling and is working hard to compete. She views it as her chance to be seen, "to be recognized as somehow excellent." And that's when Ben realizes he has found a kindred spirit, for he, too, wants to be seen as more than a nerd, to not feel lonely following his dream. Finnegan offers a story with a big heart about the drama of spelling bees and brings to life a cast of characters to care about while highlighting major themes of life: loneliness, dreams, memory, validation, and family and friends.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2025

(1) K-3 Illustrated by John Parra. Genhart highlights the love between a grandson and his abuela through their connection with the Spanish language. Narrator Manolo signs up to compete in his school's Spanish spelling bee. While he practices, Abuela tells him stories of how she was not allowed to speak Spanish in school, recounting the punishment and shame doled out to her and her classmates. After hearing about her experiences, Manolo is more determined than ever to study, and ultimately triumphs at the spelling bee. With a vivid color palette, Parra's acrylic and digital illustrations bring warmth and brightness to Genhart's story, which smoothly incorporates Spanish words and phrases within the text. Extensive back matter explains how Spanish was frequently prohibited in schools in the Southwest, especially from the 1930s through 1960s, causing many families not to pass on their language to their children. The National Spanish Spelling Bee, first held in 2011, is an effort "to change the history of negative attitudes toward Spanish and to raise its status in the United States." A Spanish alphabet, pronunciation guide, and selected references are appended. Concurrently published in Spanish as El español es la lengua de mi familia.

Reviewer: Yesica Hurd | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Frank Morrison. As a young Black girl growing up in 1930s Akron, Ohio, MacNolia Cox had an affinity for words--long and complicated words in particular. Known to read the dictionary for fun, the scholar handily won her school's spelling bee, a written test, and an oral competition, which put her in the running for the citywide contest. Competing there against fifty other children, MacNolia emerged victorious as the first African American to win--a feat that made her even more beloved and famous in her community and eligible to compete in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, prejudice and discrimination tainted her experience. On the train, MacNolia and her mother were forced to move to a segregated car once they reached the state of Maryland; the official hotel was for whites only; and she and the other Black competitor were made to sit at a different table during the bee itself. However, showing the same acumen and resolve as in Akron, she continued to advance in the competition, making it to the top five. Cox is remembered for her perseverance under pressure, and both the affecting text (with its spelling-centered refrain: "Can you spell dedication?"; "Can you spell excited?") and brilliantly hued oil- and spray-paint illustrations portray her with dignity while reflecting the intensity of the times. An epilogue reinforces how every victory encourages others; a bibliography is appended.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(2) YA White high-school senior Winter faces internet notoriety after a racially offensive post she means as an ironic joke. Winter's reactions to the perceived injustice are squirm-inducing but feel honest to her character. Readers willing to give Winter a chance at redemption will find a thoughtful coming-of-age story that underlines the power of empathy, community, and believing in one's own capacity for positive change.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2018

(3) 1-3 Backyard Witch series. Illustrated by Deborah Marcero. When Maya loses the school spelling bee--to Sadie, one of her best friends, of all people!--her confidence is shaken. With the help of quirky neighborhood birdwatcher/witch Ms. M (who happens to be substituting as the school's librarian), Maya overcomes her jealousy, regains confidence, and learns important lessons about friendship. Spot art appears throughout this third amiable installment.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(2) K-3 Bizzy Mizz Lizzie is eager to win Hivetown's Spelling Contest and meet the Queen Bee--but she's so exhausted from studying that she falls asleep mid-word. Ironically, it's when Lizzie slows down that she meets the Queen, who validates the philosophy that sometimes taking a break allows us to be our best. Shannon's art is appropriately exuberant, with plenty of bee-related puns in the details.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2017

(4) 1-3 Ellie Ultra series. Illustrated by Jessika von Innerebner. Formerly homeschooled third grader Ellie Ultra tries to balance her superhero identity with her desire to fit in at her new public school for regular citizens. Brown-skinned Ellie and her diverse group of classmates are welcome contributions to the genre of superhero chapter books, but the stilted writing lessens the series' appeal. Discussion guide and writing prompts are included. Glos. Review covers the following Ellie Ultra titles: An Extra-Ordinary Girl and Queen of the Spelling Bee.

Reviewer: Kazia Berkley-Cramer

(2) 4-6 Almost-twelve-year-old Ruth finds a series of mysterious clues. She's eager to embark on a quest to solve the mystery, but former best friend Charlotte thinks Ruth should grow up. A spelling bee helps Ruth find like-minded friends who help her solve the puzzle. Blakemore addresses thornier aspects of middle school (from bra shopping to bullying) honestly; Ruth's relationships with her peers play as big a role as the riddle.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2015

(3) 1-3 Franklin School Friends series. Illustrated by Rob Shepperson. Third grader Simon's tendency to win everything is getting on his best friend Jackson's nerves. And the tension increases when they wind up on the same team for the spelling bee. In this fourth installment, Mills once again deftly promotes teamwork and the celebration of everyone's unique skills in a story that feels genuine rather than didactic. Shepperson's halftone illustrations capture key moments.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) 1-3 Young witch Salem Hyde has trouble distinguishing between spelling and spell casting. Her parents find her a magical animal companion, Whammy, but she refuses the cat's guidance until another misspelled spell creates chaos at the school spelling bee. The black-and-white illustrations with green accents provide tons of visual jokes. This pleasing first graphic novel is sure to gain followers for the series.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(4) 1-3 Sidney & Sydney series. Illustrated by Luisa Montalto. This book finds the name-sharing third graders maneuvering their friendship through school challenges including a spelling bee, dodgeball, and a school play. Spunky, fashion-loving girl Sydney and easy-going, sporty boy Sidney share their breezy, entertaining stories in short alternating chapters. The kids come off as older than eight years old in both their narration and the abundant color illustrations.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by George O'Connor. Eugene McGillicudy works hard to tie for first place on the spelling test. His success leads to a confrontation with arch-enemy Meredith during a spelling bee, and Eugene must summon his alter ego, Captain Awesome. The story is slight, but a mystery superhero introduced at the end will pique readers' interest. Cartoon black-and-white illustrations appear with cruder drawings attributed to Eugene.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Carey F. Armstrong-Ellis. In a rhyming text reminiscent of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," Rose tells the story of a spelling bee that can only be won by knowing how a really big word is spelled and what it means. The pro-reading message is heartfelt, but the delivery feels strained, especially at the end. Armstrong-Ellis tempers the effect with humorous pencil and gouache art.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mark Fearing. When the Witches' Double Spelling Bee rolls around, young witch Cordelia thinks she'll be a shoo-in. Her skills are put to the test against thirteen-time winner Beulah Divine. Shannon's text engagingly demonstrates the relationships between words while Fearing's kinetic pencil and digital illustrations lend a Saturday-morning-cartoon quality to the characters and the comedic spell-casting action.

Reviewer: Russell Perry | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2013

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Diane Goode. Shoe-losing, adverb-using, word-creating Cinderella returns in this sequel to Cinderella Smith. This time, Cinderella prepares for a spelling bee, makes pancakes with her cool aunt, and stands up to classmate Rosemary T., who is "very, extremely mean" to Cinderella and her friends. Without condescension, Barden sensitively and gracefully handles the topic of bullying; Goode's line drawings add levity.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. In her eleventh misadventure, Judy Moody finds a lucky penny, only to lose it, recover it, and lose it again. Her good fortune comes and goes, too: she travels to Washington DC for her school's spelling bee, but misplaces a potbellied pig she's supposed to be tending. As always, newly independent readers will easily relate to Judy's charming flaws.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay