Noah Webster

June 15, 2015
This biography covers the life and times of Noah Webster-whose name has become synonymous with "dictionary"-from his humble farmhouse birth in 1758 to his death, surrounded by loved ones, in 1843. A short prologue informs readers that at age 49, Webster, who voiced the opinion that "America is an independent empire, and ought to assume a national character," began his magnum opus: "an American dictionary, based on his strong opinions...the product of many years of thought." The book then introduces Noah's birth and proceeds chronologically. The text does an admirable job of giving personal details of Colonial and post-Colonial life, as well as incorporating the rapidly changing history that surrounded Noah when he left home at 16-with his father's blessing and hard-earned tuition money-to attend college. The text is full of direct quotations, both from Webster and from people who knew him, and their reactions were, unsurprisingly, mixed. He was apparently bright, inquisitive, and relentlessly opinionated. Small history lessons that backdrop his experiences-as in passages about wars, federalism, women's roles, and abolition-are neatly integrated into his attempts to earn a living, to establish copyright laws and standardize spelling in the new nation, to find love, and more. Recurring episodes of poverty interfere only temporarily with a man driven to write, to publish, and to influence others. Thorough, well-documented, and smoothly written. (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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Starred review from April 1, 2015

Gr 7 Up-Many people take the dictionary for granted, rarely stopping to think of how it began. This well-written, impeccably researched book tells the story of Noah Webster (1758-1843), who was responsible for the first dictionary. Webster was fortunate to have a supportive father who mortgaged his farm so his son could afford to attend Yale. Webster saw the American Revolution unfold around him while a college student. He went on to work as a teacher, eventually opening a school and even offering classes to girls (a rarity in early America). It was his experiences as an educator that led him to pen an early version of the dictionary, a primer aimed at young children, teaching them spelling, language, and basic history. An ardent proponent of independence from England and a strong federalist, Webster believed that the language spoken in the New World differed significantly from British English and "ought to be a source of national pride." Reef expertly emphasizes the link between her subject's fervent desire for a strong central government and his commitment to a unified language. Though Webster was ridiculed for his ideas, he persisted. Reef not only crafts a clear picture of the man but provides readers with a glimpse at historical figures such as Thomas Paine, George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin and effectively integrates Webster's own words into the text. Featuring a large font and images throughout, this attractive offering is an excellent look at a noteworthy individual. VERDICT A first-rate addition to biography and history collections.-Jessica Lorentz Smith, Bend Senior High School, OR

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2015
Grades 6-9 Perhaps best known for his dictionary, Noah Webster made words his business. He wrote on everything from education, to Federalism, to the importance of a common language in unifying a burgeoning nation. Beginning with the onset of the Revolutionary War, Reef builds meaningful historical context for the driving force behind Webster's work: using British spellings and standards of language was tantamount to redcoat loyalism, and America needed its own standards, not only to further distance themselves culturally from Britain but also to ensure that every citizen could learn to read and write in a simplified way. In an unembellished tone, Reef capably weaves Webster's biography into the history of America's early years, outlining how, for example, his publishing efforts led to the first copyright laws in the U.S. Though the narrative is occasionally dry, the abundance of information and accessible writing are undeniable, and with a helpful time line, photos and reproductions of primary documents, and a list of additional resources, this volume will be very useful for students working on American history reports.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)