An Inconvenient Alphabet

By Beth Anderson, Elizabeth Baddeley (Illustrator)

Two patriots attempt to simplify English spelling, facing unexpected challenges.

6.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.3/5 Goodreads · 334 ratings

48 pages· 1,180 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1786, Ben Franklin and Noah Webster embark on a mission to simplify English spelling. As they strive to align sounds with letters, they confront the complexities of language. Can these visionaries transform the alphabet and make reading easier for future generations? Discover the intriguing journey of two historical figures who dared to challenge linguistic norms.

From the publisher

Do you ever wish English was eez-ee-yer to spell? Ben Franklin and Noah Webster did! Debut author Beth Anderson and the New York Times bestselling illustrator of I Dissent, Elizabeth Baddeley, tell the story of two patriots and their attempt to revolutionize the English alphabet. Once upon a revolutionary time, two great American patriots tried to make life easier. They knew how hard it was to spell words in English. They knew that sounds didn’t match letters. They knew that the problem was an inconvenient English alphabet. In 1786, Ben Franklin, at age eighty, and Noah Webster, twenty-eight, teamed up. Their goal? Make English easier to read and write. But even for great thinkers, what seems easy can turn out to be hard. Children today will be delighted to learn that when they “sound out” words, they are doing eg-zakt-lee what Ben and Noah wanted.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 48
Words: 1,180
Reading age: 5–10
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 680L

Themes & topics

Books about spelling Books about Benjamin Franklin Books about history Books about Noah Webster Books about alphabet (ABCs)

After the last page

Talk about it together

Consider the pros and cons of changing the alphabet and spelling today - what would you change? Would you vote to reform our language?

How did Ben Franklin respond to failure? What does that tell you about him?

When is the "greater good" worth inconvenience or difficulties for individuals?

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

6.0

out of 7

6.0

“This children's book tells the fascinating story of Ben Franklin and Noah Webster's attempt to revolutionize spelling in colonial America. A hefty amount of historical information is conveyed in an interesting and entertaining manner. It's on the long side for children's books, but it's very educational and worth the effort.”

The Goodfather

Trusted reviewer

“Both Anderson’s text and Baddeley’s illustrations are energetic and compelling… Deelytful and iloominaating for noo and seesuned reeders alyk.”

Kirkus

Critic

“The combination of bold illustrations, humorous anecdotes, and fabulous storytelling makes this true tale anything but boring…a delightful, relatable, and eye-catchingly illustrated tale…”

School Library Journal

Critic

“Engaging…A comprehensible, lively read.”

Publisher's Weekly

Critic

For readers who can't stop at one