Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z

by Irene Latham

Other authorsCharles Waters (Author), Mehrdokht Amini (Illustrator)

Hardcover, 2020

Status

Available

Collection

Children's Circulating

Publication

Carolrhoda Books ® (2020), Edition: Illustrated, 120 pages

Description

"Organized as a dictionary, entries in this book for middle-grade readers present words related to creating a better, more inclusive world. Each word is explored via a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, and a short personal anecdote from one of the co-authors, a prompt for how to translate the word into action, and an illustration"--

User reviews

LibraryThing member paula-childrenslib

This is not only a wonderful book of poetry, but a teaching tool (it has lots of examples of different forms of poetry explained), self reflection possibilities and language arts suggestions.

2 more

LibraryThing member nbmars

Beginning with the word “acceptance” and moving through the alphabet to “zest”, the authors explain that they wanted to use their voices to help make the world a better place, and share ideas for working toward change.

Each word gets at least a double-page spread, accompanied by an original

poem, apt quotes, thoughts about the words and what they means to the authors, and suggestions for how to share the sentiment expressed by the word. For example, for “compassion,” the author suggests:

“Look around you. Who in your life is struggling? Try assisting that person with something you know how to help with. . . .”

For word “forgiveness,” the authors talk about not just forgiving others, but the important idea of forgiving yourself. Their suggestion is “If you feel the need to be forgiven, write a letter of forgiveness to yourself for what you’ve done and mail it to your own address.”

Other words expressing important concepts include empathy, gratitude, hope, justice, kindness, love, respect, team, and voice.

After the last word, the authors dedicate a page to “The Etymology of Progress,” writing:

“After gathering these words,
We discover
Our dictionary is endless!
What makes the world
A zinger
Is remembering
We’re all in this…
Together”

Illustrator Mehrdokht Amini uses mixed media, collage, and humor to convey the concepts discussed.

Evaluation: I remember studying Benjamin Franklin’s “Autobiography” for precepts on how one ought to behave and navigate through the world. This book offers a much more other-directed approach, and includes many noteworthy quotations and inspiring ideas.

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LibraryThing member NClegern

Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z is a collection of poems organized from from A ("Acceptance") to Z ("Zest"). Using a wide variety of poetic forms, each poem explores a powerful and impactful big idea from peace, kindness, and empathy to compassion, belonging,

and service. Each poem includes a thoughtful quote, the authors thoughts, and a 'try it' call to action offering a tangible action step.

**NCTE 2021 Notable Book in Poetry

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