How Do You Spell Unfair?

MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee is a nonfiction children's book written by Carole Boston Weatherford with illustrations by Frank Morrison. The book follows the true story of MacNolia Cox, who became the first African American finalist in the National Spelling Bee in 1936. Through free-verse poetry and vivid illustrations, the narrative chronicles MacNolia's journey from Akron, Ohio to the national competition in Washington D.C. The text details her preparation, determination, and the obstacles she faced as a young Black student during the era of segregation. Morrison's artwork brings the 1930s setting and characters to life, while Weatherford's verse captures the intensity of the spelling competition and the historical context. The book includes additional historical information and photographs in the back matter. This biography explores themes of perseverance, racial inequality, and educational barriers while highlighting a significant moment in American history that deserves recognition.

Readers value this book as a way to teach young children about segregation and civil rights through the true story of Sarah Roberts in 1840s Boston. Parents mention it sparks meaningful conversations with elementary-age kids about discrimination and justice. What readers liked: - Clear, age-appropriate handling of racism - Focus on peaceful legal action rather than violence - Illustrations help convey the emotional impact - Opens discussion about fairness and equality What readers disliked: - Some felt the historical context needed more development - A few noted difficulty explaining complex legal concepts to very young children Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (86 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) "Does a good job introducing segregation to young readers without being too heavy" - Goodreads reviewer "The illustrations complement the serious subject matter" - School Library Journal Note: Limited reviews available online as this is a relatively new book targeting educational settings.

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★ MacNolia Cox was just 13 years old when she became the first African American finalist in the National Spelling Bee, having won local and regional competitions in Akron, Ohio. ★ The judges at the 1936 National Spelling Bee controversially gave MacNolia a word ("Nemesis") that wasn't on the official spelling list - a decision many believed was racially motivated. ★ Author Carole Boston Weatherford has received numerous awards including the Coretta Scott King Award, and specializes in documenting African American history through children's literature. ★ During the 1936 competition, MacNolia had to use segregated facilities and wasn't allowed to eat in the same restaurant as white contestants, despite being a national finalist. ★ The book's free-verse format mirrors the rhythmic nature of spelling bees themselves, with each poem representing a different moment in MacNolia's remarkable journey.