Dictionary for a Better World

Starred review from December 2, 2019
“Awash in attempts to help cool our fevered world, we/ Begin simply with words.” Each term in this unconventional dictionary receives a four-part exploration alongside Amini’s eclectically illustrated spreads: a poem, an inspirational quote, a first-person anecdote from the authors, and suggested “Try It!” actions. Latham and Waters rifle the storehouse of poetic forms, using structure to clarify meaning, for example through a senryu, “Service”: “helping hands fill plates/ with meat-and-potato peaks/ hope is gravy.” Forms range from the aubade to the villanelle, each explained in a brief caption. Latham and Walter’s personal stories are plainspoken and relatable (Latham: “One of the quickest ways to get myself out of a funk is to... get busy serving others”), and the suggested actions, accessible: “Look into service opportunities in your area.” The approach creates multiple pathways for engagement. Extensive supplementary materials include an index of poetic forms. Ages 8–12.

November 1, 2019
Instead of an ordinary dictionary, poets Latham and Waters have alphabetized their vision of "a better world." This compilation of alphabetized words offers readers opportunities to reflect upon vocabulary that uplifts and acts to improve human connection and community. Each word is introduced with a poem and a quote, often from children's literature, that provide a deeper expression of the chosen word. These are followed by an anecdote that offers personalized context. "Compassion," for instance, presents an aubade about siblings who care for their sick mother before walking together to the bus stop. In Amini's textured collage, two young black children "steep Mama / in hugs and blankets," their love and concern glowing from the page. A quote from Julius Lester instructs readers that "there is nothing we need to understand to be compassionate with each other," and Latham offers her musing on what compassion means to her. Finally, under the rubric "Try It!" are prompts that elicit engagement to amplify the word as action. Unlike many alphabet books, there is not always just one word per letter; some letters gather several words together. This collection is best summed up in the last poem, "The Etymology of Progress": "What makes the world / a zinger / is remembering / we're all in this... / together." A creative and inspirational resource suitable for a broad range of ages and uses. (authors' note, bibliography, further reading, resources, index, thanks) (Poetry. 8-14)

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February 1, 2020

Gr 4 Up-This collaborative effort from the team behind Can I Touch Your Hair?: Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship utilizes poetry to explore identity, diversity, empathy, social justice, community, and change. Each entry seeks to examine, rather than define, a central concept (such as acceptance, equality, or kindness) and consists of a quotation, poem, personal anecdote, and a "Try it!" prompt to encourage readers to take action. A color-coded table of contents indicates the author of each poem, and the anecdotes shared by each poet contextualize both the poems and the selected terms. The featured quotes come from a variety of sources representing diverse perspectives and identities. Amini's rich illustrations, rendered in acrylic, digital painting, collage, and photography, thoughtfully complement each entry. Each poem includes a note about the form used, adding to the collection's potential as a mentor text for young poets. Back matter includes an authors' note, references for the selected quotations, additional recommended reading, poetry resources, and an index of poetic forms. VERDICT While some poems and entries are more successful than others, this inclusive, thought-provoking anthology offers a number of entry points for exploring concepts and issues related to identity, social justice, and making a difference. Recommended.-Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Elkins Park, PA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2020
Grades 4-7 This poetry collection is devoted to life-affirming qualities. Two-page spreads, organized in alphabetical order from acceptance to zest, address positive attributes, aspects of mindfulness and gratitude, acts of kindness and encouragement, and exhortations for inclusion, empathy, and respect. The coauthors take turns providing a personal anecdote for each term, a "Try It!" scenario (stop and think how another person might feel, problem solve in a different way, investigate a new idea, etc.), and an original poem. These 50 poems take various formats, running from the readily recognizable (acrostic, ode) to the more obscure (villanelle, tricube). Inspirational quotes pop up on every other page, and vivid graphics, featuring torn-paper collage, photographs, and acrylic digital paintings, complement the various fonts that wind across the busy pages. The anticipated audience is children in the upper-elementary grades and middle school. However, any reader who is preparing a presentation or leading a discussion on social behavior, character education, self-actualization, or making a difference will find a trove of accessible and appealing material within these colorful, cheerful pages.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)