Dictionary for a Better World
Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z
Age 7+
People & Places
How can we make the world a better place? This inspiring resource for middle-grade readers is organized as a dictionary; each entry presents a word related to creating a better world, such as ally, empathy, or respect. For each word, there is a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, a personal anecdote from the authors, and a "try it" prompt for an activity.
This second poetic collaboration from Irene Latham and Charles Waters builds upon themes of diversity and inclusiveness from their previous book Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship. Illustrations from Iranian-British artist Mehrdokht Amini offer readers a rich visual experience.
Creators
Irene Latham is the author of more than a dozen current and forthcoming works of poetry, fiction, and picture books, including Can I Touch Your Hair? (co-written with Charles Waters). She lives in Alabama with her family.
Charles Waters is a children's poet, actor, and author. Charles conducts poetry performance workshops for elementary and middle school audiences across the nation. He lives in New York City.
Mehrdokht Amini is an Iranian-born children's book illustrator. She has been nominated for a Kate Greenaway Medal and been invited to participate in the prestigious Bratislava Biennial of Illustrations. She lives in the UK.
Reviews
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… A creative and inspirational resource suitable for a broad range of ages and uses.
Kirkus Reviews
The approach creates multiple pathways for engagement. Extensive supplementary materials include an index of poetic forms.
Publishers Weekly
…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.
School Library Journal
