Book Description

An “excellent” biography of the man behind Webster’s Dictionary and the role he played in American history (School Library Journal, starred review). Noah Webster may be best remembered for the enormous and ambitious task of writing his famous dictionary, but there was much more to his accomplishments. His goal was to streamline the language spoken in a newly formed country so it could be used as a force to bring people together and a source of national pride. Though people laughed at his ideas, Webster never doubted himself. In the end, his so-called foolish notions achieved just what he had hoped. Here, in the only biography of Noah Webster written for teen readers, we journey through Webster’s remarkable life, from boyhood on a Connecticut farm, through the fight for American independence to his days as a writer and political activist who greatly influenced our founding fathers and the direction of the young United States. “Capably weaves Webster’s biography into the history of America’s early years.” —Booklist “Impeccably researched . . . Provides readers with a glimpse at historical figures such as Thomas Paine, George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin.” —School Library Journal (starred review)