Stacy’s Extraordinary Words
Book Summary:
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words follows young Stacey, who loves collecting and exploring words, finding comfort and power in them. When she participates in a spelling bee and encounters a challenging competitor, she learns that even if you don’t win, your words and perseverance matter. The story celebrates the power of language, courage, and using your voice to express yourself.
Recommended Questions:
How does the story show the power of language to include or exclude people?
What does Stacey learn about confidence and self-expression?
How does Stacey’s experience in the spelling bee change her understanding of what it means to “win”? What might be the most important victory in the story?
Words can build others up. Give examples from the book of words that helped build people up.
Words can also be used to tear people down. Find examples in the book of words that tear people down. Then brainstorm words to stand up for those being torn down.
Who is the author of this story? How is she using words and her voice today?
Standards:
NCSS Theme 1: Culture
The book highlights how language and words shape Stacey’s identity and how she communicates with her community. It shows that culture is expressed not only through customs and traditions but also through the ways people use language to build confidence and assert themselves. The story encourages students to value their own words and see how language connects them to others and to their personal identity.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 5: Respect Culture
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words connects to this standard by showing how Stacey navigates expectations of the dominant culture, such as in the spelling bee competition, while honoring her love of words. Her story demonstrates how language can both reflect and challenge power structures. Students see that words are a tool to assert identity, stand up to unfair treatment, and build self-confidence.
WA Social Studies Skills 1: Uses critical reasoning sills to analyze and evaluate claims
The book connects to social studies skills because students can analyze Stacey’s choices, evaluate how she responds to challenges, and reason about how words can influence people and social interactions. It encourages reflection on the role of language in identity, social power, and community.
