How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee

In "How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee," experience the inspiring journey of MacNolia Cox, the first African American champion of the Akron, Ohio, spelling bee in 1936. At just an eighth grader, MacNolia's triumph led her to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC, marking her as one of the first African Americans to participate in this prestigious competition. This picture book, honored with a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, vividly portrays the harsh realities of segregation she faced as she traveled from her celebratory send-off in Ohio to the discriminatory challenges in Maryland. Award-winning creators Carole Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison collaboratively depict MacNolia's resilience and determination against societal barriers. Published on April 11, 2023, this narrative is a profound exploration of racial justice and educational equity, perfect for middle-school readers. It challenges them to think critically about history and the ongoing struggle for equality, encouraging a deeper understanding and conversation about these pivotal issues.