Tab Article

Genre: Education, Language, Reference, Study Guide, Children’s/Young Adult
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Book Review:
How to Spell Like a Champ is the ultimate guide for aspiring spellers, word enthusiasts, and anyone looking to master English spelling with confidence and skill. Written by three insiders of the Scripps National Spelling Bee—including former champion Barrie Trinkle and Bee director Paige Kimble—this book combines expert strategies, fun exercises, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of competitive spelling.

The book covers everything from basic spelling rules and their frustrating exceptions, to advanced techniques for tackling words of foreign origin, obscure etymologies, and tricky phonetics. It includes word lists, practice quizzes, mnemonic tricks, and even a 75-minute interactive audio CD featuring a simulated spelling bee narrated by the official Bee pronouncer, Dr. Jacques Bailly.

What sets this guide apart is its engaging, encouraging tone and its practical approach. Readers follow a fictional speller’s journey from classroom bee to the national stage, learning alongside her. The content is well-structured for self-study or classroom use, suitable for middle-grade students, parents, and teachers alike.

Whether preparing for a spelling bee or simply wanting to improve spelling skills, How to Spell Like a Champ is an entertaining, thorough, and motivating resource. It transforms spelling from memorization into an exciting linguistic adventure. Highly recommended for future champions and word lovers of all ages.