American Bee: The National Spelling Bee and the Culture of Word Nerds
by James Maguire
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Book Summary Information
Author: James MaguireEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2006-05-01
ISBN: 1594862141
Number of pages: 370
Publisher: Rodale Books
Book Reviews of American Bee: The National Spelling Bee and the Culture of Word Nerds
Book Review: Misses the Elephant in the Room!
Summary: 3 Stars
Spellers of Indian-American descent have won the Scripps Spelling Bee in seven out of the last eleven years, even though they represent less than 1% of the American population. This year's top eleven finalists included seven Indian-Americans as well. Together, these statistics present a powerful message for those wanting to improve American pupil achievement. Unfortunately, Maguire largely misses the point.
The "good news" is that "American Bee" does somewhat appreciate the effort that goes into becoming a finalist. However, a quick scan of this year's finalists also shows that only one attended private school, and three others were home-schooled.
Thus, the "bottom-line" is that hard work and parental support, not more money, are key to high educational achievement. This agrees with the late Prof. Harold Stevenson's (psychologist - Univ. of Michigan) findings comparing American and Asian pupils, as well as those of others that have found that more money is not that answer to improving pupil achievement.
Summary of American Bee: The National Spelling Bee and the Culture of Word Nerds
What the bestselling Word Freak did for Scrabble, this riveting narrative now does for the National Spelling Bee.? Here is a captivating slice of Americana - part sporting event, part absorbing human drama, and part celebration of the magic of words.
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Every spring in the nation's capital, after a starting pool of 10 million kids narrows to 250 finalists, America's top young spellers face off in a nail-biting contest.? So electric is the drama that millions of viewers tune in to watch ESPN's live telecast
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But this national obsession is much more than a sporting story - and this first-ever narrative nonfiction book about the National Spelling Bee immerses the reader in unique subculture, portraying the endearing fraternity of brilliant, eccentric young word nerds who vie for a gold trophy, a hefty check, and a glorious moment of national fame.
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Author James Maguire, who like the contestants is an inveterate word nut, captures the agony and glory of this singularly American event.? He profiles the top five spellers across the country, exploring their hopes and dreams - and strategies for winning - as they prepare for their moment in the spotlight.? American Bee takes readers behind the scenes at the National Bee, providing a narrative thrill ride as the tension mounts round by round.
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