K-Gr 2–From linguist Dr. Nandi Sims comes “Words in My World,” which explores the different ways that people communicate. Celebrating diversity in languages and communities, each book explores an area of linguistics. These range from variations in languages to African American English to Spanish spoken in the United States. These topics are at times more complex than a standard early reader series, but the content is delivered in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way. Colorful graphics, which mix real photographs with cartoon images of children, are engaging and help bring the material to life. Graphics are effectively used throughout the books to help illustrate differences in language; for example, images show how to say hello in Mandarin and American Sign Language, and a map shows how different dialects across the U.S. work. The books include before reading prompts and intriguing after reading activities that invite readers to explore language in their own lives. VERDICT Through the lens of linguistics, this unique series for early readers honors the different ways languages are used.
