Fictional character Ben Bellini takes readers back to the 1980’s when his path to become a good speller began in southern California. He tried and didn’t win the regional competition, but Ben’s goal was to some day reach the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
His Nan, a famous architect, lives in San Francisco and invites him out for the summer to train with a professional spelling coach. Mom and dad finally agree to let him go despite their worries. Older sister Erin and younger brother Mark are not too fond of the idea either unless it goes so well they’ll get invited the next time.
Ben arrives and we already see Nan is having difficulties remembering. It seems to get worse each passing day. Meanwhile, Ben starts his training. The mentor is not much help with his negative ways. Ben has better luck when he meets Asha Krishnakumar, who also has a passion for spelling but on a much more intense level than Ben’s.
It’s a summer of change for Ben as he is left to deal with Nan’s health problems and discovering more about the person he hopes to be. Dimentia and its effects on Nan and the people around her propel SPELLING IT OUT to greater heights. The sadness is real.
The settings serves as a perfect backdrop for the plot. Readers will be longing for a modern day visit to the city by the bay to see how the things have changed in 40 years.
The story centers around preparation needed to become a contestant. At book’s end Ben as an adult fills readers in as to what happened at the National Spelling Bee for himself and Asha., Chapters aren’t numbered but instead are titled with a dictionary word and it’s meaning. Yes, there is a bit of CLODPOLL at some time in all of our lives.
SPELLING IT OUT is a fast read and one you will fondly remember for the characters and the heartbreak of losing an older relative to dementia.
PAGE COUNT: 208 BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 13, 2025
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SPELLING IT OUT by Margaret Finnegan
- Ben’s character arc is the highlight. He grows so much in his dealing with adults and his own thinking. A great young man in every way!
- Not only is this a look at memory issues stemming from Alzheimer, but also brings forth the effects of racism and sexism on young people. Something that still hasn’t changed enough today.
- Films from the 1980’s are used as a thinking tool for Ben to figure out his own masculinity. BACK TO THE FUTURE and RAMBOS FIRST BLOOD are examples of a widely varying look at how males should act. Brings much confusion to Ben but he makes the right choice.
- Asha’s character was also a nice addition. She challenges Ben with his thinking and spelling progress and Ben eventually does the same for her.
- I always like when authors create an Activity Guide to be used with their book. You can find one here for SPELLING IT OUT.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Blue Slip Media will send one reader a copy of SPELLING IT OUT. All you have to do is leave a comment or send me an email to (gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com) to ensure you are in the drawing. This opportunity will close at 11 pm EDT on Thursday, May 15th. Good luck!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margaret Finnegan is the author of the Junior Library Guild Selections Sunny Parker Is Here to Stay, New Kids and Underdogs, Susie B. Won’t Back Down, and We Could Be Heroes, which was a USA TODAY bestseller. Her other work has appeared in FamilyFun, the Los Angeles Times, Salon, and other publications. She lives in South Pasadena, California, where she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, and baking really good chocolate cakes. Visit her online at MargaretFinnegan.com.
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Margaret Finnegan: @finneganbegin
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Facebook:
Margaret Finnegan: @Margaret Finnegan
Atheneum/S&S: @SimonKIDS
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Margaret Finnegan: @finneganbegin
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Always in the Middle... 
I’m a retired teacher. I’ve accompanied upper elementary students to county spelling bees. (never to state competitions.) The pressure is immense. One of the students I brought went out after two hours when he forgot to include an upper case letter—a tough way to go out.
This book seems like it would be a great read. The subplot sounds great.
Congratulations Pete! You have won the copy of SPELLING IT OUT. Send me your address to my email and I will have Blue Slip Media send it right out.
Thanks so much, Greg. I just sent you a note.
Pingback: Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 5/12/2025 | Always in the Middle…
This sounds like a great story. I read another person’s review, maybe through MMGM, who enjoyed it too. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Spelling Bees are a phenomenon I only know from American TV but they certainly look challenging! I don’t envy Ben, and how nice he found a friend to support him, even better it’s mutual. This sounds a moving story, Alzheimer’s is heart-breaking for families, but one many/most of us have to face at some point :(. I love the nostalgic dive into the 80’s! Thanks for sharing!
I enjoy reading books that deal with the tough issues such as Alzheimer’s and show readers how someone like them is dealing with the emotions brought on by seeing someone you love decline. And historical fiction is so much fun to read.
Having accompanied all four of my children to the regional spelling bee, this sounds like a book that needs to go on my TBR. Loving the way the family challenges associated with dealing with dementia are organically incorporated.
I enjoyed this too, so nice to read your thoughts as well. Happy MMGM
The setting and the 80s nostalgia make this sound like an interesting read! I was about the same age when my grandma started showing signs of Alzheimer’s, and I’m sure that will be relatable to many.
I have won a lot of books lately, so please count me out of the drawing this time.
Sounds like there’s tons of goodness in this one, and the possibility to have the adult character add some thoughts makes a nice round off.
I’m going to pass on the drawing, but thanks for doing it!
I love the sound of this book, Greg. I remember the spelling bees. (And it’s so weird to think of the 80’s as an historical period!) Nan’s fragility seems like the backdrop to a summer of change for Ben. I remember well enough all the questions and changes of that age, and I wasn’t coping with a grandmother’s dementia at the same time. Thanks for the great review!
This sounds like an excellent book. I remember spelling bees too…don’t they have them anymore? Oy, I’m out of touch. Speaking of which, I had to look up clod poll! Thanks for the review.
Spelling Bees are still popular. The Scripps Howard finals this month will be celebrating its’ 100th anniversary. Thanks for stopping by!
This is really interesting because I have a WIP with a grandmother with alzheimers and a spelling bee as part of the plot (though it’s not the main plot like in this one). Sounds like a great book!
This sounds like a sweet story with a lot of issues kids will relate to. I’d like to read it. Thanks for the review.
A must have as both my daughters have participated in the state spelling bee. I also love books set in Northern California.
This one just appeals to me in so many ways, the setting, the time period and especially the relationship between a child and an older person which almost always makes for such a rich reading experience.