The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bryant, Jennifer. 2014. The right word: Roget and his thesaurus.  Ill. by Melissa Sweet. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. ISBN  9780802853851

 

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This picture book biography recounts the life of Peter Roget beginning with his father’s death and continuing with the frequent moves he made in his childhood. It describes the solace he found in words and the lists he began making at a young age. As a teen, Roget discovered Linnaeus and began exploring parks in London. He studied to be a doctor, became a teacher, and practiced medicine when he was old enough. At night he worked on his lists. He finished his first book of words in 1805 and began to lecture in London shortly after. He married Mary Hobson and had 2 children. In 1952 Roget published his Thesaurus inspired by the book of words that had recently come out at the time, and by the idea that they should be accessible to everyone.

 

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bryant’s information is credited through many sources listed in the bibliography and sources sections at the end of the book. There is also a section for further reading that gives anyone interested in learning more an outlet. Her reputation also adds to the credibility of her work. The book follows the sequence of Roget’s life making it easy to follow and understand. The information included is relevant, interesting, and clear. The List of Principal Events at the end really ties his life together.

The illustrations are captivating, colorful, and really highlight Roget’s vast interests. It’s easy to see why this book got a Caldecott Honor. They complement the text well. The pieces come together in the form of a journal that could have looked something like the one Roget used throughout his life. There is something new to discover each time you pick up the book.

 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA Notable Children's Books

Caldecott Honor Book

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal

Starred review in Booklist: “Bryant’s and Sweet’s talents combine to make the lowly thesaurus fascinating in this beautifully illustrated picture-book biography of Peter Mark Roget.”

Starred review in Horn Book Magazine: “Apt language and ingenious imagery combine to tell the life story of Peter Mark Roget, creator of the thesaurus. Bryant's linear telling follows Peter closely, expressing his curiosity, sensitivity, and populist spirit in language both decorous and warm. Clever book design and visionary illustration add layers of meaning.”

Starred review in Kirkus Reviews: “Bryant's prose is bright and well-tuned for young readers. She goes gently, omitting Roget's darkest traumas, such as witnessing his uncle's suicide. Sweet tops herself--again!--visually reflecting Roget's wide range as a thinker and product of the Enlightenment.”

Reviewed in Library Media Connection: “This is a well-researched story about the origins of Roget's Thesaurus. While the premise is interesting, and the book is visually appealing, the topic is quite unusual.”

Starred review in Publishers Weekly: “Sweet envisions Roget's work as a shadow box crammed with the wonders of the natural world, adorned with exuberant hand-lettered typography. Together with Bryant's sympathetic account, Sweet's gentle riot of images and words humanizes the man behind this ubiquitous reference work and demystifies the thesaurus itself.”

Starred review in School Library Journal: “An excellent illustrated biography.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*This story could lead to the exploration of a thesaurus and other reference materials.

*Invite students to create their own lists of important words. Students can compare their lists to an actual thesaurus and write about the similarities and differences.

*Invite students to write a letter to Roget asking him any questions they still have about his life.

*Other illustrated biographies by Jen Bryant:

Bryant, Jennifer. Above the rim: How Elgin Baylor changed basketball. ISBN

9781419741081

Bryant, Jennifer. A splash of red: The life and art of Horace Pippin. ISBN 9780375867125

Bryant, Jennifer. A river of words: The story of William Carlos Williams. ISBN 9780802853028

Bryant, Jennifer. Six dots: A story of young Louis Braille. ISBN 9780449813379