Merriam-Webster's elementary dictionary

Gr 3-5-This attractive, comprehensive edition features 200 more words than its 2009 predecessor, which is the only significant update. Pronunciation symbols and parts of speech notations accompany each definition, and synonyms and cross-references are included where appropriate. A paragraph in each entry offers the history of the word. For instance, the entry for "fanatic" explains that the word is from the Latin "fanaticus" and meant "of a temple." It was not until the 1500s that the word took on its current meaning of "very enthusiastic supporter or admirer." Like the 2009 edition, this one has more than 1,300 quotes integrated into the entries. The quotes, in blue font, come from more than 100 classic and contemporary children's books and help contextualize words for students. For instance, "marvel" is accompanied by a quote from Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted: "I had never seen such beautiful illustrations.I turned the pages, marveling." Occasionally, an entry is featured in a brightly colored "word history" box. At least 900 main entries are accompanied by a full-color illustration. The appendixes include a punctuation guide for writers, a map of the United States and one of the world, and a glossary of geographical names from around the world. A worthy addition.-Jennifer Prince, Buncombe County Public Libraries, NC (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.