A heartwarming story about a girl who's afraid to follow her dreams, and the family who help make them happen. The perfect book for middle school girls, The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee , is a wonderful way to inspire children to believe "I can do hard things", too!

India Wimple can spell. Brilliantly. Every Friday night, she and her family watch the Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee on TV. When the Wimples suggest she enter the next Bee, India feels nothing but trepidation. She's sure she's not good enough—but with the support of her family, India finds the courage to sign up.

There are plenty of obstacles to reaching the finals, like Summer Millicent Ernestine Beauregard-Champion, a spoiled rich girl who isn't afraid to step on anyone who gets in her way of winning. India also needs to overcome stage fright, shyness, and anxiety. Full of lovable characters, new vocabulary words, and more, this is the perfect spelling bee book for girls 8-12.

The whole thing seems rather calamitous to India. But with hope, hard work, and a little bit of heart, something splendiferous might be on the horizon…

Review

"Both droll and heartwarming, the tale is rather more reminiscent of Little Miss Sunshine than Spellbound in its evocation of the quirky, lovingly supportive Wimples. This story about facing and overcoming one's fears is a winner. " ― Kirkus Reviews

"Humorous and poignant, this title will inspire readers with its kind, courageous heroine and may teach some new words along the way." ― School Library Journal

"Abela adds a lot of tricky new vocabulary words for readers to pick up in a way that makes subtle spelling lessons fun
and not tedious... India is a darling of a character that many readers will relate to and cheer for in this breezy read." ― Booklist

"This is a feel-good story that would make an excellent read aloud." ― School Library Connection

"The colorful cover and cartoonlike illustrations in this Australian import will draw in readers, while the gently humorous and rollicking plot will keep them turning pages. India’s family is warm and slightly zany... Humorous and poignant, this title will inspire readers with its kind, courageous heroine and may teach some new words along the way." ― School Library Journal

"Abela...gives her characters, who are depicted in simple black-and-white line drawings, a realistic and comforting depth. Anyone who has ever experienced anxiety due to their own ambition will understand exactly how India feels, right up to the "splendiferous (excellent)" conclusion... In this charming Australian import, a shy young girl overcomes nerves, mean-spirited co-contestants and tricky vocabulary words in her aspiration to win a major spelling bee." ― Shelf Awareness

"Whether readers are interested in family humor, friendship, competition, or just plain fun, this will have something to offer." ― Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

About the Author

Deborah Abela is an award-winning author. She is an ambassador for Room to Read and a Role Model for Books in Homes. Deborah studied communications and worked both as a teacher and the writer/producer of a national kids’ television show in Australia. She lives in Sydney, Australia. Learn more at deborahabela.com.