100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know

So sad so many high school students don't even have a dictionary. Ipod, cell phone, yes...dictionary, no...So goes the country.

I've been using this book to review vocbulary and spelling with my high school creative writing classes. It's a terrific concept but the word choice is a bit odd. As a college grad and professional author, I have rarely needed to know words like BAWDLERIZE or QUOTIDIAN.

My wife and I have nine children (all our own creations) and the 12th grandchild is almost here. It's fair to say we therefore have a reasonably comprehensive experience of education up to and including tertiary level.
Words are creative things and the beauty of this book is in the challenges it fosters in those who browse its pages. You see a word which sinks into your psyche before re-emerging at an appropriate time. This may seem obvious, but it is not if you are not exposed to words and the chellenges they create.
We purchased it for a 10-year-old grandchild who showed it to his mother who then drew it to the attention of his teachers at school. The ultimate beneficiary of our purchase will be the other students at his because the teachers' eyes were opened to the fact a 10-year-old may be leaving them behind!
Much appreciation to the editors.
Regards
Michael Allan
41 Tauranga Bay
RD2
Westport 7892
NEW ZEALAND

3 1/2 stars really. A very well done book, but the choice of words seems all wrong. How about more words you will actually use? I love the pronunciation guides, the definitions, the quotes, but not the actual choice of words. I mean seriously, "antebellum, bowdlerize, expurgate, moiety, and orthography." I am a college-educated adult who has been in book clubs and who tutors all ages children and I never see or use a lot of the words in this book. What use would an 18 year old have for them?

This book is easy to read and made it fun to learn new words. My 17-year-old son has added significantly to his vocabulary. There are some words that I am not sure I would have included in the list of 100, but regardless, it's a worthy investment.