America's Spelling & Reading with Riggs: A Basic Spelling and Usage Dictionary

This "dictionary" is for K - 2 and English-as-second-language (ESL) or bilingual students; it has 4832 words (including variants), 1200 illustrations and samples of usage containing synonyms, antonyms or other series of words to explain the meaning and usage for vocabulary and comprehension study. There are about 5 to 6 words per page with annotations for grammar, English usage, syllabication of the word, manuscript printing, the cursive handwriting form of the word, simplified mnemonic markings for both pronunciation and correct spelling patterns. The markings are explained, yet no one need use them unless they desire to do so.

The authors are unknown to us except what is stated in the book itself "that it was developed with the cooperation of teachers, principals and supervisors of the elementary grades of the public schools in Hamtramck, Michigan."

This classic children's dictionary was originally copyrighted in 1939 by Western Printing and Lithographing Co. (now Whitman Publishing Company) from whom we obtained permission to reprint for the preservation of the book itself (for posterity) and for use, in particular, with our educational and "high expectation" literacy intiatives. We were permitted to add the simplified marking system.

The book is of general and continuing interest and use for young children who normally would not be able to use a dictionary at all. It has been preserved, except for some racist and sexist implications and overtones (apparently considered appropriate in 1939 and which we edited out), just as we found it in its original form - a national treasury of pertinent information and usage by primary-level and English-as-a-second language students, here and across the world.