A 2026 Children's Book Council Teacher's Favorite

A 2026 Children's Book Council Kid's Favorite

"Much like a series like “Scott Pilgrim,” this title offers the best of both action and absurdity. E-X-E-M-P-L-A-R-Y!" —School Library Journal, Starred Review

Webster's first day of high school goes off the rails when he ends up at a back-alley rumble . . . FOR UNDERGROUND SPELLING! (What??)

He's dubbed the Golden Kid, and from that moment on he's drawn into the world of underground spelling bees, where letters fly like shurikens and defeat is never an option. His talent is recognized by the mysterious and dashing Outlaw King, Khan, and the suave and plucky Black Queen, Bonnie, and they introduce to him the new challenge of no-holds-barred competitive spelling.

First released in 2013 by writer Ananth Hirsh (Lucky Penny) and artist Tess Stone (Not Drunk Enough), this new color edition comes with new cover art, freshly colored interiors (new colors by Fen Garza), and bonus material from the creators. Read and reread the frenetic tale of spelling bee battles, friendship, and the discovery of self-worth! As the Outlaw King says, “Word is bond.”