Spelling It Out

By: Margaret Finnegan

Write A Review

Paperback | 29 August 2026

At a Glance

Format
Paperback

Age
8 - 12

Grade
3 - 7

Dimensions(cm)
19.37 x 13.02 x 1.52

Paperback

RRP $16.99

$15.99

or 4 interest-free payments of $4.00 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

A rising seventh grader visits his grandmother in 1980s San Francisco for a whirlwind summer of spelling bee training, only to begin suspecting she has Alzheimer’s, in this witty and compassionate middle grade novel for fans of Al Capone Does My Shirts.

Ben Bellini didn’t mean to become a champion speller—after all, he’s not a nerd—but he sure does like spelling bee glory now that it’s found him. He might even be good enough for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC! And what better way to prepare than to train with a professional spelling coach in San Francisco, where his nan lives?

Through his adventures, Ben gets to know the city—and competitor Asha Krishnakumar, who’s equally determined to spell her way to victory. But Ben also starts having odd interactions with his nan that leave him feeling like he’s missing something. Where is Nan’s forgetfulness coming from? And will anyone even believe him if he tries to get help?

Between showing up for his loved ones and pursuing his own dreams, Ben will need to spend this summer figuring out what he owes others…and what he owes himself.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.

Defective items

If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.

For more info please visit our Help Centre.

You Can Find This Book In

Kids & Children's Books Children, Teenagers & Young Adults (YA) Fiction Family & Home Stories for Children & Teenagers Personal & Social Issues Social Issues for Children & Teenagers

Other Editions and Formats

Hardcover

Published: 13th May 2025

View Product

More in Family & Home Stories for Children & Teenagers

Bowerbird Brave

Bowerbird Blues #4

Hardcover

RRP $19.99

$16.75

16%
OFF

Weirdest Ever! (Weirdo 27)

Weirdo

Paperback

RRP $15.99

$13.75

14%
OFF

Otis Ottley and the School in the Sky

Paperback

RRP $17.99

$16.75

Sweet Ruin

Weybridge Academy #3

Paperback

RRP $19.99

$18.75

SIGNED COPY

The Everywhere Train

Hardcover

RRP $24.99

$19.99

20%
OFF

$The Little Bird That Fell : The uplifting and inspirational true story of PENGUIN BLOOM and how one small bird brought a fractured family back together, now retold in gorgeous picture book format - Bradley Trevor Greive$

SIGNED COPY