Molly Clark’s Reviews > The Phantom Tollbooth > Status Update

So funny! I didn't realize this when I first read this book about 45 years ago! Also now appreciate the embedded social commentary. Bottom lines: precision in language matters, and there is an important distinction between knowledge and wisdom.

I am reading this with a fifth grade student who is part of a bilingual family, which makes the word play and figurative language challenging for her but fun to teach. While she will comprehend this book mostly from a story level, I am finding so much depth in its message. The story is a testament to the power of a well-chosen word, and what happens to society when language becomes less specific.