All ASL Fingerspelling Word Search Books at a Glance

Which series is right for me?

It depends on who will be solving the puzzles. ASL Fingerspelling Word Search Games is written for teens and adults: 108 puzzles per volume, medium to challenging, with a plain, clean layout. FingerAlphabet Cool Kids is written for kids ages 8 and up (grades 3–5): 36 puzzles per book, larger hand shapes, illustrations, and a focus on English grammar. Adults who would like larger hand shapes or an easier start may also enjoy the Cool Kids books, as long as they don’t mind the illustrated, kid-friendly design.

How do the two series differ?

The main differences:

• Size: The Cool Kids books use a larger font, so each hand shape is bigger and the grids are smaller.
• Number of words: Cool Kids puzzles hide fewer words, with fewer crossings. The books for teens and adults pack more words into each grid.
• Directions: Next to each Cool Kids puzzle’s title, an icon shows the directions in which its words are hidden. The books for teens and adults give no such hint: finding the direction is part of the challenge.
• Design: The Cool Kids books are illustrated and include illustrated basic fingerspelling instructions. The books for teens and adults keep the pages plain.
• Topics: Cool Kids word lists follow one part of English grammar per book: adjectives, verbs, or adverbs. The books for teens and adults cover a wide mix of topics.

Can adults use the Cool Kids books?

Yes. The larger hand shapes are easier to read, and the direction hint makes the puzzles more approachable, so the Cool Kids books can be a gentle start for adult beginners, too. Keep in mind that the books are illustrated and designed for children. If you prefer a plain layout and a real challenge, ASL Fingerspelling Word Search Games is the better choice.

Where do the word lists come from?

In ASL Fingerspelling Word Search Games, each puzzle follows a topic, from science and history to holidays, sports, and everyday life, plus letter patterns such as “Words with NN.” In the Cool Kids books, the word lists are grade-appropriate teaching material for grades 3–5. That makes the books useful twice: as fingerspelling practice and as grammar practice that matches what kids learn in school at that age.

Do puzzles repeat between books?

No. Each book has its own puzzles, so you can work through the whole series without seeing the same puzzle twice. Each volume of ASL Fingerspelling Word Search Games also has its own mix of topics.

Do all books use the same hand shapes?

Yes. All books use the same custom sign language font, with every sign shown from the viewer’s perspective. In the Cool Kids books, the hand shapes are printed larger.

Which books include the cut-out alphabet charts?

All longer books with 108 puzzles include alphabet charts to cut out: every volume of ASL Fingerspelling Word Search Games and the Cool Kids Omnibus.
Give one to a friend, a classmate, or a family member and practice reading each other’s fingerspelling. The single Cool Kids books with 36 puzzles do not include them due to space limitations.

Where are the solutions?

At the back of each book, for every puzzle. The solutions are printed in regular letters, so checking your answers is quick and easy.

What is an omnibus edition?

An omnibus edition collects several books in one volume. Volume 4 of ASL Fingerspelling Word Search Games contains Volumes 1, 2, and 3. The Cool Kids Omnibus contains Adjectives, Verbs, and Adverbs.

Why is there an omnibus edition?

Because one longer book costs less to print than three short ones, therefore the omnibus sells for less than the three books bought separately.