April 1, 2020
Gr 2-5-An informative look at the history, geography, and culture of the 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Each book examines an individual state's population, industry, and place in American history using simple sentence structure and beautiful, full-page images. Examples of the favorite pastimes and famous landmarks of the state are provided. A glossary, a time line, an index, and a state fact page are included. A QR code links to updated information. The series does a wonderful job of portraying each state in a positive light, highlighting its important role in America's past and present. VERDICT This appealing series will make children proud of their home state.
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2006
Accompanied by clear photos on every page, these early nonfiction books provide cursory information on each state's geography, history, cities, and famous citizens. "Fun Facts" include state motto, tree, and average temperatures. These aren't much more than superficial encyclopedia entries, but young researchers may find them useful. There are seven other spring 2006 titles in this series. Timeline. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
March 1, 2006
Gr 2-4 -These books fail to engage or inform young readers. Each title highlights two famous citizens. "Wisconsin" features Frank Lloyd Wright and Vince Lombardi. Lombardi is a native of New York and only spent about 10 years in Wisconsin. Surely, others who actually were native citizens (Gaylord Nelson, Bob LaFollette, William Rehnquist, Golda Meir, and Georgia O -Keeffe all come to mind) could have been selected. The historical events in the nine-entry time line for Wisconsin include such -important - happenings as the 154th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Fair and the appointment of former Governor Tommy Thompson as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Even the -Important Words - are questionable, with -capital - and -nickname - in all three books out of a total of only five or six words, but not -effigy. - The photo choices are also strange, e.g., 4 of the 13 pictures in "Ohio" are of Cedar Point Amusement Park. The index also raises questions. -United States Census Bureau, - -West, - and -Midwest - appear in all three, when none of those terms is particularly important in the texts. There is little, if anything, to recommend these books. "Discover America" (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2005), -Rookie Read-about Geography - (Children -s Press), -Welcome to the U.S.A. - (The Child -s World), -Hello U.S.A. - (Lerner), -It -s My State! - (Benchmark), and -America the Beautiful - (Children -s Press) are more complete, exciting, readable, and accurate." -Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI"
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.