FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Scholastic Atlas Of The United States is an essential up-to-date resource that offers students a detailed map of each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This important reference also features an information page about each state that uses photos, graphics, fun facts, and a brief essay to explain what makes each state unique.

SYNOPSIS

The Scholastic Atlas Of The United States is an essential up-to-date resource that offers students a detailed map of each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This important reference also features an information page about each state that uses photos, graphics, fun facts, and a brief essay to explain what makes each state unique.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Cindy L. Carolan

All children should have access to a good map book; this one would fit the bill nicely! The only drawback to this atlas is that it presents the states by region, and then alphabetically by their state name, which has enormous potential to be confusing to the reader who does not have a full command of the geography of the United States. There is no map of the United States as a whole at the beginning of the book within which to locate such regions, but clear regional maps are found at the beginning of each color-coded section and tiny ones on the state map pages themselves. "How to Use This Book" explains the layout of the pages. A two page spread is then devoted to each state containing a large, detailed map with a legend, a small map highlighting its placement within the United States as a whole, four glossy pictures and illustrations, its flag, three or four paragraphs of text, a definition of its name and a list of vital statistics, such as population, flower, tree, motto. Occasionally a "Did you Know?" section will pop up with an interesting bit of state trivia. The photographs are stunning and the text reads fluidly. Following the state descriptions are a number of appendices pertaining to Atlantic and Pacific possessions, population density, river systems, geographic regions and territorial expansion. A glossary and index are also included. Not only is it appropriate for the intended age group, but parents and teachers will also find themselves brushing up on their state geography! Highly recommended. 2003 (orig. 2000), Scholastic, Ages 9 to 12.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-This atlas is organized by region, then alphabetically by state. Each double-page state entry includes a nearly full-page, easy-to-read color map noting major towns, bodies of water, highways, hints of topography, natural resources, and national parks. Framing the map is a list of fast facts (nickname, capital, motto, population and rank, state flower, tree, bird, and sometimes fish) and a "Did You Know?" tidbit. The opposite page includes three paragraphs of text and small captioned photographs, charts, and maps, and a picture of the state flag. The information provided is minimal but should answer all the questions for those first reports on the individual states. Problematically, there is no introductory labeled map showing the entire U.S. However, there are useful appendixes with large, colorful maps depicting time zones, Atlantic and Pacific possessions, population density, major river systems, geographic regions, and territorial expansion. While a number of other resources including the Children's Millennium Atlas of the United States (Rand McNally, 1999) provide more substantive treatment of the topic, the Scholastic Atlas is a serviceable resource.-John Palmer, Bryan & College Station Library System, Bryan, TX Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.