From School Library Journal
Grade 4 Up - Following a foreword by former President Jimmy Carter, a map of the United States featuring major population centers, and one spread on Washington, DC, this visually appealing book is organized by regions: the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West, with a map of each region and a short history. Four pages are devoted to each state and include basic facts and a map. The full-color photographs are outstanding. Reproductions of archival illustrations depict four important events from each state's history. The final sections offer a paragraph about each of the territories and a page of facts and figures about the United States. An extensive index completes this easy-to-use resource. National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Fifty States (1994) contains more extensive information but is dated. - Ann Joslin, formerly at Erie County Public Library, PA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Book Description
National Geographic Our Fifty States is a stunning collection of illustrations, maps, and essays about each state and region of the United States. Written by two geographers, it captures the geographic, economic, and cultural diversity and essence of the country in a single volume. The book is organized first by region (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West) then the states within each region appear alphabetically. Each region is introduced with a physical map in which relief makes it easy to see mountains, plains, rivers, and other geographic features that influence the region's climate, natural resources, and settlement patterns. An essay follows, helping to define the region or focusing on a new challenge facing it. Four pages are devoted to each state within a region. Each complete view of a state includes the following:ú a lively and fact-filled photo essay;ú an illustrated time line of key events in a state's history;ú a full-page map that clearly shows landscape features, cities and towns, economic activities, federal lands, and selected points of interest;ú the state flag, bird, and flower; andú a "state-at-a-glance" box that lists the state's area and population, capital city and largest city, ethnic and racial make up, principal economic activities, nickname, statehood date and rank by size and population, and fun facts about the state. National Geographic Our Fifty States also features:ú a full-spread map of all 50 states together;ú special essays on the District of Columbia and the territories (both Caribbean and Pacific);ú charts comparing the states in a variety of categories;ú a list of resources for obtaining further information; andú a detailed index. It's a fun way to get to know the United States!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The richness of America, in all its grandeur and diversity, is captured here in the pages of Our Fifty States. An unparalleled amount of accessible geographic information is packed into this stunning, easy-to-use volume. A comprehensive sense of a vibrant country plus countless fascinating details and neat "Did you know?" facts make this book a unique reference and browsing resource for curious young Americans. There's information here that will appeal to trivia lovers. Which is the only state with a rounded boundary? Which is home to the oldest tree in the country? Which states boast active volcanoes? Quick, name the capitals and nick-names for all 50 states! There's information here that makes report writing easy. Choose a state. California. List its top state industries, the population, and four key events in the state's history. Easy. It's all right at your fingertips.

There's description here that will help any young reader marvel at the land. Learn about natural wonders from spouting geysers to magical caverns. Visit Alaska's endless sweeping tundra and Florida's string of jewel-like island keys. Quotes from famous writers capture the character of each region in loving and lofty words, as with Willa Cather's infectious awe of the Midwest: "There was nothing but land...the material out of which countries are made." The American bald eagle soars through "spacious skies," past "amber waves of grain," and over "purple mountain majesties" on this book's cover in a reminder that from "sea to shining sea," this land truly is "America the Beautiful." There is much to know about this land we love. National Geographic and geographers Mark Bockenhauer and Stephen Cunha open the door to learning about our inspiring, our united, Our Fifty States.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly