From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-Each of these well-done titles briefly outlines the state's history, politics, government, culture, etc., and includes numerous colorful sidebars, charts, graphs, maps, and photographs that illustrate or supplement the texts. An introductory "Almanac" lists state emblems and provides an assortment of facts. A time line presents state events on the top of a spread and national events on the bottom. Brief biographical sketches of notable native sons and daughters are included, and each book has a list of state events and attractions, and sources of further information, including official state Web sites. The coverage is more complete than in the "Hello U.S.A." series (Lerner). However, on the landform map in Massachusetts, Minuteman National Historic Park appears to encompass the whole north central region of the state and Cape Cod National Seashore sits in the Atlantic Ocean. (And it is no longer accurate to say that the New England Patriots have never won a Super Bowl.) Still, this title is to be preferred over Joan Leotta's Massachusetts (Children's, 2001), which contains a number of annoying factual errors. The "From Sea to Shining Sea" series (Children's) has long been a staple, but most libraries will want to consider adding these books.
Elaine Fort Weischedel, Franklin Public Library, MA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Elaine Fort Weischedel, Franklin Public Library, MA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
