From Booklist
Gr. 4-7. Crisp color photos illustrate these overviews in the It's My State series. Both titles follow a similar format in chapters that cover the state's topography, climate, and wildlife; history; lifestyle and population; government; and major industries and resources. Several spreads offer quick reference for state facts, such as the state flower, flag, and seal; famous residents; etc. The texts are basic and informative, providing solid insight into local life and culture rather than reinforcing stereotypes. In Illinois, for example, there's no mention of Al Capone, and farming is portrayed as a sophisticated, high-tech industry carried out mostly by college-educated workers. A proposed activity in each is superfluous (the suggestion to make a diorama of the O'Learys' barn, even though the text acknowledges that the story is only a legend, seems particularly unnecessary). But both titles are up-to-date (New York touches briefly on September 11) and peppered with unusual facts that round out the basic coverage. Report writers will appreciate the slim size of each volume, making it easy to carry home. Gillian Engberg
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