Smart About the Fifty States (Smart About History) [Paperback]

Susan Saunders (Author), Joan Holub (Author, Illustrator), True Kelley (Author, Illustrator), Jon Buller (Author, Illustrator), Maryann Cocca-Leffler (Author, Illustrator), Dana Regan (Author, Illustrator), Susan Schade (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Smart About History

The kids in Ms. Brandt's class create a special report on the United States of America, with each child doing research on ten states. There's a double-spread map of the whole U.S. and a page for every state jam-packed with trivia, interesting facts, handwritten captions, and jokes. At the end of the book is a map showing how the United States grew over time, a spread on the presidents and what states they hailed from, as well as a "bibliography" of books the kids used in their research. Written by a team of well-known author/artists, this 64-page Smart About History book is a great guide for kids.

Written and illustrated by Jon Buller and Susan Schade, Maryann Cocca-Leffler, Joan Holub, True Kelley, and Dana Regan.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-Five students are assigned a group report on any subject. No guidelines such as length or scope are given, and the children's grade is not indicated. The youngsters select the 50 states as their topic, with each one responsible for several states. The completed assignment makes up the book. Each page features one state and includes its nickname and capital; a paragraph or two of text; and a crude, childlike color drawing of a map dotted with illustrations of the random facts and trivia presented. Some of the information appears to have been chosen for humor or to surprise readers. This can be fun but presents a skewed picture of the states. For example, North Carolina is noteworthy for gold discovered in 1799 with no mention of tobacco, and the material on New York leaves out the worldwide importance of New York City. Also included are a page on Washington, DC, a sketchy history of the flag and of the growth of the U.S., and a picture gallery of the nation's presidents. Kathleen Krull's Wish You Were Here: Emily's Guide to the 50 States (Doubleday, 1997) is a better choice.
Marlene Gawron, formerly at Orange County Library, Orlando, FL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (May 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0448431319
• ISBN-13: 978-0448431314
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > United States > State & Local
  • #32 in Books > Children's Books > History > United States > State & Local
  • #45 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Explore the World > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Useful for 3rd-4th Grade, July 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Smart About the Fifty States (Smart About History) (Paperback)

This book was written by students in Ms. Brandt's class which does not specify the age or grade. Five students took on ten states to research; autographed by each, and gives a simple but fun look at the states including humor. The reoccurring theme of each state is the state, its nickname, capital and facts that would be of interest to children. The illustrations bring the states to life with the capitals depicted by a star in each students' writing. They wrap things up with a list of all the Presidents, when they served, and where they were born. I think it's a great starting point and reference for 3rd and 4th graders.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both my son and I LOVE this book!, April 11, 2009

By 

christine (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smart About the Fifty States (Smart About History) (Paperback)

This is a great book to learn about the United States of America. It's filled with fun facts and wonderful illustrations. Totally worth the price. I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart About the Fifty States, September 11, 2009

By 

Judy Walter - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Smart About the Fifty States (Smart About History) (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a very quick read and very informative. I've shared it with my grandchildren. Of course they and I enjoyed the illustrations about each state. I highly recommend it if you are interested in facts about our great United States.