Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps! (50 States)

by Gabrielle Balkan (Author) Sol Linero (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: 50 States

In 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps, explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming and the nation’s capital to discover more than 2,000 facts that celebrate the people, cities, nature, and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. You'll also get an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.

Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe…bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky…The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues…be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty, and diversity of the United States in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

On each wonderful map, find:

  • welcome box with a short introduction to the state
  • Key facts, including the capital; state bird, flower, and tree; and statehood order
  • State icons celebrating the state’s people, places, and history
  • Six inspiring people who have a connection to the state
  • Region spotlight bubbles to allow you to discover more about one particular place
  • moments to remember box with a list of significant dates and their events in the state’s history

Each state’s map also contains information about which states it neighbors, its bodies of water and borders, as well as where it is situated in the country. Did you know that while Hawaii shares its border with no one, both Missouri and Tennessee border eight other states? Many state parksbattlefieldsnational forests, and reservations are also included to inspire you to respect and explore the great outdoors.

So pack your bags and say later ‘gator…the great States await!

Also available from the 50 States series: The 50 States50 Cities of the U.S.A.The 50 States: Activity BookThe 50 States: Fun Facts50 Trailblazers of the 50 States, and I Spy the 50 States.

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$14.99

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Publishers Weekly

This trivia-stuffed U.S. atlas offers simplified state maps peppered with crisp, iconlike images of local monuments, wildlife, foods, and more. Balkan provides conversational, incisive introductions to each state, focusing on its history and cultural essence: "Oregon is... original. Way back in 1971, the 33rd state passed the first ever Bicycle Bill, which said that all new roads must include areas for bikers and walkers." Notable historical and contemporary figures of note appear in small golden frames (there's a heavy emphasis on artists and authors, particularly children's book creators), while sidebars show time lines of wide-ranging moments, such as Minnesotan Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Medal win for The Tale of Despereaux or when woodpeckers delayed the launch of the Discovery space shuttle in 1995. A stylish atlas that evokes the character and diversity of the country, equally suitable for coffee tables or family vacations. Ages 7-10. (Oct.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5--A colorful introduction to the 50 states. Each spread details a different state and includes an oversize map and some information. Similar in format to Lynne Cheney's Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America (S. & S., 2006), Balkan's book is more neatly rendered (states are in alphabetical order). Facts are laid out on the map and in a separate column. This volume offers the usual content, such as statehood date and order, state flower, and state bird, as well as fun trivia (Pennsylvania is the home of the first banana split). In addition, Balkan provides interesting historical and geographical tidbits not usually found elsewhere and spotlights famous people from each state. Especially nice is the way the author features prominent women and minorities. For instance, the spread on Georgia highlights Yamacraw Indian chief Tomochichi, author Flannery O'Connor, and singer Little Richard. The illustrations are colorful and childlike. Though bright and appealing, the portraits lack detail. Other works, such as Mark H. Brockenhauer's Our Fifty States (National Geographic, 2004), examine the subject in more depth. Still, this is an above-average title on a popular topic, and state trivia enthusiasts will find it entertaining and useful. VERDICT The up-to-date material and the demand for offerings on the subject make this work a recommended purchase for public and school libraries.--Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"A big, beautiful educational journey across the U.S."

- Pretty Prudent
Gabrielle Balkan
Gabrielle Balkan is a writer and editor living in New York. Her books include the acclaimed atlas, The 50 States, a NCSS notable book, and its follow-up, 50 Cities. She is also the author of Book of Bones and Book of Flight, published by Phaidon.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781847807113
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Wide Eyed Editions
Publication date
October 01, 2015
Series
50 States
BISAC categories
JNF038100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | United States
JNF048020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Reference | Atlases
Library of Congress categories
United States
U.S. states

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