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October 12, 2015 by Travis Jonker

Nonfiction Monday: The 50 States

October 12, 2015 by Travis Jonker   4 comments

50 States Cover

nonfictionmonday

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There are a lot of blog tours out there, but being an unabashed homer, I couldn’t say no to this one.

Today we have not so much a review as an overview. The 50 States is a new nonfiction/reference book with a lot of appeal. Each state of the union is presented with a beautifully illustrated map filled with information.

For this sort of thing, it’s better to see it than read about it. I’m proud to present my state for your perusal:

(Click to enlarge)

50 States_Michigan

As you can see, readers will find famous people, key places, important historical facts, and state miscellany.

Here are a few facts you’ll find:

ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK is a great place for moose-spotting. At 5 feet tall or more, moose prefer to munch tall grasses, because lowering their heads is tricky!

ROOT BEER FALLS The massive Tahquamenon waterfalls’ nickname comes from tannins that turn the water a brownish-gold.

CEREAL CITY Kellogg’s, founded in Battle Creek, was the first company to include prizes in their cereal boxes.

*BONUS*

Shall we do one more?

Residents/fans of Montana, today is your lucky day.

(Click to enlarge)

50 States_Montana (1)

 

A few Montana facts for you:

BERKELEY PIT This former copper mine now houses a lake so toxic it could kill you.

NATIONAL BISON RANGE When a bison’s tail hangs down it is calm, but a tail held straight up means the bison is ready to charge!

PICTOGRAPH CAVE Over 2,000 years ago prehistoric hunters made paintings on these walls.

Here are the details on The 50 States:

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!
By Gabrielle Balkan
Illustrated by Sol Linero
Wide Eyed Editions
ISBN: 9781847807113
$30.00
Out Now

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About Travis Jonker

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julie Rowan-Zoch says

    October 12, 2015 at 10:45 am

    The illos are marvelous! While I can hope those tannins in the Tahquamenon are naturally occurring, Montana is out of such luck. Glad these facts are presented.

  2. Carter Higgins says

    October 12, 2015 at 11:16 am

    I just bought this for my library!

  3. Ed Spicer says

    October 13, 2015 at 7:29 am

    And if there are any problems with Michigan, you can put part of the blame on Ann and me–we did some of the proofing on Michigan for this book.

    • Travis Jonker says

      October 14, 2015 at 3:53 pm

      I’m looking forward to adding this to my library, Ed!

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