Arizona

April 1, 2020

Gr 2-5-An informative look at the history, geography, and culture of the 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Each book examines an individual state's population, industry, and place in American history using simple sentence structure and beautiful, full-page images. Examples of the favorite pastimes and famous landmarks of the state are provided. A glossary, a time line, an index, and a state fact page are included. A QR code links to updated information. The series does a wonderful job of portraying each state in a positive light, highlighting its important role in America's past and present. VERDICT This appealing series will make children proud of their home state.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2020
Grades 2-4 Each state gets its own book in the Explore the United States series (52 titles), offering students targeted information well-suited for beginners' reports. This book begins with a country map that clearly divides the U.S. into four main regions, showing Arizona's location in the West. Geographic and population statistics lead off a survey of the state's important cities, history, natural wonders (namely the Grand Canyon) and resources, and leading industries. Reading rather like an almanac, the dry text gets a little punch from the photos of Arizona's beautiful landscape, including the Painted Desert, the Colorado River, and the Sonoran Desert. A chapter on local heroes discusses Geronimo, Gabrielle Giffords, and astronaut brothers Mark and Scott Kelly. The concluding visual time line, tourist recommendations, and fast facts will boost readers' interest.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)