Massachusetts

Children's Literature

Massachusetts has been prominent in American life since the colonial era. This book, part of the "This Land is Your Land" series, describes the old and interesting state. Organized in easy to use sections, the book begins by describing the state's best known features. Next, there are two maps. One shows Massachusetts in context of the greater U.S. and the other is a detailed state map. There is a description of the state's varied terrain, from the beaches of Nantucket to the Berkshire Mountains. A brief history section describes the Native Americans who lived in the region before the Pilgrims settled in. Massachusetts' state and local governments are also highlighted. The section on Massachusetts at work describes common occupations. including jobs in factories, mining, fishing, and the service industry. The section on "Getting to Know Massachusetts" describes the festivals and writers that make the state's cultural life so rich. A section on exploring Massachusetts encourages young travelers to visit the state's many historic sites, such as Boston's Freedom Trail, and its many outdoor attractions. The back of the book provides important dates, a glossary, interesting facts, state symbols, recipes, the state song, brief biographies of famous people from Massachusetts, and lists of books, websites, and addresses for more information. This is a must have for any school library. 2003, Compass Point Books, Ages 8 to 12.
—Marcie Flinchum Atkins

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-Three serviceable entries in an easy-to-read series for beginning researchers. The basic format and outline include seven chapters highlighting natural phenomena, history, government, products and services, famous people from the state, and points of interest to visit and know. Fundamental information such as state symbols, songs, and "At a Glance" facts are appended. Missing from the "Let's Explore" chapters are Detroit's Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History (Michigan) and Dayton's U.S. Air Force Museum (Ohio), both wonderful institutions that would appeal to young visitors. The books have an attractive layout with lots of colorful photographs, maps, and reproductions.-Rita Soltan, formerly at Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.