New York

Children's Literature

Each entry in the "Hello USA" series is similar in format with four narrative sections covering the land, history, people and economy, and the environment. A fifth "All About..." section includes fun and other facts, state song, a recipe (New York Cheesecake), historical timeline, outstanding citizens with pictures and short bios (author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats and author Madeleine L'Engle are from New York City), places to visit, annual events, state wildlife, and an annotated bibliography of well-chosen nonfiction, but a paltry two fiction choices from the state. The environmental section focuses primarily on preserving groundwater purity and the problems landfills cause. A political map showing the principal cities and national forests faces a physical map of geological regions, elevation, and other features. A later map indicates principal products, but it would benefit from being superimposed on a political map so readers see the connections. In a departure from other titles in the series, the book includes a single short section, rather than several, this one about the War of 1812, but instead has a one page special note about the September 11 events and the aftermath. Illustrations are well chosen from modern, historical, archival and artistic sources and reflect the diverse population. All in all, this is a useful, specific, varied and well-organized introduction to the state and one that will assist report writers, would-be tourists, or the merely curious equally well. Endmatter includes web sites, a glossary and proper names pronunciation guide, and an index. 2002, Lerner Publications, $25.26 and $6.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler