Oregon

Children's Literature - Greg M. Romaneck

Tucked away in the northwest corner of the nation, Oregon is the tenth largest state in the United States. Oregon is a land of vast natural resources. Rainforests exist there with trees that stretch upwards for hundreds of feet. Natural wonders like Crater Lake and Mount Hood are scattered across a landscape that is lush in aspect. The Willamette River Valley is a rich and fertile bastion wherein much of Oregon's population resides. All in all, Oregon is a remote and beautiful place to live and work. As is the case with other books in this informative "It's My State" series, Oregon offers readers a look at the history, people, government, economy, and varied attractions of this portion of the US. Throughout the pages of this book, readers are also treated to vivid photography and colorful artwork that amplifies the reading experience. While the text is written in a sometimes pedestrian manner, taken as a whole, Oregon ends up being an informative book that tells the story of a fascinating part of the American nation, its people, and the resources that exist there.

Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft

Which state has blackberries, hazelnuts, and a snow-covered peak called Mount Hood? Report-writers can find answers in this volume of the "It's My State!" series, offering an overview of Oregon's land, history, people, government, and economy. Researchers will learn that Oregon has three mountain ranges, with most of the population and agriculture in the lush Willamette Valley. Dungeness crabs and the indigenous Steller sea lions (misspelled) flourish on the Pacific coast, while Oregon's beautiful forests shelter the threatened Northern Spotted Owl. In a brief history chapter containing little information on native inhabitants, kids learn that after Lewis and Clark reached the mouth of the Columbia River, many immigrants from eastern states journeyed west along the Oregon Trail to settle and farm. Statehood was granted in 1859; the railroad reached Oregon in the 1880s. During the Depression, the huge Bonneville Dam was completed, providing water for irrigation and electric power. Oregonians are now engaged in protecting their environment, clean air, and natural resources. Most interesting is the section on Oregon's people, with more specific information about Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce and describing the many ethnic groups living in Oregon today. Among the famous Oregonians listed are Linus Pauling (two-time Nobel Prize—winner), Matt Groening of The Simpsons, and journalist Ann Curry. Little attention is given to the arts, except in a calendar of events—the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is not even mentioned. Farming and forest products dominate the economy; kids may enjoy a recipe for blackberry-hazelnut cookie bars using Oregonian ingredients. Illustrations are color photos, many small and reproduced darkly; sidebars offer noteworthy details, such as a short essay on the famous Tillamook cheese. Included are pages on the official bird, flag, seal, and song, a short bibliography and an index. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft