Overview
Packed with fun facts about daily life, history, environmental issues, and much more, this series of 52 books (including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia) provides a thorough introduction to the richness and diversity of America.An introduction to the land, history, people, economy, and environment of South Carolina.
Synopsis
Packed with fun facts about daily life, history, environmental issues, and much more, this series of 52 books (including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia) provides a thorough introduction to the richness and diversity of America.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5-- Two series entries that offer historical and background information on the title state. Both begin with a readable opener on state trivia, followed by a chapter each on geography, history, way of life, industry, and environmental concerns. Also included are a sketchy timeline, biographies of local personalities, a Facts-at-a-Glance spread, and a pronunciation guide. The small, oblong format is attractive, with an inside mix of full-color photographs, documents, charts, maps, portraits, and a few original drawings. The brief text highlights pertinent facts; the prose is straightforward but engaging. A clear effort has been made to acknowledge the darker side of the state's past, e.g., its involvement in slavery, racism, the mistreatment of native peoples, etc. Maryland contains one error: several well-populated suburbs are referred to as cities. Baltimore's new ballpark isn't mentioned, while a comment on Memorial Stadium will immediately date the work. Overall, however, these are useful books and should be considered as supplemental material for school assignments. The ``Portrait of America'' series (Raintree) is similar in scope but not as current and considerably less attractive. --Gail C. Ross, Baltimore County Public Library