Washington

Children's Literature

Salmon, a volcano, computer software—it must be Washington! Capstone's "Land and Liberty" series (about the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.) covers the usual topics: geography and climate, state history and government, the people and their culture. But the slender volumes offer an overview rather than an opportunity to delve into the differences that make each state unique. Maps are restricted to two, one shows cities and reservations and the other charts major geographical features. Since the text consists of short, declarative sentences, fluent readers may find it less than appealing. Illustrations are mainly color photos. In this volume, the most striking photograph is of a towering Mount Rainier. As usual for this series, the abbreviated text means further research will be necessary to do justice to topics like saving the salmon, Washington's many artists (Robert Joffrey, Jacob Lawrence, Theodore Roethke), and the explosion of creative businesses like Eddie Bauer, amazon.com, Microsoft, and Starbucks. Also underreported is the story of the state's Native Americans such as Chief Joseph and Chief Seattle. Middle readers will enjoy a sidebar on Bill Gates and a recipe for Granny apple crisp, made with Washington apples. Special features include an almanac of facts about the state, a short timeline, a glossary, and a bibliography, which, unfortunately, does not list works of fiction (like Jennifer Holm's Our Only May Amelia) that might enrich understanding of the history and people of Washington. Compared to some others, the price of this series is modest, but so is its usefulness. 2004, Capstone, Ages 9 to 13.
—Barbara L. Talcroft

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Each book begins with a description of a significant or memorable event such as the eruption of Mt. St. Helen's in 1980 in Washington and the opening of Glacier National Park in Montana in 1910. Then the authors offer clearly organized, basic information on each state's history, economy, topography, climate, wildlife, environmental issues, resources, people and culture, agriculture, recreation and sports, and recent challenges. Back pages include a recipe, pictures of the flags and seals, fast facts, two-page time lines, short glossaries, and four titles for further reading. Numerous sidebars, clear color photos and charts, and an open layout enhance accessibility.-Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.