National Geographic Student Atlas of the World: Revised Edition

National Geographic

ISBN 10: 0792272064 ISBN 13: 9780792272069

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books, 2005

Synopsis

This user-friendly reference is packed with full-size, full-color physical, political, and thematic maps of the world and its continents specifically designed by the Society's world-renowned cartographers to help students understand basic geographic concepts and compare and contrast data critical to making global connections. The 2001 edition, which was an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children (NSTA/CBC) and a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Children (NCSS/CBC), has been completely updated and expanded to include 16 brand-new pages with more maps, photos, charts, and graphs. In addition to existing thematic spreads on topics ranging from Earth's geologic history and world climate to predominant economies and global freshwater supplies, the 2005 edition will feature all-new illustrated essays on environmental trouble spots, ocean and climate, coral reefs, world refugees, global communications, and diffusion of popular culture, as well as expanded treatment of world languages and religions. All statistics, maps, and flags of the world have been updated to reflect the most current data, the latest boundary changes, and the newest countries. Web sites keyed to each photo essay and thematic map provide students with a means of keeping up with our ever-changing world.

About this title

From Booklist:

The goal of this colorful atlas is to help students in grades six through nine "better understand basic geographic concepts and compare and contrast information critical to making global connections." National Geographic atlases are known for their excellent introductory material, and this one is no exception. In fact, more than 50 pages of introductory material precede the maps. These pages cover an array of topics organized under "Physical Systems" and "Human Systems" and expose students to a variety of thematic, political, and physical maps.

By comparison, the map section of the atlas seems a bit skimpy. Arrangement is by continent, and information is presented in fairly broad strokes. A box containing "Facts and Figures" and a satellite map kick off each continent's section, followed by a physical map, a political map, and thematic maps covering climate, precipitation, population, and economic factors. In "North America," there are also elevation and political maps specific to Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Political maps show little more than major divisions, capitals, and a few other cities. Each continent section concludes with a two-page feature that homes in on a particular theme, for example, the Great Rift Valley in "Africa" and World Heritage sites in "Asia." Following the atlas portion of the volume are a "Countries of the World" section with statistics and flags, a glossary, and a list of Web sites. There are two indexes: one for themes and one for place-names.

If the goal is simply to find a location, this atlas is not the first place a student should look. Since its emphasis is thematic, it doesn't take the place of a more generally useful tool, such as The Kingfisher Student Atlas (2003). However, it provides a good introduction to different mapping concepts. Mary Ellen Quinn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0792272064
• ISBN 13: 9780792272069
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 144