First facts about the states (The first facts reference series)

Each subject in the First Facts reference series is covered within a uniquely designed two-page spread. Timelines, beautiful large-format color photos and engravings, and easy-to-digest bulleted facts all enhance the presentation and help to provide the most essential information simply, at a glance. Special chronologies and introductory passages on important periods in American history also put thousands of facts in clear historical context.

Also included are:

Over 200 color photos Reinforced library binding Chronologies Timelines Further Reading Source Notes Index

Grade 4 Up?While these two volumes share many elements of format, their content makes them two distinct titles whose resemblance is mostly superficial. King presents a brief chronological survey of U.S. history, but the brevity renders the book all but useless as a reference resource. Any good text, encyclopedia, or narrative history such as Joy Hakim's superb "A History of US" series (Oxford Univ.) would better serve students, either for reports or as an introduction to U.S. history. What is more, for a series self described as "The First Facts" series it is weak not only in the depth and selection of factual content, but also in indexing that information. States is a bit more useful. It is organized in straightforward alphabetical order with a two-page spread for each state. Coverage includes a locator map; fact box listing the bird, flower, tree, derivation of state name, motto, title and authorship of state song, capital, population, area, and postal and traditional abbreviation; sidebar with a brief chronology and a selection of interesting but unpredictable facts; a three-paragraph description of the state (one paragraph always covers major industries and another the physical geography while the third varies depending on the state); one large (almost full page) and two small captioned photographs; a small illustration of the flag; and the state's nickname. However, given that all of this information and much more can be found in any good encyclopedia and most of it (and more) in an almanac, this title is strictly an additional purchases.?Stephen Del Vecchio, Family Academy, New York City
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.