These state overviews provide general information on important cities, state history, geography, natural resources, industry, and famous residents, while final sections summarize facts such as population, motto, state flag, etc. Generic spreads include "Did You Know?" sidebars and lackluster photographs. Overall the volumes are bland but may be useful for school reports. Timeline. Glos., ind.

Gr 3-8-Both of these series entries begin with a two-page chapter of interesting facts about their respective states, followed by lengthier chapters on their geography, history, people, and environmental concerns. Special sections, e.g., Totems'' andThe Thrill of the Iditarod'' in Alaska, and Water, Water Everywhere'' andKeeping an Eye on Acid Rain'' in Pennsylvania, are sprinkled throughout the texts. Brief information on famous historical and contemporary residents, facts-at-a-glance, a pronunciation guide, glossary, and an index fill the last 10 pages of each book. A great deal of information is included, but nothing is explained in depth. The easy-to-read texts, which read like stories filled with interwoven facts, will appeal to students, especially to reluctant readers. Unfortunately, the U.S. map that begins each volume positions Alaska and Hawaii below the contiguous 48 states rather than in their true locations. These titles are more visually appealing than the In Words and Pictures'' series (Childrens) or thePortrait of America Library'' series (Raintree). Well-captioned, full-color and black-and-white photographs in various sizes and configurations, as well as maps, drawings, and charts, appear on every page. The books provide a wealth of ideas to explore in other more sophisticated resources such as the ``From Sea to Shining Sea'' series (Childrens).-Roz Goodman, Bering Strait School District Media Center, Unalakleet, AK