Copyright Date:
2021
Edition Date:
2021
Release Date:
05/18/21
Pages:
216 pages
ISBN:
1-627-95167-9
ISBN 13:
978-1-627-95167-8
Dewey:
973
Dimensions:
26 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
A plethora of facts about the U.S. states and territories for young information browsers and trivia surfers.The highly visual, energetic layout of this guide keeps a dense mix of photos, graphics, and typefaces clear and accessible and packs in plenty of information about curious state-specific phenomena. Each state's four-page section spotlights, among other things, a map silhouette, a dessert, a state food, a ride (most often in an amusement park), and some state facts (including bird, nickname, and date of statehood). Flags are not included. Also included are facts labeled the "Oldest in America" (mostly European settlements and structures) and "Spookiest Spot." "Horrifying History" features natural disasters, accidents, war, and violent human tragedies. Mostly missing are scientific inventions and discoveries-other than geological or paleontological-as well as celebration of racial diversity (Chinese and African Americans are mentioned in the context of tragic massacres). While many state names originate from Indigenous languages, this is not consistently acknowledged. More troubling is the casual positioning of Indian names as humor-Kickapoo, Louisiana, for instance, is presented as a "Funniest Town Name"-or worse. Slaughter Beach, Delaware, is given the same label, followed by an explanation that it may refer to the killing of Native residents. The 9-foot statue of Duke Kahanamoku in Waikiki is given as Hawaii's "Weirdest Roadside Attraction."Visually attractive but incomplete and weakened by cultural insensitivity. (index, illustration credits) (Nonfiction. 7-10)
Curious about what makes America amazing? Embark on a journey across the USA, learning what makes each state worth a visit, including cool festivals, thrilling rides, odd roadside attractions, natural wonders, and haunted spots . Arranged alphabetically, The Awesome 50 States takes readers from the mountains of Maine to the coasts of California, stopping along the way at every weird and wonderful place a kid could imagine, including: New Jersey's Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world, which reaches 128 mph A bed-and-breakfast housed in a big beagle statue in Cottonwood, Idaho A creepy doll said to be possessed by an evil spirit in Key West, Florida Bucking broncos at the world's oldest rodeo in Prescott, Arizona The 24-layer chocolate cake at Las Vegas's Strip House in Nevada Digging for jewels in Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds State Park With more than 1,200 fascinating facts about the 50 states, kids also learn: the funniest town names a bad joke about each state unique foods and the nerdy facts necessary for school reports