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Children's LiteratureThis book gives a good overview of the basic information students need when preparing social studies reports about Washington state. The clean layout incorporates extra tidbits of information in callouts, with sidebars, photographs and illustrations adding to the visual interest. Terms are explained clearly in the text itself, with a supplemental glossary included in the back. Other text access features include maps, a timeline, a clear table of contents, and a thorough index. Photographs are used throughout but the choice of photos and the accompanying captions do little to add value to the book (for instance, a photo of a cross country skier in downtown Seattle doesn't point out how rare it would be for there to be snow in that city; a photo taken on Mount Rainier doesn't show the grandeur of this 14,410 foot peak, nor does the caption mention its height or that it's a volcano). A nice two-page spread succinctly lists the state's almanac information (chief crops, population, and so on) as well as the flag, motto, flower, and other icons of the state. This book does a good job of covering all parts Washington state, something particularly admirable when so many other books concentrate mostly on the western part of the state. Librarians from both sides of the state served as consultants on this solid book. Part of the "From Sea to Shining Sea" Series. 2003, Children's Press/Scholastic Inc, Ages 8 to 12.
— Linda Johns