The official study guide is now in its fifth edition and 2017’s version brings the first update since 2012. You don’t have to be a Bee participant to enjoy this book. The middle section includes over 40 pages of sample questions. Use them in the classroom during those few spare moments  at the end or beginning of a class. You could even have a mini-competition at home. Here’s a sample question from the State Final Round:

The tropical island of Negros [NAY-grohs] borders the Sulu Sea and is part of which Asian island country? (Answer is below)

If you are participating in the National Geographic Bee then this guide is a must. It begins with an explanation of Geography and its importance. Next comes a description of how the contest works followed by ten study tips. These tips are the key to a successful run in the contest and many could be helpful in other curriculum areas.

Still a bit anxious? The next chapter has tips from past Bee champions and a list of other sources you can go to increase your chances of becoming a master of geography. But wait—the best is yet to come. The book ends with a full index for countries of the world. Each country is listed along with its Area, Capital, Population, Growth rate, Percentage of Urban Population, Official Language (an estimated 7,100 are spoken world wide!), and Religion. A valuable resource.

Did you guess correctly to the question above? The answer is—the Philippines.

Whether right or wrong with your answer, you’ll want to get this guide for causal fun at home or for more serious National Geographic Bee preparation.

For more information visit the National Geographic web site.

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Coming up next Monday is:

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com

 (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and for spreading the middle grade love!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.