National Geographic continues to lead the way in this newest edition of the Student World Atlas. Get a hold of one when your child starts middle school. They’ll have a useful resource that can take them right through high school and beyond.

THE OFFICIAL BLURB:

Winner of the Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students, the Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People and the Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Award, the new fifth edition of National Geographic’s award-winning atlas is the definitive atlas for middle and high-school students to explore and use in the classroom, college prep, and at home. Dynamic, user-friendly content includes photos, facts, charts, online resources, graphics, and full-color political, physical, and thematic maps on important topics. Completely updated maps and statistics from the cartographic experts at National Geographic ensure that kids have all the latest information as they learn more about current events and become global citizens.

MY THOUGHTS: The atlas I remember from my school days was a book filled with maps. They were labeled but you never felt connected.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS takes a far better approach. The first section is devoted to learning about maps. Not only how to use them but also the different types. Next come the Physical Systems from Earth’s geologic history to environmental hot spots. Finally, there are the human systems and how they interact with our world—including the population’s quality of life, languages, religions, economics, food and energy use.

It’s not until page 54 when chapters on each continent begin, complete with images and maps. These sections wrap up with a focus on a particular feature from the natural hazards found in North America to Antarctica’s extreme environment. They might even plant the seed for a future trip or career.

The 144 pages end with some helpful Back Of The Book additions. Colorful world flags  and stats, amazing facts, and a glossary. Additional websites are also listed for you to explore.

Available in hardback or soft cover, STUDENT WORLD ATLAS is a book you will open again and again.