Current, authoritative, and produced by the expert cartographers at National Geographic, this best-selling United States Atlas is newly updated with all the latest info and is  packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures. National Geographic’s world-renowned cartographers have paired up with education experts to create maps of all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C., that pinpoint the physical features, capitals, and other towns and cities. Discover the latest data along with colorful photography of each state and the people who live there. Key points reflect the latest information about land and water, people, and places. Essays cover each region of the country while eight specially themed maps on nature, population, economy, energy, climate, and more delve deeper into key issues. State birds and state flags add to the high visual interest. 

MY TAKE: The Sixth edition is a much needed tool for learning on any 10-14 year old’s desk. It’s a more in depth look than the lead-up version—Beginner’s United States Atlas, which I featured last week.

The pages start off with how to use the atlas, a quick but important read to get the most out of the book. Next comes a detailed two-page spread for each of these topics:

• THE PHYSICAL UNITED STATES
• Climate
• Natural Hazards
• THE POLITICAL UNITED STATES
• Population
• People on the Move
• Energy
• The National Capital

These initial pages set the stage for the bulk of the work, a detailed account of all 50 states and a briefer look at the 14 territories under U.S. jurisdiction. Each state is given its own two-page spread filled with basic facts. There are also photos and a page of text detailing the history of the area. A map covers the right side showing the necessary detail with cities, town, and interstates.

You can use the Atlas as a reference or read it straight through like I did. Even this veteran of traveling this country learned more than ever imagined. I am now a Geo Whiz with all the information gained. Perfect as a Christmas gift or to buy for yourself, you can’t go wrong with the UNITED STATES ATLAS for kids.

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I received a copy of the book for my honest review.

Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration:

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature 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 or author 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.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*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.