Barbara Somervill is a professional writer who has been a magazine editor, journalist, and advertising copywriter for more than twenty years. Somervill is a member of the National Association of Female Executives, the Association of Women in Communications, and the International Documentary Association.
The award-winning America the Beautiful series is consistently well-written, well-researched, and well-organized. The volume on Texas is no exception, packed with facts, current statistics, full-color photographs, and a variety of appendixes that guarantee student researchers will turn to this volume first when writing papers. The text provides a thorough grounding in Texas’ geography, history, people, economy, and government. Especially noteworthy features include “FAQs” (frequently asked questions about people, places, and things Texan), “Wow Factors” that offer fascinating facts and information related to Texas, “Travel Tips,” for visitors (or residents) of the state, and “Project Room,” to launch ideas for school assignments and projects. There is also a guide to primary sources to round out the book. I especially liked the traceable state symbols. Update your 900s with this up-to-date volume/series.