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The 50 States
Be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of the United States in this curious collection of fact-filled maps. Explore thousands of wondrous locations and be awed by the achievements of hundreds of people who helped make America what it is today. Celebrate, explore, enjoy!
112 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
21 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Balkan
27 books26 followersGabrielle Balkan writes for readers of all ages, equally enjoying picture books and readers as chapter books and young adult fiction. Her works include The Dog Rules by Coco LaRue, a Scholastic Book Fairs best-seller that sold 150,000 copies and demanded a follow-up.
One of her first forays into writing nonfiction was “America is hard to See,” a children's audio guide for the the inaugural exhibit at the Whitney Museum of Art's Gansevoort location. The 50 States was Gabrielle's first non-fiction book and was followed by two companion books, two activity sets, one follow-up atlas: 50 Cities.
She's also the author of BOOK OF BONES (an International Literacy Association pick) and it's companion, BOOK OF FLIGHT (coming in Spring 2019).
Before embarking on a career as a full-time writer, Gabrielle was a book buyer for the Scholastic Reading Clubs, a commissioning editor for Scholastic Paperbacks, and the Director of Communications for City and Country School.
Gabrielle was raised across from the State Fair Grounds in Indianapolis, Indiana and lived short stints in Augusta, Georgia and Zurich, Switzerland. After graduating with a degree in English and Elementary Education from Barnard College she decided to see what else the city had to offer, and now lives with her family in Brooklyn.
One of her first forays into writing nonfiction was “America is hard to See,” a children's audio guide for the the inaugural exhibit at the Whitney Museum of Art's Gansevoort location. The 50 States was Gabrielle's first non-fiction book and was followed by two companion books, two activity sets, one follow-up atlas: 50 Cities.
She's also the author of BOOK OF BONES (an International Literacy Association pick) and it's companion, BOOK OF FLIGHT (coming in Spring 2019).
Before embarking on a career as a full-time writer, Gabrielle was a book buyer for the Scholastic Reading Clubs, a commissioning editor for Scholastic Paperbacks, and the Director of Communications for City and Country School.
Gabrielle was raised across from the State Fair Grounds in Indianapolis, Indiana and lived short stints in Augusta, Georgia and Zurich, Switzerland. After graduating with a degree in English and Elementary Education from Barnard College she decided to see what else the city had to offer, and now lives with her family in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 19, 2016
This is
that
book! You know the one. You pick it up off the floor in your child's room and you just have to open it before you put it in the library basket...the next thing you know, two hours have passed like fifteen minutes and you are armed with more state trivia than you could ever reasonably be expected to remember.
Deliberately designed to pack tons of information on two pages, fun info graphics tell the story of each state. Key facts, notable residents, and loads of interesting information make this a book that you, I mean, your children will return to again and again. Be aware though that the pages could be too busy and overwhelming for some.
Deliberately designed to pack tons of information on two pages, fun info graphics tell the story of each state. Key facts, notable residents, and loads of interesting information make this a book that you, I mean, your children will return to again and again. Be aware though that the pages could be too busy and overwhelming for some.
July 13, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
The 50 States is one of those books that a) I wish you had growing up and b) should be in every school in the US or that teaches about the US. Authors Linero and Balkan have smartly broken down every state into colorful yet educational info/pictographics that make learning fun and interesting. I am greatly enjoying going over each state with my daughter and enjoying her enthusiasm over historical subjects. Because the wording doesn't talk down to kids, it's great for parents to go over with younger kids or for older kids up to tweens to enjoy.Each State is represented by a large image. Within each state image, icons tell the story of that state's people, places and history (recent and old). Some significant dates are included and callouts spotlight events/people/dates that deserve more description. A separate callout square, consistent on every page, discuses the moments and dates that mark the state's history - from ancient times 12,000 years ago to modern. As well, there is a small welcome box to each page that tells a bit about it - an introduction to the State.
Each map contains information about neighbor states, bodies of water, state parks, battlefields, national forests, reservations, state flags, capitals/important cities, and more. At the end of the book there is a gallery of the US Presidents to date.
The real treat of the book is the consistency - this isn't a wild jumble of facts thrown onto a page with abandon; rather, each page is carefully laid out like the previous to make the reading experience easier and to make researching/looking up facts easy and simple. Colored fonts are used sparingly and each page keeps its design elements intact - allowing for some white space and breathing room. As a graphic educational device, it succeeds brilliantly.
This is highly recommended for home and educational use. It's something I would have loved as a kid since it is fun and fascinating. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
October 25, 2015
Since I love both infographics and state trivia, it’s as if this book were made just for me, for it combines both of those features into one big book. It begins:
“Welcome explorers, investigators, and lovers of knowledge….”
Yes, yes, that is I! (Well, if you add the word “armchair” before the word “explorers”….)
For each state, there is a “Welcome Box” providing an introduction to the state, a map full of interesting factoids as well as prominent geological features, and side bars about key facts, state icons, inspiring people, moments to remember, and a spotlight on one particular region in the state.
I have several favorite states, but my most favorite is actually not a state at all, but a federal district; that is, Washington, D.C. Thankfully, it is included at the back of the book, although I wish the author had shown D.C.’s license plate, which memorably declares: “Taxation Without Representation.” (The author does, however, mention that D.C. is a zone of taxation without representation.]
But what it does include is fun and interesting, such as a nod to “Ben’s Chili Bowl,” a long-time favorite area restaurant; a blurb on the “Racing Presidents” - mascots of the Washington Nationals baseball team; the length of the Woodley Park metro escalator (the longest escalator in D.C., and one I occasionally walked up, in my salad days); and even a mention of the bookstore “Busboys and Poets.” In addition, it also provides the necessary sampling of monuments, museums, and memorials, all packed in one two-page spread.
Right next door to D.C. is the state of Maryland, where I grew up. How did I not know about “Smith Island Cake”? Obviously, I didn’t have this book when I grew up.
But I would think there would also be a lengthier description of crab feasts - she only mentions that you can find delicious blue crabs in quiet fishing villages, but in fact, approximately 50 percent of the country’s blue crab harvest comes from Maryland waters, and crab feasts are a Maryland staple! I would also have loved to have seen a reference to the McCormick Spice Factory, which graced Baltimore with the smell of cinnamon for 125 years. But as anyone knows, you can put ten people from a state in a room, and come up with ten totally different lists of the most iconic features of the state. It doesn’t really matter; I love the parts that are included, and I love learning new things about all of the states, especially the others where I have lived (The Badger State, The Grand Canyon State, The Keystone State, and now The Prairie State.) You will learn all these nicknames from the book, and there are bonus infographics at the end showing all the presidents and all the state flags (of which Maryland’s is the most spectacular, I’m sure you will agree!).
The illustrations by Sol Linero are perfect for the book.
Evaluation: I love this book; it’s very fun, and would make a great gift.
“Welcome explorers, investigators, and lovers of knowledge….”
Yes, yes, that is I! (Well, if you add the word “armchair” before the word “explorers”….)
For each state, there is a “Welcome Box” providing an introduction to the state, a map full of interesting factoids as well as prominent geological features, and side bars about key facts, state icons, inspiring people, moments to remember, and a spotlight on one particular region in the state.
I have several favorite states, but my most favorite is actually not a state at all, but a federal district; that is, Washington, D.C. Thankfully, it is included at the back of the book, although I wish the author had shown D.C.’s license plate, which memorably declares: “Taxation Without Representation.” (The author does, however, mention that D.C. is a zone of taxation without representation.]
But what it does include is fun and interesting, such as a nod to “Ben’s Chili Bowl,” a long-time favorite area restaurant; a blurb on the “Racing Presidents” - mascots of the Washington Nationals baseball team; the length of the Woodley Park metro escalator (the longest escalator in D.C., and one I occasionally walked up, in my salad days); and even a mention of the bookstore “Busboys and Poets.” In addition, it also provides the necessary sampling of monuments, museums, and memorials, all packed in one two-page spread.
Right next door to D.C. is the state of Maryland, where I grew up. How did I not know about “Smith Island Cake”? Obviously, I didn’t have this book when I grew up.
But I would think there would also be a lengthier description of crab feasts - she only mentions that you can find delicious blue crabs in quiet fishing villages, but in fact, approximately 50 percent of the country’s blue crab harvest comes from Maryland waters, and crab feasts are a Maryland staple! I would also have loved to have seen a reference to the McCormick Spice Factory, which graced Baltimore with the smell of cinnamon for 125 years. But as anyone knows, you can put ten people from a state in a room, and come up with ten totally different lists of the most iconic features of the state. It doesn’t really matter; I love the parts that are included, and I love learning new things about all of the states, especially the others where I have lived (The Badger State, The Grand Canyon State, The Keystone State, and now The Prairie State.) You will learn all these nicknames from the book, and there are bonus infographics at the end showing all the presidents and all the state flags (of which Maryland’s is the most spectacular, I’m sure you will agree!).
The illustrations by Sol Linero are perfect for the book.
Evaluation: I love this book; it’s very fun, and would make a great gift.
June 19, 2024
A perfect book for kids that are wanting to learn about the 50 states.
August 4, 2015
As someone who had early access with thanks to an ARC, I have to say that I like what I saw. I think calling this a collection of maps is a little different from what I expected, but I like the collections of facts and information in a very colorful format. As a parent of a child who got interested in states rather early, I think this will appeal where the traditional geography books have been too much. It was a little hard to read the detailed writing in the ARC, but I look forward to looking at this in person with my child once it becomes available in stores.
June 26, 2020
This book provides a fun way to learn about historical facts for each state, including how each state was created. The graphics are wonderful!
Reviewed by Debbie Hersh, Circulation, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by Debbie Hersh, Circulation, Vernon Area Public Library
July 22, 2015
I've learned so much already just thumbing through the pages! I can't wait to share this with my little friends and see their faces when they look at the illustrations!
LOVE it!
LOVE it!
January 25, 2016
Graphically interesting guide to the states. I even found a couple of interesting spots I haven't visited in my area.
February 19, 2018
This is a very aesthetically pleasing book, with lots of interesting information about the different states.
Want to read
June 29, 2015Note: I accessed a digital review copy through Edelweiss.
April 5, 2018
What a fantastic book! It is endlessly engaging, attractive, and informative. “50 States” is like a cooler upgrade to an atlas. Each page shows a state map with highlights of influential people, history, places to visit, and more. Also included on the pages are some general state facts such capital, statehood date, and region; a timeline of events important to state history, and a brief welcome message giving a quick summary of the state. The illustrations are wonderful, and a key part of what makes these books stand out. They are reminiscent of the vintage 50s/60s travel posters and brochures. The colors used are at that perfect spot between being too blah or too bold. And while there are certainly a lot of images on each page, they come across as interesting and integral to the text, rather than overwhelming.
This book has a little something for everyone. I’d highly recommend this to all elementary and middle grade teachers, especially those with US geography units. Honestly, I think “50 States” will appeal to any age from 1-100. Both of my toddlers loved looking at the pictures, each page is just brimming with interesting objects to be named and talked about. Many school aged kids will love learning all the little facts, and topics ranging from arts and culture, history, and influential citizens to food, sports, transportation, and more ensure that there will be something to pique any child’s interest. I loved learning new facts and history, and I think most adults could learn more than a few trivia tidbits here!
March 18, 2024
I love maps, and I've traveled to most of the states in the United States, so this was a fun book for me to pick up. This is a fantastic children's book that incorporates fun facts, people of interest, and various cultural and historic landmarks in a gorgeous layout. The choices of the people and landmarks included were varied (scientists, authors, athletes, actors, etc) and the facts included for each state were very interesting. As a child, I would have loved this book. I had my own "state fact book" where I would add what the state's nickname or state's flower was. This would have been great for me to have on road trips. The one thing I wish it had were the state flags simply because I'm fascinated by flags.
Here's my breakdown:
Structure/formatting 4/5
Thoroughness of research 3/5
Storytelling 4/5
Enjoyment 4/5
Prior Knowledge Needed 5/5
I recommend this book to any child who loves to travel or loves to learn history. There are a lot of fun facts to learn and explore in this book that will keep children entertained for long road trips and multiple visits to each of the states.
Here's my breakdown:
Structure/formatting 4/5
Thoroughness of research 3/5
Storytelling 4/5
Enjoyment 4/5
Prior Knowledge Needed 5/5
I recommend this book to any child who loves to travel or loves to learn history. There are a lot of fun facts to learn and explore in this book that will keep children entertained for long road trips and multiple visits to each of the states.
July 10, 2024
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars.
Received for review: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I loved books about states and countries as a kid, so I have read quite a few books like this one. This book is jam-packed with information almost to the point of being chaotically full of information, and yet it manages to stay well organized. I thought the author included fun tidbits for each state and did a great job highlighting people, places, and things that make each state memorable. I am sure some of us will say she could have represented our state better or included different facts. That's always the criticism of books like this.
However, I thought this book was well done and a good addition for kids wanting to know more about the 50 states.
Love,
Danica Page
Received for review: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I loved books about states and countries as a kid, so I have read quite a few books like this one. This book is jam-packed with information almost to the point of being chaotically full of information, and yet it manages to stay well organized. I thought the author included fun tidbits for each state and did a great job highlighting people, places, and things that make each state memorable. I am sure some of us will say she could have represented our state better or included different facts. That's always the criticism of books like this.
However, I thought this book was well done and a good addition for kids wanting to know more about the 50 states.
Love,
Danica Page
April 25, 2018
Thank you to the kidlitexchange for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
My kids Did NOT read any of these books! I did not even let them see them! Why?? Because I hid them so fast and ordered them as a gift for my 6 year old!!! He is obsessed with maps and visiting new places in the United States. He is going to LOVE them all!! All four of these books are so neat!! I learned a ton myself! There are puzzles and activities! One of my favorite parts is in 50 Cities of the USA. There is a section on each page that breaks down what you could do in a day in each city. I have done almost all on the New York page! These books can be read over and over because of the amount of information on each page. Can’t wait for my son to open his surprise!
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My kids Did NOT read any of these books! I did not even let them see them! Why?? Because I hid them so fast and ordered them as a gift for my 6 year old!!! He is obsessed with maps and visiting new places in the United States. He is going to LOVE them all!! All four of these books are so neat!! I learned a ton myself! There are puzzles and activities! One of my favorite parts is in 50 Cities of the USA. There is a section on each page that breaks down what you could do in a day in each city. I have done almost all on the New York page! These books can be read over and over because of the amount of information on each page. Can’t wait for my son to open his surprise!
.
May 25, 2023
The 50 States Written and researched by Gabrielle Balkan, Illustrated by Sol Linero.
This was one of our favorite United States geography books when we were studying the 50 states for homeschooling. It's very informative and it gives some cool information that other books don't have! The illustrations are BEA-U-TI-FUL! They're so cute and fit the book perfectly! I love that each state takes up two pages and that everything isn't cramped onto a small space. Each state also has a section titled 'Moments to Remember' which is pretty much what it sounds like. Memorable moments from the state's history. This book is really beautiful and showcases our wonderful country extremely well.
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
This was one of our favorite United States geography books when we were studying the 50 states for homeschooling. It's very informative and it gives some cool information that other books don't have! The illustrations are BEA-U-TI-FUL! They're so cute and fit the book perfectly! I love that each state takes up two pages and that everything isn't cramped onto a small space. Each state also has a section titled 'Moments to Remember' which is pretty much what it sounds like. Memorable moments from the state's history. This book is really beautiful and showcases our wonderful country extremely well.
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
February 15, 2024
The 50 states is a children's nonfiction book about all of the states in the USA. Each state has a bunch of different facts and pictures to go along with the facts.
This book was really nice! It has great information and really nice illustrations. It has a ton of information about the different states. It was interesting to read about the different states. I think kids will really enjoy reading this book and looking at the pictures. The pictures are all colorful and vibrant. I really liked the font choices as well. Everything looked nice on the page.
Thanks so much to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions, Wide Eyed Editions for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was really nice! It has great information and really nice illustrations. It has a ton of information about the different states. It was interesting to read about the different states. I think kids will really enjoy reading this book and looking at the pictures. The pictures are all colorful and vibrant. I really liked the font choices as well. Everything looked nice on the page.
Thanks so much to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions, Wide Eyed Editions for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2017
pPesents each of the united states alphabetically in this big, beautifully illustrated book, with a two page spread for each state with facts and information laid out in attractive, infographic style. In addition to the “Key Facts” including capital, largest cities, state bird, state flower and the like, readers will also find famous people from each state (both historical and contemporary), key places to visit, and key moments in the state’s history. This is not really a book to read from cover to cover, but rather one to explore by hunting around for fun tidbits about each state as you travel or talk about traveling.
Grades: 3-6
Grades: 3-6
March 17, 2018
This book does not have typical maps that teach you about geographical features or roads. This is what they are referring to as an infographic map that guides you through the states identity. You will learn information ranging from the state nickname, key facts, famous people, landmarks, moments in history, and more telling the story of each state in a two page layout. In the beginning of the book it has a graphic for what to look out for throughout the book and a legend for symbols you will see to help you explore easier. In the back of the book you will also find double page layouts for all the State flags and the Presidents.
April 29, 2020
This book is full maps including facts about each states and individual area. It also includes stories and achievements about a bunch of people who have made American into the world that it is today.
I gave this book 4 stars because I feel like it is chocked full of valuable information for children. It presents the information in a colorful and fun way to make kids interested in learning. It will provide them with fun facts they can use to wow their friends, parents, teachers, and classmates.
I gave this book 4 stars because I feel like it is chocked full of valuable information for children. It presents the information in a colorful and fun way to make kids interested in learning. It will provide them with fun facts they can use to wow their friends, parents, teachers, and classmates.
November 6, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions and the author for an ARC of this book.
Another beautifully illustrated and fact packed book from Wide Eyed Edition books. This is a fun one for anyone interesting in what our states have to offer. It would also be a fabulous road trip companion, with many interesting facts about different landmarks, cities and excursion ideas. Plus I can never get enough of these illustrations. They're beautiful and super fun. Again, like with the other Wide Eye books, I would buy this book for myself as a coffee table book.
Another beautifully illustrated and fact packed book from Wide Eyed Edition books. This is a fun one for anyone interesting in what our states have to offer. It would also be a fabulous road trip companion, with many interesting facts about different landmarks, cities and excursion ideas. Plus I can never get enough of these illustrations. They're beautiful and super fun. Again, like with the other Wide Eye books, I would buy this book for myself as a coffee table book.
June 22, 2018
There is not much content cross over beyond it giving some history of each state. The children that would like this book would be 2nd through 5th grade. I liked it because it gives a variety of "fast facts" about each state. I paired this book with Sisters by Raina Telgemeier, Published 2014. because it is about a family on a road trip. The 50 States book and Sisters could be paired together to showcase some of the states and sites the family will see when driving from California to Colorado. Which allows the children to find a connection to when they took a road trip.
Strategy I would use is webbing I would find out where all my students have been.
Strategy I would use is webbing I would find out where all my students have been.
November 12, 2023
Genre: Informational
Grade Level: 2nd - 5th
I had never seen this book before and really enjoyed reading through it! The author did a great job making this informational book very appealing to the eye and interesting. The author and illustrator created this book in a way that makes the book more intriguing to read. This would be a great book for children to read when they are learning or wanting to learn about any of the states. I highly recommend this book for children!
Grade Level: 2nd - 5th
I had never seen this book before and really enjoyed reading through it! The author did a great job making this informational book very appealing to the eye and interesting. The author and illustrator created this book in a way that makes the book more intriguing to read. This would be a great book for children to read when they are learning or wanting to learn about any of the states. I highly recommend this book for children!
Read
June 5, 2020Another really interesting, unusual atlas-type book. I like the level of detail here--this isn't just a brief overview of state highlights, you'll have to look elsewhere for that, but you can see a list of famous authors from Maine, for example, or read about a kooky kind of restaurant in another. Good stuff!
September 7, 2020
I love this book as we will be able to use it throughout the school year, especially since I am crazy about maps and just completed a new quilt map of the USA.
I love the visuals, the size, the maps and the diversity of people/events noted for each state.
Homeschooling can be tiring and some books a disappointment but not this one.
I'm looking forward to using it with my grandkids.
I love the visuals, the size, the maps and the diversity of people/events noted for each state.
Homeschooling can be tiring and some books a disappointment but not this one.
I'm looking forward to using it with my grandkids.
September 12, 2020
Great take on exploring the 50 states. Packed with lots of interesting facts, stunning illustrations, and engaging map layouts. This book would be a tremendous companion to any stateside exploration with kiddos, maybe ages 6+
Will definitely refer to this book again.
(My one gripe is the quasi-cursive block text describing each state. I don't love the font choice for readability reasons.)
Will definitely refer to this book again.
(My one gripe is the quasi-cursive block text describing each state. I don't love the font choice for readability reasons.)
January 1, 2021
Packed with interesting tidbits—emoticons were invented in Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh—and engaging artwork, this would be a great gift or classroom resource. A very thorough, enormous really, index and it includes cartoon portrait of presidents through 2020.
The oversized feel makes it eye catching, too.
I love the cuteness of this book.
The oversized feel makes it eye catching, too.
I love the cuteness of this book.
April 19, 2021
This is an impressive book! It is huge! And jam packed with fun information. There is a two page spread for all 50 states plus Washington DC. Each one features state icons, parks, battlefield sites, moments to remember, inspiring people, and key facts. This book is such a great introduction to the United States!
November 30, 2021
This is fantastic. Beautifully illustrated with so many interesting places, people, and facts.
One critique: on the Illinois page, a pumpkin festival is featured. It is NOT, however, the Morton Pumpkin Festival in the Pumpkin Capital of the World.
(GoodReads has this as sharing an ISBN with 50 CIties of the United States. They are different, though both wonderful books.)
One critique: on the Illinois page, a pumpkin festival is featured. It is NOT, however, the Morton Pumpkin Festival in the Pumpkin Capital of the World.
(GoodReads has this as sharing an ISBN with 50 CIties of the United States. They are different, though both wonderful books.)
April 21, 2024
Jam packed with facts and colourful illustrations this is a great book for children to learn about each of the 50 states. Each states is listed in alphabetical order with its own page filled with famous people, key facts, state icons, places of interest and more.
This is a book to come back to again and again.
This is a book to come back to again and again.
July 6, 2024
2.5 stars
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was a nice book about the 50 states, with some history point, some famous people and some fun tidbits. It was a nice read, I just feel like the pages were too crowded with information and illustrations and that does not make the information easier to ingest. But it's a nice book.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was a nice book about the 50 states, with some history point, some famous people and some fun tidbits. It was a nice read, I just feel like the pages were too crowded with information and illustrations and that does not make the information easier to ingest. But it's a nice book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews