Sunday, June 29, 2014

Celebrating Massachusetts by Marion Dane Bauer -- ADVISABLE

Bauer, Marion Dane Celebrating Massachusetts (50 States to Celebrate), 36 pgs. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014. $3.99. Content: G.

In this illustrated guide to Massachusetts, history teacher Mr. Geo takes students on a tour of the state, teaching them about everything from its history as one of the original 13 colonies, to its tourist attractions, to its sports teams. Contains a cartoonish map of the state, a list of "Fast Facts," important dates in state history, suggested activities, and a glossary.

The titles in this series are perfect for reports on the fifty states. The creative approach may make it more accessible for students who find straight-up nonfiction very dry. Although the back mentions an interest level of grades 1-4, the illustrations and text should work for many struggling middle school students, too. The only things missing are actual photographs instead of illustrations, but supplementation from other sources should help with that.

EL, MS -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

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