Neighborhoods in My World

November 1, 2013

K-Gr 2-Attractively designed, these books introduce children to basic geography, from states to continents, and the variety of dwellings and neighborhoods in the U.S. The titles focusing on large landmasses are strong, with facts and statistics supported by maps, photos, and graphics that will draw children in. For example, stunning photographs of the Sahara and Australia's large rock Uluru in Continents will interest readers of all ages. Topics such as government, currency, language, and population are expertly explored. Unfortunately, the three volumes that focus on life closer to home lack this informational richness. Instead, they contain casual observations such as "Cities are crowded." Cities are again described as "crowded," just pages later. Isn't there more to say about urban environments? Children will not learn anything new or particularly insightful in these volumes, which will seem repetitive if read in one sitting. An uneven set.

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2014
These formulaic first nonfiction books provide new readers with very basic information about each geographic division's characteristics, similarities and differences among regions, and examples of natural features (e.g., mountains). Each double-page spread features two sentences on the right and a full-page stock photo or map on the left. These are accessible if unexciting introductions. Reading list. Glos., ind.

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