LM_NET: Library Media Networking
Many thanks to all of you who responded. A copy of the original query
follows the responses.
+ + +
I have a set of the One Nation series. My set has a 1997 copyright
and is published by Capstone Press, 818 North Willow St., Mankato, MN
56001. I am looking at the book entitled, Georgia. The ISBN for this
particular book is 1-56065-473-2. It has a table of contents and an
index. The reading level (according to AR is 6.2. I usually do not
agree with AR's reading levels, however.) I would judge it to be
closer to 4.5 reading level. Words like Piedmont, Revolutionary and
place names makes the formula used by AR push the reading level higher
than it acutally is. I talked to a fourth grade teacher who uses
these books extensively for social studies projects. She says that
they are very well written and that her students enjoyed them so much
that some chose to check them out for "free" reading. I think the
books are durable and very attractive, measuring 6 X 8.5. So they are
small and the amount of information is limited. Each book has 48
pages. I believe that the information is accurate.
I have purchased another set of state books that are a lower reading
level because we have so many students with low reading levels. (by
the way, fourth grade teachers teach about the states at our
elementary school.) The AR reading level on this set of books is 3.7.
It is called the Facts and Symbols series. The book that I am looking
at is entitled Minnesota Facts and Symbols by Bill McAuliffe.
Published by Hilltop Books, which is part of Grolier Publishing. The
ISBN is 0-7368-0219-3. It is a 1999 copyright. It is 24 pages in
length and a much simpler than the One Nation books and has an index
and a table of contents. The books are very durable and very
colorful. They are approximately 8 X 8 inches in size. The teachers
and students like this set of books very much. At the time I
purchased, the set was not complete. It only had 22 states covered.
I have not checked to see if they have completed any more.
+ + +
I am also looking for state books for the lower grades. I have been
previewing the series title A Kid's Guide to American States,
published by Weigl. They are new to me. These look like a good
possibility. They are well-bound, have a good Table of Contents and
colorful illustrations. The information is accessible to younger
students without being overwhelming. High ratio of pictures and
sidebar info to text info, which should be good for younger students.
The index is a little thin, and if you are scrutinizing a state you
know well, you will see some limitations. For example, in looking at
the volume on Washington, little mention is made of the portion of the
state that is east of the Cascades. I'm guessing the Oregon volume
might look the same. But that does seem to be typical of any
information written about the two states. I think the series may
compare well to other state series for the age group.
+ + + + + ++
We have the America the Beautiful set and have been
very happy with them. Students check them out often and
we also use them as a great resource when studying
states.
+ + + + + + +
Hello USA by Lerner (3rd gr +)
Facts and Symbols by Hilltop/Franklin Watts (2nd grade)
From Sea to Shining Sea by Children's Press (4th gr +)
+ + + + + +
Abdo & Daughters has a series (The United States) that we have found
very
user friendly. Lots of white space and larger type make them look
easier
that they are...3-4 RL, K-3 interest. 1998 copyright on the one in my
hand!
+ + + + +
We have One Nation by Capstone, and I like it for its detail and
layout. But
there's a lot of information, and it's not all that easy to read.
However,
we also have From Sea to Shining Sea (Children's Press) and it's much
harder.
+ + + + +
Concord Elem. in Milwaukie, has the One Nation books. They are just
right for both our 4th and 5th graders who do state research (not too
much info, arranged in an understandable manner).
+ + + + +
The series that I really like is FROM SEA
TO SHINING SEA. Our 3rd grade does state
reports each year, and this set of books
have made their research very easy.
+ + + +
My library is K-12 in Imbler, OR. I purchased the One Nation set in
October 1999 from Capstone Press. They are great!! The students use
them a lot.
I paid $733.40 and got the 52 volume set, plus 52 Accelerated Reader
quizzes, and a free MARC data disk. The books have reinforced library
bindings and are very durable. The photographs are lovely. The
classes that study states have really enjoyed them, and my teachers
are also impressed!
I sure hope this helps.
+ + + + +
We have the Checkerboard Geography Series. It seems to be quite good
for
early grades. It has plenty of information for second and most third
graders.
+ + + + +
>Sorry, I am not working now so I can't check the catalog. We used a
>set in
>third grade that was quite simple. I think it was published by Abdo
>and
>Daughters or Checkerboard Books. I think they're in Minnesota. They
>were
>well received by teachers and students; our third graders were a
>little low.
+ + + +
One Nation: I think the
>amount of text and graphics would be just right for midsecond grade
>on,assuming the students are at or above grade level. Good luck!
+ + + +
>I have the series by Capstone. It has all the usual features like
>table of
>contents, fast facts, index, etc. It is about a 2 or 3 reading
level.
>I
>also bought the Steck-Vaughn Portrait of America series which has
>lots of
>good features too but is a little higher reading lever, about 4th
>grade. Between the two, they have everyting we need.
+ + + +
>We have the "Hello, U.S.A." Series published by Lerner. The
teachers
>like it pretty well. The books are small, colorful and hold a great
>deal
>of information. Lots of pictures too, at least one on every page.
>Includes Facts-at-a-glance in the back also.
>Hope this helps.
>
+ + + +
>Hilltop Books has a complete set of state books called "Alaska Facts
>and
>Symbols" or whatever state you are seeking. I have this set and used
>them
>quite successfully with 3rd graders and the classroom teachers have
as
>well.
>Easy to follow format. Not too much info to read.
+ + + + +
>I may be way off on this response because I'm at home and the books
>are at
>school. Also, the publisher may have changed the content since I
>reviewed
>several books in this series. I found it hard to believe a state
book
>could be published and not contain a map of the state. I think it's
>important for younger readers to not only be able to read the words,
>but
>also for the book to give them some idea of where the place is. This
>would
>be crucial for young children; they need to be able to place the
state
>within the country. Check the books for these details before you buy
>if
>possible.
>
>For younger students I like the State Maps and Symbols series. Lots
>of
>full page pictures in a smaller size book. I have the publisher as
>Hilltop
>in Mankato, MN.
+ + + +
> This is a two part question. One of our elementary schools is
looking
> to purchase a set of state books for the earlier readers,
specifically
> for grades 2 - 4+
>
> (1)
> If you have the One Nation series of state books published by
> Bridgestone Books, could you tell me, please, what you like about
the
> set and what you dislike about the set? Do you feel you got good
> value in purchasing the set?
>
> (2)
> What other recently published state sets would you suggest for the
> early readers, grades 2 - 4+? Why?
>
> Thanks. Edith.
>
> Edith Fuller
> Librarian, Professional Library
> Portland Public Schools
> Portland OR 97208
Edith Fuller
Librarian, Professional Library
Portland Public Schools
Portland OR 97208
efuller@pps.k12.or.us
phone: +1 503 916 3406
fax: +1 503 916 3022
Professional Library web page
http://www.pps.k12.or.us/district/depts/edmedia/profhome.shtml
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=
All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law.
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST, etc.) send email to:
listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
4) SET LM_NET MAIL * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv.
For LM_NET Help see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
Archives: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.shtml
See also EL-Announce for announcements from library media vendors:
http://www.mindspring.com/~el-announce/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=
LM_NET
Mailing List Home