National Geographic Student Atlas of the World Third Edition
Grade 5–8—This book is divided into two sections. The first part presents maps, photos, illustrations, graphs, text, and recent statistics to help students learn about Earth and how humans have used and affected its resources. It provides a basic introduction to geography, and a variety of images to show how maps are made and how to read them. One chapter discusses the physical systems of the Earth, such as geological history, climate zones, vegetation, water availability, and environmentally vulnerable areas, and another on human systems examines world populations, cities, languages, religions, economies, food production, energy, and cultures. The second section, with one chapter for each continent, offers more traditional atlas coverage. Large maps depict physical and political features, climate, population distribution, and economic activity, and special "Focus On" features examine some aspect of the continent. Back matter includes basic statistics and an illustration of the flag for each nation and thematic and place-name indexes. The first section of the book, which provides easily understood information about geography and maps, is stronger than the second, which contains only general information about each continent and does not include highly detailed maps, but that basic introduction will nevertheless be valuable to many students.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MOEND