Illinois (From Sea to Shining Sea, Second)
Reviewed with Alexandra Hanson-Harding'sTexas.Gr. 4-6. From Sea to Shining Sea, which replaced the series In Words and Pictures (both by Dennis Fradin), is now available in an enlarged, revised version, with a spiffy new format and text by several authors. It is being marketed to grades 3-5 (you'll note that we have graded it slightly higher), featuring considerably longer texts, which aren't necessarily of the same reading level. There are more short sidebars, introducing information on such topics as "Texas Firsts." Each book covers geography, history, government, and the people, and provides a minitour of the state. The graphics are strong; there are many color photographs, maps, and illustrations. A representative recipe, an almanac of state facts, a glossary, and a miscellany of famous people from the state are appended. The "For More Information" page is too specific to be very helpful; the only books mentioned inIllinois, for example, are a biography of Abe Lincoln, a book of Carl Sandburg's poems, and a biography of Jane Addams. The writing never sparkles, but the series is attractive and covers the questions children need answered for reports.Susan Dove LempkeCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.