Don't Know Much About the 50 States » (Reprint)

Kenneth C. Davis is the bestselling author of America's Hidden History and Don't Know Much About^® History, which spent thirty-five consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has sold nearly 1.6 million copies, and gave rise to his phenomenal Don't Know Much About^® series for adults and children. He lives in New York City and Dorset, Vermont.

Thirteen stripes-
Fifty stars-

And hundreds of AMAZING facts about the U.S.A.!

Can you guess the names of the ten states below?

1. I have the highest waterfalls in North America.
2. I am the smallest state.
3. I am the largest state.
4. I have produced the most presidents of the United States.
5. I was the first to become a state.
6. I was the last to become a state.
7. I have the "Gateway to America."
8. I have the most kids under age ten.
9. I have the most tornadoes.
10. I am home to America's most popular vacation spot. See page 6 for answers.

Children's Literature

This entry in the "Don't Know Much about" series delivers the goods in zippy, hip, question-and-answer format. Each state gets a page with a map, the capital location starred and a quick chart of nickname, year of statehood, capital city, state flower and bird. Format includes two or three questions with paragraph answers; boxed extra, silly or fascinating facts; trivia contests; occasional bulleted material; and other varieties of design elements to catch the eye. While report writers may have to search elsewhere for those boring facts about principal products, here are the things that interest children and invite plenty of "Dad! Mom! Did you know..."s at the dinner table. No index but the states are arranged alphabetically and a neat clay-mation type map on the endpapers helps second or third graders master those state locations. Good fun and Andriani's cartoon illustrations add humor. 2001, HarperCollins, $15.95 and $15.89. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Susan Hepler