Full Text Review(s)
[Alaska] "This updated survey is attractively designed and filled with eye-catching photos, maps, and graphs. Chapters are devoted to geography, history, people, government, economy, and landmarks. The text gives an evenhanded overview of controversial issues and challenges facing Alaska, such as the need to diversify the economy, as well as basic information. Thirty pages of back matter include fun facts, a calendar of celebrations, famous people, places to visit, and an annotated list of Web sites. Tables are informative, but a bar graph of the largest cities makes an ineffective visual since Anchorage is nearly 10 times the size of the next largest city. The "Places to See" map lacks a key to the symbols that mark it. Overall, though, this current and comprehensive title makes a useful addition to most collections. –Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK"

[Vermont] "First published in 1997, this book in the Celebrate the States series has been revised to include updated information on politics, the economy, and social issues, while retaining extensive coverage of the state’s history and time-honored traditions. A theme throughout this revision is the current struggle between preserving Vermont’s small-town charm and playing a role in a computer-driven, global financial world. Elish also mentions that in keeping with its independent heritage, Vermont was the first state to allow civil unions for same-sex couples, and notes its leadership role in environmental protection. The full-color photos emphasize the state’s rural flavor by focusing on historic sites, stone walls, and state forests. A bibliography of current books and Web sites is appended. Books on 10 other states are also available in updated editions. –– Hazel Rochman"

[New York] "Similar to books in the "America the Beautiful" series (Children’s Press), these titles cover standard facts: geography, history, government, economy, landmarks, and regions. They are attractively illustrated with clear maps, charts, and pie graphs. Photos and reproductions of original documents add to overall effectiveness. The texts are interesting while sticking to a strict series format. The fast-facts sections have most data required for basic reports, including the flag, sheet music for the state song, and a recipe. In these revisions of the 1997 editions, most illustrations were updated, but the original texts were only slightly reworked. There are several completely new sections, including the EPA battle over Zebra mussels in Illinois and the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York and Virginia. Population and economic charts and texts have been updated and pie charts have been improved to show percentages instead of just a shape divided into sections. Excellent additions for reports or general interest."

[California, Texas] "These new editions reflect changes that have occurred within the past 10 years, but the basic format of the series is the same. Each book opens with a set of quotes from famous authors and past residents and concludes with brief biographical profiles of the "state stars." Additional video and Web site references have been added. There are now complete chapters on government and the economy. Other new features include maps of the state’s counties and population centers, as well as a chart showing a breakdown of its workforce. The sections on recipes, folktales, and the state song have been retained. All of the photographs are new and are in full color. This series is similar in scope to the "World Almanac Library of the States" series (Gareth Stevens). Both have high-quality photos, but the World Almanac books seem cluttered because so much information is packed into each page. Well researched and comprehensive, these books will be excellent for reports."