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| Image from Christian Book |
I could look at maps all day long and be perfectly content. There's something about looking at the topography/temperature/demographic information in a map format that just makes me deliriously happy. Of course, looking at a map of time zones is also super intriguing. So, when I was asked to review National Geographic Kids' newest book, "
Student World Atlas," of course I agreed!
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| Image from Christian Book |
Speaking of time zones (as in, the previous paragraph), did you know China has insisted upon one time zone for the entire country?! The countries along its perimeter are in 5-6 different time zones, but not China! I think maybe the government saw one time zone thing as a way to be united? But man, I bet those who live in the western regions of China wish they could be in the same time zone as their neighbors.
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| Image from Christian Book |
I digress.
"
National Geographic Student World Atlas" quickly sucked me in (as if you couldn't tell from that whole paragraph that came to my mind after seeing the map of time zones) and it continues to do so each time I pick it up. My middle grader has also enjoyed going through these pages and we've had some good conversations regarding world demographics and facts after reading this book.
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| Image from Christian Book |
This atlas covers cartographic basics such as map projections, types of maps, and how to read maps. It then shares physical, geologic, climactic, vegetative, aquatic, environmental, and various political maps of the world. Phew! And that's just the beginning.
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| Image from Christian Book |
It then goes on to cover, in just a few pages each, all the continents. There are more detailed maps to look at and things like the natural hazards of each continent are explained and mapped. Of course, amazing photos are also in this book. However, I was surprised how few photos there were. This is the first time I've ever experienced more illustrations than photos in a Nat Geo publication. But then, I guess that should be expected with a book about maps?
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| Image from Christian Book |
While this book says it's geared toward Middle and High schoolers, it seemed a little simplistic for upper grades, to me. For sure this is a wonderful book for middle grades. But, if I were a high school teacher, I'd expect my students to study a more in-depth atlas.
For instance, while this book does a great job showing oodles of maps, it only explains very briefly the cultures of each continent. It also doesn't go on to talk about all the countries, something I was expecting.
This fifth edition of "
National Geographic Student World Atlas" can be a great addition to any home library and as a good jumping off book to lead into other, more detailed ones. It has been great having this book for my children to study and I plan on using it for quite some time in our home school studies.
Book breakdown:
143 pages
Color illustrations and amazing color photography
Best for ages: mainly 11 through 15, but everyone can learn something from this book
Educational factor: high
Religious content: the location of world religions are mentioned, but very little is actually covered
Parents
could be concerned about: Nothing.
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