Alabama (America the Beautiful Second Series)

Gr 4-10-Two titles that were originally published in the 1980s have been completely revamped and updated. Both books have been rewritten and now contain bold, full-color photographs. Much of the information once tacked on at the end is now aptly interspersed within the text. Students will find the books well indexed, with material supported by numerous (and easily located) maps. Alabama pinpoints events affecting the state, focusing on such topics as the boll weevil, whose impact is initially explained and later discussed in a subsequent chapter, adding to the book's consistency. In New Mexico, the varied cultures represented in the state's population are given ample coverage. Short, concise chapters are packed with facts; topics of discussion are focused on holding readers' interest. Key statistics are readily accessible through a user-friendly index, as well as an effective "Fast Facts" section. Librarians who have the earlier titles may have planned to update with a different series, but with even a brief glance, they should find these well-organized, appealing books a better choice.-Alida F. Given, Fairhope Intermediate School, AL

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