Earth's Biomes Book

National geographic student atlas of the world. (2009). Des Moines: National Geographic Children's Books.

Citation by: Megan Cosby

Type of Reference: Geographic Reference

Call Number: Ref 912

Content/Scope: This atlas is geared towards students 12 and up. It provides a basic introduction to geography through instructing on the use of maps and other items. The second part focuses on each continent with large maps in a more atlas style layout.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: National Geographic is known for its global coverage. People often turn to National Geographic as a way to instruct students about the world around them.

Arrangement/Presentation: Divided into two sections: an introduction to geography and a typical atlas format. Lot of colorful pictures and large, easy to read maps.

Relation to other works: There are lots of atlas options, but the beginning of this books provides a great background of geography and using an atlas that many students would benefit from.

Accessibility/Diversity: While not targeted toward a high school, a school with a large ESL population could really benefit from a book at a lower reading level like this one. The attention to other countries and other cultures are also welcome.

Cost: $11.36

Professional Review from School Library Journal:
Grade 5-8'This book is divided into two sections. The first part presents maps, photos, illustrations, graphs, text, and recent statistics to help students learn about Earth and how humans have used and affected its resources. It provides a basic introduction to geography, and a variety of images to show how maps are made and how to read them. One chapter discusses the physical systems of the Earth, such as geological history, climate zones, vegetation, water availability, and environmentally vulnerable areas, and another on human systems examines world populations, cities, languages, religions, economies, food production, energy, and cultures. The second section, with one chapter for each continent, offers more traditional atlas coverage. Large maps depict physical and political features, climate, population distribution, and economic activity, and special "Focus On" features examine some aspect of the continent. Back matter includes basic statistics and an illustration of the flag for each nation and thematic and place-name indexes. The first section of the book, which provides easily understood information about geography and maps, is stronger than the second, which contains only general information about each continent and does not include highly detailed maps, but that basic introduction will nevertheless be valuable to many students.'Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO