[LM_NET] HIT: Elementary Atlases

[Craig Seasholes <seasholes@EARTHLINK.NET>]

In August I queried LM_NET regarding elementary school atlas
recommendations. 

 

I received several indications of interest in atlases, but only one
informative response, from Sylvia Adair, K-8 LMS, Kansasville, Wisconsin
(Sylvia had queried LM_NET back in 2003, with limited LM_NET  response).
This time she wrote:  Just last year I bought the Facts on File World atlas
(0816067112 (hbk.)0816067120 (pbk.)) as a class set, and have been very
happy with it for 3rd and 4th grade.  The price was good, around $10 each,
and the kids had no trouble finding information in it, either through the
index or the table of contents, or by browsing through the continents.  At a
different job, I had bought a set of the Funk and Wagnalls world atlases,
and been very disappointed, as they were hard to use. When I didn't get a
lot of help from LM_NET, I went to the book store  and looked through what
they had, and checked prices.  It helped me figure out what I was looking
for, at least.

 

Taking Sylvia's advice, I have gathered nine of the more intriguing
offerings for elementary school and have asked teachers and acquaintances to
comment on them.

This informal survey brings the following notes and recommendations:

 

National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers 2rd edition 2003. 192
pages. ISBN 0-7922-2879-0: 3rd edition now available 2007. Strong for
clarity of maps, photography, satellite imagery and inclusion of ocean
geography. $29.95 Best Choice.

 

Scholastic Atlas of the World.  2001.224 pp, HB. ISBN 0-439-08795-3. Simple,
clear maps and graphs, odd though the inclusion of automobile ownership as a
significant "life fact." $12.95. Best Price.

 

Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World Geography with Complete World
Atlas. 400 pp, PB.  ISBN 0794508057. 2004. Good maps and text, attractive
links to website. A strong offering, but weak glued binding begs for gentle
use.$19.95

 

Usborne Internet-Linked Children's World Atlas. 144pp. HB ISBN 0-7945-1079-5
Less info and detail than title above, but durable binding a plus for
classroom use. $14.99

 

Facts on File Children's Atlas. 96pp. HB. ISBN # 0-8160-6711-2 Simple, clear
maps, graphic information and text. $18.05. Solid.

 

Compact Peters World Atlas, 2002. 230pp. ISBN 0-8437-1832-3 Unique
projection presents information suitable for secondary and "second look"
view of familiar atlas fare. Worthwhile supplement to libraries. $19.95.
Unique.

 

Kingfisher Children's Atlas, 2004. 80pp. ISBN 07534-5774-1. Simple maps and
text. $14.95.

 

DK Student Atlas. 4th Edition.  2006. 160 pp HB. ISBN 9780756618759.  Good
variety of informative maps, 19.95.

 

DK Children's Atlas. 176pp. 2000. ISBN 0-7894-5845-4 Maps and text inserts
provide information, but lacking comprehensive clarity. 24.95.

 

Craig Seasholes

Elementary Librarian, Giddens School, 

Seattle, WA

library@giddensschool.org 

 <http://www.bloglines.com/blog/Bookman>
http://www.bloglines.com/blog/Bookman  

 


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