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- Visit our new dedicated Amazon
Store for all your geography, teaching, and other needs.
- Goode's World Atlas
New 22nd Edition,
released 2009. My preferred basic classroom atlas; excellent thematic
maps, and index keyed to Lat/Long.
- National Geographic Atlas of the
World
Expensive, but a brilliant and comprehensive atlas for
home or school use
- The Times Atlas of the World
The major,
definitive atlas; the ultimate geographical resource
- The Times Atlas of the World Family Edition
An
abridged "family" version of the above, for a fraction of the cost
- Oxford Atlas of the World
A very impressive
atlas, packed with information, and kept scrupulously updated. Not
inexpensive, but an indispensable reference book.
- Satellite Atlas of the World
If you're looking
for a map, go elsewhere, but for stunning satellite imagery of different
parts of the Earth, and for what you can learn from such imagery, there's
nothing any better. Take a look at this in your local library, and then
buy one for your bookshelf.
- The National Geographic Desk Reference
A
standard reference tool, useful for home and classroom
- National Geographic Atlas of World
History
Compiled by noted historians and cartographers
- Penguin State of the World Atlas, 8th Ed.
A classic
reference book, with maps and graphics to help readers understand the
world.
- Rand McNally 2012 Road Atlas
United States,
Canada, Mexico; an excellent driving aid and United States atlas
- National Geographic Road Atlas
Handy size and
very comprehensive; keep one at home and one in the car. Sept. 2004.
- National Geographic Satellite Atlas of the
World
Marvelous photos, a very useful multi-dimensional tool
- The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2012
The
almanac I prefer for classroom use; extensive geographic and global detail
- The World Almanac for Kids 2012
A very good
almanac for the primary classroom; extensive geographic and global detail
- The Time Almanac, 2012
With the Information
Please Almanac, a very comprehensive resource
- The Time For Kids Almanac 2012
A good basic
"starter" almanac
- The New York Times Almanac 2011
The classic -- not issued for 2012 yet -- but
extensive, thorough, authoritative
- The Statesman's Yearbook 2011
This is hugely
expensive, but there is no better resource anywhere for the
politics, cultures, and economies of the world. No 2012 Edition Yet.
- Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary
For
the resource shelf -- what is an isthmus anyway, what's the capital of
Moravia, etc.
- A Dictionary of Geography
by Susan Mayhew;
another good tool for the resource shelf
- Statistical
Abstract of the United States
2011-12
"The National Data Book"; this book has amazing data for all
sorts of exploration, reference, and mapmaking. Published by the
Census Bureau and the US Government Printing Office.
(This may be the last Statistical Abstract to be published by the US Government; funding
for this immensely valuable and important book was cut by last year's congress.)
- Animaniac's Sing-Along: Yakko's World
Steven
Spielberg's Animaniacs cartoon compilation that includes "Wakko's America"
(the 50 state capitals), and "Yakko's World" (the countries of the world,
located on a map as they are mentioned. An entertaining video, and for
older children, it's even fun to look for changes and omissions
- Powers of Ten
From the Films of Charles and Ray
Eames, geography at a universal and atomic level
- The Films of Charles and Ray Eames, Vol. 2
A
compilation of several short films, including "Atlas", the history of the
Roman Empire told through moving maps
- National Geographic Atlas for Young
Explorers, 3rd Ed.
Recommended ages 9-12; a solid, standard atlas for upper
elementary students
- National Geographic Beginner's World
Atlas
Recommended ages 4 to 8; a good beginner's atlas, with well
designed maps, and text on the land and people of each region
- National Geographic Student Atlas of the World, 3rd
Ed.
Recommended ages 12 and up; good maps and illustrations, charts, graphs,
flags, facts. Very comprehensive.
- Rand McNally's Around the World, An Atlas of
Maps and Pictures
Recommended ages 4-8; regular "flat" maps, plus
maps in a perspective that looks like three dimensions; landscape scenes
at the bottom of each page help make the connection between the map and
the real place
- Rand McNally Children's Illustrated Atlas of the
World
Recommended ages 9-12; new atlas from Rand McNally, with very
strong maps and lots of information
- Atlas of the World
This atlas, from
Raintree-Steck-Vaughan, is a relatively inexpensive alternative if you want to
buy an atlas for each student in your class
- The Geography Coloring Book
A huge amount of
information about the world, constructed into a coloring book; some
problems with earlier editions have been corrected -- the maps are very
friendly, easy to use, and easily adaptable.
- Comic Strip Map Skills
A light and kid-friendly
approach to map skills.
- The Complete Book of Maps and
Geography
Activities and lessons to help students learn about maps
and about the skills of geography. Aimed at grades 3-6, but relevant below
that target.
- Owen and Mzee
A Kenyan baby hippo is marooned by
the 2005 Tsunami; it finds comfort and friendship with a 130-year-old
tortoise.
- Maps and Mapping
For lower elementary; an
interesting look at maps and their components, including scale, contour,
symbols, and more
- Small Worlds: Maps and Map-Making
For upper
elementary; through numerous drawings and photos, the author helps clarify
what maps are, what they are for, and how to use them
- As The Crow Flies: A First Book of Maps
A clear
and simple"concept" book, presenting various animals and their
neighborhood, with one large map that links all the neighborhoods
together
- Simon and Barklee in England
One in a series of
books about two friends who roam the globe.
- Bringing The Rain to Kapiti Plain
Highly
Recommended
A cumulative tale, in rhyme, about a Maasai boy's
efforts to end a drought in East Africa
- Miss Rumphius: Story and Pictures
Highly
Recommended
A woman's journey through life making the world
more beautiful
- Over, Under, and Through and Other Spatial
Concepts
Highly Recommended
A picture book about
spatial concepts for very young readers.
- Where Are You Going? To See My Friend
A book for
Pre-Schoolers, and for older children or adults interested in Japanese.
Bilingual English/Japanese (each version starting from a different end of
the book)
- The Day of Ahmed's Secret
A child's life in Cairo
- Sami and the Time of Troubles
Life in war-torn
Beirut. An appealing story about inner strength in the face of modern-day
conflicts.
- My Rows and Piles of Coins
A young boy in
Tanzania saves his coins; his goal is to buy a bicycle. A touching story
of a loving family
- The House of Wisdom
Highly
Recommended
Young Ishaq wanders through 9th-century Baghdad's
packed marketplace, filled with curiosity, awed by the many different
people and languages. "They speak so strangely," he whispers to his
father. His father, a translator and scribe who works in the caliph's
library, the House of Wisdom, replies, "You may not understand them, but
that does not mean they have nothing to say."
- World Team
Children playing and practicing soccer
all around the world; this book addresses time zones, but is really about
the universality of soccer
- A Life Like Mine
What life is like for 18
children around the world; divided in to four sections -- Survival,
Dvelopment, Protection, and Participation
- A Faith Like Mine
Religion in the lives of
children around the world; thoughtful and gentle and clear.
- Elizabeti's Doll
Elizabeti, a Tanzanian girl,
watches her mother care for her new baby brother
- Elizabeti's School (Elizabeti Series)
Elizabeti
looks forward to school, but also misses her life at home
- Mama Elizabeti (Elizabeti Series)
The day of a
child in a Tanzanian Village
- Beatrice's Goat
A young girl in Uganda gets a
goat from the Heifer Project; it provides milk to feed the family, and a
little extra to sell. Stunning illustrations
- Wake Up, World! A Day In the Life of Children Around the
World
Appropriate for Grades 1-3; a simple look at some of the ways
in which people's lives may differ but are also similar
- Children From Australia to Zimbabwe
Children from
25 nations, beautifully illustrated; country profiles and more
- Material World
Highly Recommended
An
intimate look at the material possessions of families around the world;
the dirt house and bicycle of a family in Mali help us understand
something important about the world, especially when contrasted with the 4
automobiles and dozens of oriental carpets of a Kuwaiti family.
- Hungry Planet
Highly Recommended
30
families in 24 countries are
interviewed and studied to help us understand food in the world; from the
creators of Material
World, this is an inspiring, informative, and powerful look at food in
the world.
- A Cool Drink of Water
Highly
Recommended
Water-gathering around the world; breath-taking
National Geographic photos
- Hands Around the World
Sub-titled: "365 Creative
Ways to Encourage Cultural Awareness and Global Respect"
- Kids' Multicultural Arts Book
Nice range of
interesting crafts and great suggestions for tweaking the activities for
different needs, levels, etc.
- Cactus Hotel
Highly Recommended
The
entire life cycle of a single cactus; powerful environmental and nature
education
- Children Just Like Me
Children from more than 140
countries. A UNICEF book
- Children Just Like Me: Celebrations!
Celebrations
around the world; photographs of children in traditional costume, and a
first person account of celebrations
- People Around the World
The people of many
countries and regions are discussed and described. Arranged by continents,
with maps.
- Earthsearch: A Kids' Geography Museum
Highly
Recommended
A classic, and one of my favorites: covers everything
geographic, with 18 "exhibits" including "ancient" aluminum, foreign
coins, much more
- The Egyptian Cinderella
A retelling of
Cinderella, but placed in Ancient Egypt
- Everybody Cooks Rice
Highly
Recommended
- Everybody Bakes Bread
Highly Recommended
- Everybody Brings Noodles
Highly
Recommended
- Everybody Serves Soup
Highly
Recommended
These four titles tell the story of a friendly
international neighborhood; all four books include recipes
- Houses and Homes Around the World
A colorful
photo-essay, with few words, showing a variety of houses
- How My Parents Learned to Eat
An American father,
a Japanese mother, and how they learned from each other. Charming
- Me On The Map
"ME", in my room, my house, my
street, my city, my state, etc. The concept and power of maps for pre-K,
K, and 1st/2nd grades
- Nine O'Clock Lullaby
Highly
Recommended
Time zones explained in a finely told story for young
readers
- One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship
A
sensitive and well-presented introduction to seven major religions:
Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism
- Paddle-To-The-Sea
Highly
Recommended
The little carved canoe starts his journey in Lake
Nipigon, travels the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, and ends up in France.
A classic
- A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby
Carrying
As her mother makes tortillas, a Guatemalan infant is
rocked in a shawl tied around her mother's body. Riding in a sling
balanced on his grandfather's hip, a young boy watches his father gather
honey in central Africa, etc.
- River Ran Wild: An Environmental
History
Repairing a badly damaged river
- Shoes, Shoes, Shoes (Around the World)
- Hats, Hats, Hats (Around the World)
- Bread, Bread, Bread (Around the World)
Shoes and
Hats and Bread can tell a lot about where you come from. Simple text and
dazzling photos reveal how people dress around the world. Nice enhancement
for studying world cultures in primary grades
- Somewhere In Africa
Ashraf lives in Africa, but
in a vital African city, not the Africa of "Lion King"
- Welcome To the World: A Celebration of Birth and Babies
From Many Cultures
Photographs of babies from many different
cultures enhance poems by such distinguished authors as Sylvia Plath,
Erica Jong, India's Bibhu Padhi, Su Shih from China, and the Caribbean's
John Agard
- Where To Look For a Dinosaur
The geography of
dinosaurs, worldwide
- Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy
A useful
reference book about Solar, Wind, Biomass, and Hydropower, but also
contains a lot of very useful and friendly tips about saving energy now,
with no investment in alternative sources.
- The History, Psychology, and Pedagogy of Geographic
Literacy
by Malcolm P. Douglass. A powerful basic overview from the
perspective of a professional educator. He covers subjects from the
Journal of Geography to Binet, Horace Mann, and the Geographic Alliance
Network
- Geography: Realms, Regions, and Concepts
by
DeBlij and Muller. The Millennial Edition of a great basic text; packaged
with Goode's World Atlas, a nice bonus
- Guns, Germs, and Steel
by Jared Diamond. A
fascinating survey of human history on every continent. "History followed
different courses for different peoples because of differences among
peoples' environments, not because of biological differences among peoples
themselves."
- Harm De Blij's Geography Book
A storehouse of
geographic wisdom and information
- Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation
by
Tom McKnight. The Millennial Edition of this classic text; a clear
and tremendously informative presentation. The "Virtual Fiedtrip"
edition.
- The Handy Geography Answer Book
by Matt
Rosenberg. A fun book from the designer of the "geography.about.com"
website.
- How To Lie With Maps
by Mark Monmonier. One of
the classics of cartography, by one of the gurus.
- Rhumb Lines and Map Wars
by Mark Monmonier. The
story of the Mercator projection, its background and uses, and Monmonier's
response to the supposed issues brought up by Arno Peters in the 1950's.
- Cartographies of Danger: Mapping Hazards in
America
by Mark Monmonier. Another remarkable Monmonier book about
mapping and life.
- Longitude
by Dava Sobel. The story is grim,
marked by bloodshed, jealousy, despair, and death -- and it's about the
development of a workable system for finding your way around the Earth; a
best-seller for months; a great read
- Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its
Disappearing Water
by Marc Reisner. Just in case you thought there
really was enough water to go around...
- Crabgrass Frontier: The Suburbanization of the United
States
by Kenneth T. Jackson. Our landscape has changed in the
last 50 years; this book explains one of the many important changes
- Divided Highways: Building the Interstate Highways,
Transforming American Life
by Tom Lewis. The Interstate Highway
System is one of the lasting legacies of the Eisenhower era
- Edge City: Life on the New Frontier
by Joel
Garreau. Garreau has a novel and eye-opening way of looking at our
landscapes and our lives
- Rediscovering Geography
by The National Research
Council. Getting back to basics
- Ten Geographic Ideas That Changed the World
by
Susan Hanson. Marvelous reading; adds dimension and depth to our
understanding of geography
- The Visual Display of Quantitative
Information
Highly Recommended
Not a geography book, but
it will help you understand how to create maps, charts, and graphs that
really do their jobs
- Click Here for an amazon.com search on the keywords
"world", "cultures", and "children".
- Click Here for an amazon.com search on the keywords
"maps", "geography", and "children".
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Teacher eagle and student eagles
