Genre: Atlas

An atlas is a reference book filled with maps.  Additional supplementary features such as charts, graphs and photographs can help illustrate map concepts. Teaching with atlases in the classroom promotes problem solving skills, introduces students to directional vocabulary used in daily life, builds on the sense of space/distance and is a great way to integrate curriculum.  The idea of a map is very abstract, so young students may struggle with the concept.  Students can be introduced to children's atlas's to learn basic knowledge of keys and directional vocabulary.  Grades 4 and up are able to maneuver atlas's independently or in small groups.  The variety of atlases available; make it easy to incorporate into the classroom.  Historical maps create a clearer image of battle grounds and early settlements; a perfect compliment for any Social Studies class.  Online versions of atlases are also available.  These versions add more up to date detail as well as building geographic skills with interactive games.  Features of quality atlases are: recommended publishers, accuracy and accessibility for students.

My Favorite Picks:

Wallace, H. (2009). World picture atlas. Mankato, Minn.: QEB Pub.

No Lexile found, estimated approximately 770
Complexity Band: 4-5

This picture atlas is filled with animals, cities and people of the different regions.  It is unique in not only showing a map of the region by actual photos of the cities in the region, but the animals and people that are common in the region. An added touch that might draw students attention is: for each region they give an example of a catch phrase that is popular.  This book could be used for second graders with direction from educator. The first few pages explain the layout of the book and how to use it.  While reading about the geographic locations there are bolded words.  The bolded words can be found in the glossary in the back of the book.  This would be a great value to a Social Studies or Geography lesson; students seeing faces of people from other countries will make them easier to connect to.

This unique atlas shows us maps of the ocean floor.  The book is filled with full page illustrations of the bodies of water and species found within those bodies of water.  To aid in learning there are diagrams that go along with the authentic photographs.  The book starts out giving the history of where oceans come from, explanation on why we need a compass and how to read one.  Students will love the fun facts added to every page.  Due to the complexity of understanding the ocean floor, this atlas is suited for Grades 6 and above.  This text would compliment a Science unit on ocean life or even play a role in a Social Studies lesson on how to use a compass.  I really like the uniqueness of the types of maps this atlas contains.  A great way for students to see how diverse maps can be.

 Scholastic atlas of oceans. (2004). New York, NY: Scholastic Reference.
 Grade Equivalent: 7.8
 Complexity Band: 6-8