World Geography through Infographics

January 1, 2015

Gr 5 Up-An attractive introduction to social studies in infographic form. The titles all begin with four questions designed to pique readers' interest ("Do you wonder where people live in the world?"), and the text is divided into 12 brief chapters. Factual data is presented, such as dates and statistics, as well as more complex concepts, all presented comprehensibly. For example, World Geography shows how rivers are vital for food and communication, maps the world's seven highest mountains, shows the layers of habitat in a rain forest, and discusses smog. US Government defines democracy and explains taxation, voting, and the three branches of American government. Economics covers topics such as the use of assembly lines, recycling electronics, seed money, and the idea of a global economy. The colorful charts, maps, and illustrations that fill the pages of this series are sure to appeal to young readers who live in a high-tech, digital world.-Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colls., Mt. Carmel

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2015
Grades 5-8 The infographic emerged as the perfect antidote to the clutter of the Internet: simple, creative, appealing representations of complicated subjects. The Super Social Studies Infographics series attemptsand largely succeedsin extending the concept across several thematic volumes. Though the specific topics covered in each book can be scattershot, they are always helped along by each illustrator's command of what has become the infographic's trademark: tidy, droll, fine-lined charts and graphs that are innately appealing. The best volume is World Geography through Infographics, with its crystal-clear charts of countries' wealth versus population, capitals versus biggest cities, and more. Clarity across the series is inconsistent, but interest levels always remain high.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)