Mapping People

November 1, 2019

Gr 2-4-Each title opens with an explanation of what maps are and the different types of maps that exist, including mind maps and family trees. Content specific to the featured topic is presented in a linear fashion, with foundational concepts covered first and more complex ideas presented later. Each page of text is broken up by relevant maps, illustrations, and sidebars. A few of the maps are grainy and hard to see, and while photo credits are listed on the CIP page, the maps aren't consistently dated. Duplication of the images and content, particularly in relation to space travel and mapping, occurs with some titles, too. There are no source notes or recommended reading materials to lend credibility to the series, and since many statistics and interesting facts are included within each text, the authors missed an opportunity to further educate and engage their readers. VERDICT Poorly rendered graphics and a lack of sources detract from this series that clearly explains the concepts of maps and mapping.

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2019
Grades 3-5 Each page of these fascinating books in the Map and Mapping series (6 titles) is packed with detailed information. Colorful maps, supporting photos, captions, definitions, and sidebars compete for space, slightly overwhelming the main text. An introduction discusses the general purpose of maps, and spreads dive deeper into both general concepts and specific locations or information conveyed by the featured map type. The maps themselves serve as jumping-off points for a variety of information, some of which (like animal migration) overlaps among the titles. Mapping People discusses topics from population density to migration, travel, exploration, and GPS activities such as Geocaching. It's worth noting that some of the books' information, especially that related to exploration and trade, is Eurocentric in focus. Although potentially challenging to read straight through, these books lend themselves well to research projects and classroom social studies or science units.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)