Books in State/Country Readers series

Harking back to the turn of the last century, this early reader is sure to charm students, teachers, and parents alike. In a compact format, The Michigan Reader features poems, short stories, and word games to involve students while educating and encouraging them about their state. Delicate, full-color pencil illustrations by K.L. (Kate) Darnell highlight author Kathy-jo Wargin's enchanting tales of Michigan's heroes (from the fur traders to Sojourner Truth), familiar sights (lighthouses and ships on the great waters), animals and products, with plenty of fun and nonsense in-between to engage young readers!

Our Readers (also known as "primers") are modeled after the popular nineteenth-century McGuffey Readers, which were used to teach life lessons and reading skills to young children. Using colorful illustrations and a variety of writing forms, The New Jersey Reader showcases the state's rich heritage and natural charms, as well as its place in American history. Poems, state symbols, and riddles engage beginning readers. Prose, biographies, and short stories challenge more advanced readers. Topics include early Native American culture, the state nickname, famous citizens (Molly Pitcher and John Woolman), and the Revolutionary War. A timeline listing major events in state history is also featured.Trinka Hakes Noble's many awards include ALA Notable Children's Book and Booklist Children's Editors' Choice. Trinka lives in Bernardsville, New Jersey. K. L. (Kate) Darnell has illustrated all of the books in the Reader series. In addition to her work as an illustrator, Kate is an art instructor. She lives in East Lansing, Michigan.

Trinka Hakes Noble, the author of One for All: A Pennsylvania Number Book, continues her celebration of the Keystone State in The Pennsylvania Reader. Oh, Pennsylvania, how we praise thee, Land where the Quakers came to be free. Independence for all was your decree, When your famous bell rang for Liberty. Topics included are the history behind the state name (Penn's Woods), state symbols, distinguished citizens (Daniel Boone and Betsy Ross), and famous events (the reading of the Gettysburg Address). Original fiction such as a correspondence between cousins on either side of the Mason-Dixon Line and a Reader Theater drama provide ample opportunity for student/classroom interaction.

Our Readers (also known as primers) are patterned after the popular nineteenth century McGuffey Readers which were used to teach life lessons and reading skills to young children. From the author of E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet and Times Square: A New York State Number Book comes yet another reason to enjoy learning about the Empire State. In The New York State Reader Ann Burg uses a variety of writing forms to showcase the state's rich and fascinating history, people, and culture. Poetry (including an original state pledge), counting games, hidden state symbols, and landmark riddles attract and engage beginning readers. Prose, biographies, and short stories challenge more advanced readers. Some of the topics covered are early Native American influence, immigration, and the Harlem Renaissance. With its broad scope, The New York State Reader provides ample opportunity for student/classroom interaction.Former educator Ann E. Burg has been writing since early childhood. Her other books with Sleeping Bear Press are E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet; Times Square: A New York State Number Book; and Rebekkah's Journey. She lives in upstate New York. K. L. Darnell earned her BFA at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design. She has illustrated all of the books in the Reader series. In addition to her work as an illustrator, Kate is an art instructor. She lives in East Lansing, Michigan.

Our Readers (also known as "primers") are modeled after the popular nineteenth-century McGuffey Readers, which were used to teach life lessons and reading skills to young children. Judy Young, the author of S is for Show Me: A Missouri Alphabet and Show Me the Number: A Missouri Number Book, pays homage to her home state in the entertaining and informative The Missouri Reader. Using colorful illustrations and a variety of writing forms, The Missouri Reader showcases the state's rich heritage and natural charms, as well as its place in American history. Poems, state symbols, and riddles engage beginning readers. Prose, biographies, and short stories challenge more advanced readers. Topics include a state pledge, early Native American culture, famous citizens, and a Reader Theater performance piece. A timeline listing major events in state history is also featured. Judy Young has written several books for Sleeping Bear Press, including R is for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet and The Hidden Bestiary of Marvelous, Mysterious, and (maybe even) Magical Creatures. Judy speaks at schools and educational conferences across the nation. She lives near Springfield, Missouri. K. L. (Kate) Darnell has illustrated all of the books in the Reader series, as well as a number of other books for Sleeping Bear Press. In addition to her work as an illustrator, Kate is an art instructor. She lives in East Lansing, Michigan.

From the author of B is for Buckeye: An Ohio Alphabet and Cardinal Numbers: An Ohio Number Book comes yet another reason to enjoy learning about the Buckeye State. In The Ohio Reader Marcia Schonberg expands the lessons from her two previous books and uses a variety of writing forms to showcase the state's history, people, symbols, and lore. Poetry (including a state pledge), word games, and Who Am I? animal riddles attract and engage beginning readers. Prose, biographies, and short stories (including a Civil War chapter story) challenge more advanced readers. With its broad scope and lively writing, The Ohio Reader offers "buckeyes" of all ages an armchair tour of the state and its wonders.