Book In Review

     Michigan- The Great Lakes State is a book written for children; however, I think many adults will find this short book about the state of Michigan to be fascinating.  The short book, a mere 24 pages, is part of the Our Amazing States Series from PowerKids Press.  It was written by Tika Downey; published in 2010, and covers a variety of subjects.

      The book starts off talking about the fact that Michigan has two different peninsulas; often people only think of the upper portion of the state as a peninsula.  The state of Michigan is surrounded by water, thus it is a state that is divided into two portions and both halfs are considered to be peninsulas.   There is information on how Detroit got it’s nickname of Motown.

       Michigan is rich in history and this book doesn’t cheat you from discovering some of that richness.  There is information on explorers, Native American tribes, the Underground Railroad, sand dunes, rivers, lakes, mountains and wildlife. 

         An important thing to know about Michigan is what it contributes to the rest of the country by way of manufactering, farming, forestry and tourism.  The book discusses those things and also gives you ideas of things to do for fun and learning in Michigan.  For instance, did you know that Michigan has the most lighthouses of any state in America?  There are over 120 of them according to this book.  I find that information to be fascinating. 

          Many famous people were born or raised in Michigan including presidents of the United States Of America, athletes, writers, and inventors.  There is much to learn between the covers of this book and you will enjoy the pictures as well.   I highly recommend this book for children from ages 5-13 and adults as well.