Arkansas
The United States: Past and Present
By the time Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto arrived in Arkansas in 1541, the area was resplendent with the Native American culture of the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw. The name "Arkansas" comes from a Quapaw word that means "south wind." This book serves as an entertaining visit to Arkansas--the Natural State. Students will gain a solid understanding of the state's government, economics, history, culture, and geography. Highlighted celebrated residents include Judge Isaac C. Parker, John Hanks Alexander, Daisy Gaston Bates, Sam Walton, Art Porter Senior, Johnny Cash, J. William Fulbright, William Jefferson Clinton, Mary Steenburgen, and Scottie Pippen.
* Reviews *
Series Review: United States: Past and Present"Unlike other elementary series available on states, this provides information on more advanced topics, such as proposing and passing state laws, and candid facts about Indian removal...RECOMMENDED."
--Library Media Connection
Series Review:
"These attractive overviews cover the geography, history, government, economy, and famous people in each state. Each section features a "Past and Present" page, giving history and current importance of special-interest topics, like the Indy 500 or the life of Johnny Appleseed...The writing is clear, and facts are plainly stated--a boon for students working on reports. Good-quality photos, portraits, and relevant paintings illustrate the texts. Back batter encourages further research into recent books and a variety of Web sites that can be accessed through a publisher's link. These volumes compare favorably to Ann Heinrich's Tennessee and Indiana (both Compass Point, 2003). Good selections for libraries updating their state-books collections."
--School Library Journal
Series Review:
"Combining information about history, geography, culture, and political structure in an attractive format, these books are divided into five chapters that discuss the state's land, history, government, economy, and famous natives. The "Past and Present" component is provided through numerous sidebars that connect the history and current status of a wide array of topics, such as natural resources, agriculture, industry, and environmental issues that are important to an understanding of the place... These titles will give students both basic report information and an interesting perspective on how a state's past affects its present."
--Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO, School Library Journal
