Kentucky

Name: Kentucky
ISBN: 9780761415251

by Ann Gaines

For children curious about different states or preparing for a geography project, this book offers a clear, factual introduction to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when their child is assigned a state report or shows a budding interest in geography and how different places in the United States are unique. This book serves as a straightforward, factual encyclopedia about the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It covers essential topics like geography, history (from early settlement to modern times), economy, and state symbols. The primary emotional theme is curiosity, encouraging a child's wonder about the world. It is perfectly suited for children in the 8 to 12 age range who need a reliable source for a school project or who are simply curious. It's a great choice for providing a solid, well-organized foundation of knowledge without overwhelming a young reader.

Curiosity & Wonder History

What Parents Should Know

Racism & DiscriminationMild

Mentions the historical facts of slavery and the displacement of Native Americans.

Sensitive Topics

The book touches on the displacement of Native American tribes and the history of slavery in the state. The approach is direct and factual, typical of educational texts from this era. It presents these as historical events but may lack the deeper, more critical perspective and emotional nuance found in more contemporary children's non-fiction. The resolution is simply the presentation of historical fact.

Ideal Reader

This is for an 8 to 11-year-old who has just been assigned their first big research project on a U.S. state. They need clear, accessible information they can parse for a report, and this book serves as an excellent foundational resource. It is also suitable for a child curious about a place they might be visiting or where a family member lives.

Parent Prep

A parent should preview the sections on history, particularly concerning slavery and Native Americans. The text might present a simplified view. A parent could prepare to offer more context, for example, by discussing the complexities of Kentucky's position during the Civil War or the lasting impact of forced displacement on Indigenous peoples. A parent will look for this book after hearing, "Mom, Dad, I have to do a report on Kentucky for my social studies class and I don't know where to start." or "Grandpa is from Kentucky, what is it like there?"

Age Experience

A younger reader (8-9) will likely gravitate towards the tangible facts: the state bird, the Kentucky Derby, and Mammoth Cave. An older reader (10-12) will be better able to synthesize the information about history, government, and the economy for their school projects, understanding the cause-and-effect relationships between historical events and the state's modern identity.