About the Author

Melanie Waldron worked in children's publishing for many years before becoming a full-time author. She has written many non-fiction books for young people and specializes in science and geography topics.

Reviews

Despite society's growing reliance on GPS systems, the attractive Let's Go Mapping! series emphasizes this still important life skill. Large full-color photos and, of course, maps galore complement the accessible text. How to Read a Map identifies and describes such map components as titles, symbols, a compass rose, contour lines, and latitude and longitude. It explains various ways to read maps, such as using bar scales to determine distance and grid lines to pinpoint positions. Mapping Information relates the purpose of maps and how the manipulation of colors, scales, symbols, dots, and lines are used to convey information. The text also explains how maps, particularly digital maps, are used for fishing, farming, and other trades. As the title suggests, Types of Maps looks at a variety of maps, including political, physical, topographical, pictorial, statistical, and weather, as well as the differences between flat maps and globes and between historical and modern maps. Sidebars across the series offers interesting map-related facts, such as how a map was used to track down the source of a cholera epidemic in the 1800s, while a concluding activity reinforces comprehension. These useful books will keep students pointed in the right direction. -Angela Leeper Booklist 6/1/2013 and 6/15/2013-- "Booklist"