Readers will explore the United States in a new way with this fall’s geography series. U.S. landforms, state by state travel guides, extensive explorations of popular tourist destinations, and even guides to seismic activity in the United States are all covered in titles being released this fall. A number of series are meant to be used in tandem with their online content, following a trend of blending digital and physical learning. The usual suspects are present this fall with updated guides to countries, subcontinents, and extreme locations. Pick up some of these titles for fall to help young readers explore at home or abroad.

Elementary

Hicks, Dwayne. Everglades. ISBN 9781499450897.
––––. Grand Canyon. ISBN 9781499450866.
––––. Great Basin. ISBN 9781499450835.
––––. Great Plains. ISBN 9781499450989.
––––. Niagara Falls. ISBN 9781499450927.
––––. Rocky Mountains. ISBN 9781499450958.
ea vol: 24p. (The American Landscape). Rosen/PowerKids. Aug. 2025. Tr $25.27.
Gr 2-5–This series provides short overviews of land features in the United states. Covering interesting locations like the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, and Niagara Falls, each title includes a short history of the location and how it developed through plate tectonics, waterflow, or the lack thereof. A glossary is included in each title, but vocabulary words are not defined in-text. This series has clearly marked maps of the land features and nearby landmarks such as state lines and large cities. The effects of humans on the land, such as tourism or pollution, is also covered. VERDICT Good overviews for young readers who want to explore these beautiful locations.

Velasco, Adrianne. Historical Maps. ISBN 9798892139212.
––––. Physical Maps. ISBN 9798892139243.
––––. Political Maps. ISBN 9798892139274.
––––. Reference Maps. ISBN 9798892139304.
––––. Road Maps and GPS. ISBN 9798892139335.
––––. Thematic Maps. ISBN 9798892139366.
ea vol: 24p. (Let’s Read Maps!). Jump!/Pogo. Aug. 2025. Tr $29.99.
Gr 2-5–Instructional support for elementary-aged children learning to read different kinds of maps can be found in these volumes. Each title starts with a section illustrating the parts of a map, and then continues with content specific to understanding the resource being highlighted. The book on reference maps has a page for each type of map covered in the other books, so budget-conscious selectors could skip that title or double up on it instead of buying the entire series. Understanding GPS apps is a large part of the Road Maps and GPS title, which is something young readers may be helping their families with in the car. These titles could be helpful for students learning about maps independently but aren’t a complete resource for map instruction. VERDICT An additional purchase.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Alaraj, Evangelene. Honduras. ISBN 9798874521264.
––––. Nicaragua. ISBN 9798874521301.
Banting, Erinn. El Salvador. ISBN 9798874521141.
––––. Guatemala. ISBN 9798874521226.
Gregory, Joy. Belize. ISBN 9798874521189.
––––. Costa Rica. ISBN 9798874519148.
Perritano, John & Heather Kissock. Panama. ISBN 9798874521349.
ea vol: 24p. (Central America). Lightbox/AV2. Aug. 2025. Tr $35.70.
Gr 4-8–These volumes combine print books with a connected digital subscription that includes audio, video, quizzes, and more. The digital content was not included in the materials for review. Vibrant images of the countries in Central America are paired with facts about the land, climate, plants, and animals. The series shows what arts and sports are popular in the region. The history of each country is given and the book includes the Indigenous, colonial, and enslaved heritage of the current population. Vocabulary words like GDP and aquaculture are covered in a short glossary. A quiz and answer key are also included in the back matter. VERDICT A solid selection. Utilize the free trial before making a commitment to the digital subscription.

Collins, Anna. Deserts. ISBN 9781502674388.
Lombardo, Jennifer. Mountain Peaks. ISBN 9781502674418.
––––. Rainforests. ISBN 9781502674500.
Reynolds, Donna. Volcanoes. ISBN 9781502674531.
Thorpe, Judy. Ocean Trenches. ISBN 9781502674449.
––––. Polar Regions. ISBN 9781502674470.
ea vol: 32p. (The Inside Guide: Earth’s Extreme Places). Cavendish Square. Aug. 2025. Tr $30.21.
Gr 3-8–This series explores places where humans have a hard time living. Some, like the ocean trenches, can only be attempted for exploration. Other places, like deserts, are defended from their misconceptions. For example, a lack of rainfall, not hot weather, is what makes a desert so there are even polar deserts. Most titles include a chapter on how humans live in these places, including biological adaptations such as humans who live in high elevations having a larger lung capacity, and special accommodations and technology humans use to live more comfortably. Ocean Trenches discusses the Oceangate disaster and the importance of highly tested equipment when exploring the ocean depths. VERDICT An excellent companion to instruction on these extreme locations.

Haynes, Danielle. The Alaska-Aleutian Megathrust. ISBN 9781499453270.
––––. The Hawaiian Archipelago. ISBN 9781499453331.
––––. The Puerto Rico Trench. ISBN 9781499453393.
Roza, Greg. The Cascade Range. ISBN 9781499453300.
––––. The New Madrid Seismic Zone. ISBN 9781499453362.
––––. The San Andreas Fault. ISBN 9781499453423.
ea vol: 32p. (U.S. Seismic Zones). Rosen/PowerKids. Aug. 2025. Tr $27.93.
Gr 3-8–These information-rich texts about seismology cover the six zones in the United States where tectonic and other seismic activity is common. Simply written, but with lots of fresh vocabulary (like subduct and seismograph) these titles are packed with knowledge. There are explanatory maps of the tectonic plates, locations of volcanoes, and other diagrams. There are also primary source images from the affected areas of earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. The series explores the effects of climate change on seismic activity and the unexpected environmental impacts that can happen in its wake, like oil spills caused by earthquakes. Profiles of important seismologists and historical witnesses add a human aspect to these natural disasters. VERDICT An excellent choice for informatin that feels fresh and interesting.

Heinrichs, Ann. & Matt Kania. Alabama. ISBN 9781503870147.
––––. Alaska. ISBN 9781503870154.
––––. Arizona. ISBN 9781503870161.
––––. Arkansas. ISBN 9781503870178.
––––. California. ISBN 9781503870185.
––––. Colorado. ISBN 9781503870192.
––––. Connecticut. ISBN 9781503870222.
––––. Delaware. ISBN 9781503870239.
––––. Florida. ISBN 9781503870246.
––––. Georgia. ISBN 9781503870253.
––––. Hawai`i. ISBN 9781503870260.
––––. Idaho. ISBN 9781503870277.
––––. Illinois. ISBN 9781503870284.
––––. Indiana. ISBN 9781503870291.
––––. Iowa. ISBN 9781503870307.
––––. Kansas. ISBN 9781503870314.
––––. Kentucky. ISBN 9781503870321.
––––. Louisiana. ISBN 9781503870338.
––––. Maine. ISBN 9781503870345.
––––. Maryland. ISBN 9781503870352.
––––. Massachusetts. ISBN 9781503870369.
––––. Michigan. ISBN 9781503870376.
––––. Minnesota. ISBN 9781503870383.
––––. Mississippi. ISBN 9781503870390.
––––. Missouri. ISBN 9781503870406.
––––. Montana. ISBN 9781503870413.
––––. Nebraska. ISBN 9781503870420.
––––. Nevada. ISBN 9781503870437.
––––. New Hampshire. ISBN 9781503870444.
––––. New Jersey. ISBN 9781503870451.
––––. New Mexico. ISBN 9781503870468.
––––. New York. ISBN 9781503870475.
––––. North Carolina. ISBN 9781503870482.
––––. North Dakota. ISBN 9781503870499.
––––. Ohio. ISBN 9781503870505.
––––. Oklahoma. ISBN 9781503870512.
––––. Oregon. ISBN 9781503870529.
––––. Pennsylvania. ISBN 9781503870536.
––––. Puerto Rico. ISBN 9781503870673.
––––. Rhode Island. ISBN 9781503870543.
––––. South Carolina. ISBN 9781503870550.
––––. South Dakota. ISBN 9781503870567.
––––. Tennessee. ISBN 9781503870574.
––––. Texas. ISBN 9781503870581.
––––. Utah. ISBN 9781503870598.
––––. Vermont. ISBN 9781503870604.
––––. Virginia. ISBN 9781503870611.
––––. Washington. ISBN 9781503870628.
––––. Washington, DC. ISBN 9781503870666.
––––. West Virginia. ISBN 9781503870635.
––––. Wisconsin. ISBN 9781503870642.
––––. Wyoming. ISBN 9781503870659.
ea vol: illus. by Matt Kania. 40p. (USA Travel Guides). The Child’s World/Stride. Aug. 2025. Tr $38.50.
Gr 3-7–These guides for kids give tips on how to have fun in every state, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, DC. Readers are presented with a colorful illustrated map, which will appear with different overlays, images, and information blurbs throughout the book. For example, for Alabama, 17 of the 40 pages have the same map with different overlays. Important and diverse landmarks that readers might visit in each state make up the primary portion of the books, including information on the historical or natural importance of the landmarks. Spreading out the highlighted locations geographically seems to be a priority; the authors are not tempted to locate all the Illinois landmarks near Chicago, even if that leaves them talking about the Great American Popcorn Company. VERDICT A secondary purchase, consider where travel guides for kids are in demand.

Kissock, Heather. St. John. ISBN 9798874507381.
––––. St. Thomas. ISBN 9798874507343.
Wilson, Sierra. St. Croix. ISBN 9798874507428.
ea vol: 24p. (U.S. Virgin Islands). Lightbox/AV2. Sept. 2025. Tr $34.27.
Gr 4-7–This series of short books highlights the U.S. Virgin Islands. These titles are meant to be used as a set along with a digital component including videos, audio, quizzes, and more, but this review only covers the printed text portion. Brief sections explore the history, climate, flora, and fauna of each titular island. Points of interest and activities that visitors may enjoy create a tourist’s perspective of the islands. Environmental issues such as St Croix’s lack of fresh water sources or the effects of recent hurricanes on St. John are briefly explored. The digital subscription is available for free trial so instructors and librarians can assess if the whole package is right for their students. VERDICT Solid overviews meant to be used with the digital component.

Letkeman, Candice. Kauai “The Garden Isle.”ISBN 9798874506599.
––––. Lanai “The Pineapple Isle.” ISBN 9798874506629.
Webster, Christine. Maui “The Valley Isle.” ISBN 9798874506650.
––––. Molokai “The Friendly Isle.” ISBN 9798874506711.
––––. Oahu “The Gathering Place.”ISBN 9798874506681.
Wilson, Sierra. Hawaii “The Big Island.” ISBN 9798874506544.
ea vol: 24p. (Hawaii). Lightbox/AV2. Sept. 2025. Tr $34.27.
Gr 3-7–Like some of the publisher’s other series, these short titles on the Hawaiian Islands include links to interactive online content including videos, audio, and more information. This review only includes the content in the print books. These brief volumes are packed with information, featuring multiple subsections on each page. A short history and overview of the people and culture of the area is followed by an overview of the landscape, climate, plants, and animals. The authors do not wear rose colored glasses and include more challenging topics like the drawbacks of tourism, pollution, and other environmental issues. These overviews are short without their digital content, which is available to peruse via a free trial. VERDICT Only purchase if the digital content is worth the price tag.

Upper Middle School to High School

Bates, Mary. Thailand. ISBN 9781098297046.
Bithell, Rachel. Nigeria. ISBN 9781098296995.
Burling, Alexis. South Korea. ISBN 9781098297022.
Edwards, Sue Bradford. New Zealand. ISBN 9781098297008.
––––. South Africa. ISBN 9781098297015.
Gagne, Tammy. Cuba. ISBN 9781098296964.
Jaskulka, Marie. United States. ISBN 9781098297053.
Mooney, Carla. Greece. ISBN 9781098296971.
––––. Ireland. ISBN 9781098296988.
Sonneborn, Liz. Spain. ISBN 9781098297039.
––––. Vietnam. ISBN 9781098297060.
Waldendorf, Kurt. Canada. ISBN 9781098296957.
ea vol: 112p. (Essential Library of Countries Set 2). ABDO/Essential Library. Aug. 2025. Tr $42.79.
Gr 6-9–A series of lengthy explorations of countries around the world offers current information to a tween or teen audience. Each title begins with a chapter following a fictional character around a major city in the title country. The geography, climate, and plants and animals commonly found in each location are included. A short history of the country is given, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and political events as recent as 2024. The political structure as well as the predominant political beliefs in each country are discussed. Source notes and extensive further reading recommendations are a part of the back matter. VERDICT Extensive overviews of countries for teen research projects.

Berkman, Pam. The Florida Keys. ISBN 9781098297084.
Edwards, Sue Bradford. Gettysburg National Military Park. ISBN 9781098297091.
Gramson, Hannah. Walt Disney World. ISBN 9781098297114.
Grimaldos, Karen. Washington, DC. ISBN 9781098297121.
Storm, Ashley. Grand Canyon National Park. ISBN 9781098297107.
Streissguth, Tom. Yellowstone National Park. ISBN 9781098297138.
ea vol: 112p. (Essential Travel Guides). ABDO/Essential Library. Aug. 2025. Tr $42.79.
Gr 6-9–These detailed guides focus on popular places young people might travel on a field trip or with their families. The destinations range from fun locations like Walt Disney World, natural spots like Yellowstone, and serious historical sites like Gettysburg. Each book begins with the history of the location, which is most extensive in the Gettysburg title. Special locations within the destination, like battlefields, natural wonders, or fantasy castles are described. A short section on the Indigenous persons who lived in these locations is included in most of the titles. These titles would be excellent for homeschooling students learning through travel, or for pre-field trip classroom use. VERDICT Excellent guides for learners traveling, or dreaming of traveling, to these locations.

smore, Heather. Exploring East and Southeast Asia’s Geography. ISBN 9781502674142.
––––. Exploring Europe’s Geography. ISBN 9781502674173.
––––. Exploring Latin America’s Geography. ISBN 9781502674203.
––––. Exploring Oceania’s Geography. ISBN 9781502674111.
––––. Exploring South Asia’s Geography. ISBN 9781502674265.
––––. Exploring Sub-Saharan Africa’s Geography. ISBN 9781502674326.
––––. Exploring the Geography of Russia and Its Neighbors. ISBN 9781502674234.
––––. Exploring the Geography of the Middle East and North Africa. ISBN 9781502674296.
––––. Exploring the Geography of the United States and Canada. ISBN 9781502674357.
ea vol: 32p. (The Inside Guide: Global Geography). Cavendish Square. Aug. 2025. Tr $30.21.
Gr 6-9–This series is organized not by continents, but by regions. Each volume begins with a map of the area exploring countries, cities, and continents. Landmasses and biomes a primary topic, and the social and environmental effects of climate change are outlined. Politics of the region are explored but not in-depth. These titles could be a good jumping-off point but may not be specific enough for some middle school research projects. VERDICT This series provides solid overviews of these regions.

The “Essential Library of Countries” (ABDO/Essential Library) has information about countries updated to 2024 for libraries needing a refresh. “The Essential Travel Guides” (ABDO/Essential Library) explore popular tourist destinations thoroughly for field and family trips. “The Inside Guide: Earth’s Extreme Places” (Cavendish Square) takes a human-centered approach to survival in the world’s most extreme conditions. Finally, “U.S. Seismic Zones” (Rosen/Powerkids) is full of high-level information told in a captivating way.

FALL 2025 SERIES MADE SIMPLE REVIEWS