Book Boogie!

If my "happy dance" had a name, it would be the "Book Boogie!"  New books cause me sheer joy, especially when they come at a great bargain or meet a great need.  Today, I found one that did both! 

A few weeks ago I received a few coupons in the mail to Barnes & Noble.  They sat on my kitchen counter until yesterday, when I realized they were about to expire.  Recalling that I still had some money left on an old gift card in my purse, I stashed the coupons next to it. As soon as I dropped my oldest son off at band camp this morning, guess where I headed?  Home!  (The bookstore doesn't open quite that early!)  ; )  But come ten o'clock, I was there with bells on! 

I didn't have a particular book in mind; I just thought I would look for something that would go with one of the units I plan to do this year.  I'm venturing out of my comfort zone of units on Pumpkins, Penguins, and other Kindergarten and First Grade topics, and heading into the uncharted waters of Ancient Egypt, and Great Inventors.  I don't want to bore my now second grader with a rehash of the things we did last year and I feel that he's old enough for a little more of a challenge.  Having never taught most of these new units before, I have been collecting books like crazy at consignment sales, garage sales, etc.  But, after browsing around a while, I ended up bringing home something (for free, with my coupons and gift card!) I didn't even know I needed until I found it!  Behold my prized discovery: 

Click HERE to see a preview, and how you can order a copy!

This is a great little book with a page for each state.  Each page is written as if it were a report on that state by a student.  It includes the state's capital and nickname, as well as interesting facts about the state.  And it will be PERFECT for my Geography Center!  Each week, we focus on a new state and my son (or students, if I'm teaching in regular school) uses a U.S. map to try to locate the target state.  Previously, I have had a small, blank U.S. map form for him to color the state once he locates it.  However, this new book inspired me to create a fresh, updated form.  Below is a picture of my geography center, as well as a picture of my new form.  Would you like a free copy?  Just click on the text below the picture!  

And here is the form:

Click HERE for a copy!

I hope you enjoy today's freebie!  Take care!

Blessings,

Laurie