February 24th, 2013 
LaCota Overton 
I feel so honored to be taking part of this National “Booking Across America” project. We are representing North Dakota in this blog and found a book for all ages.
One family from each of the 50 states will be representing unique books today to help show case their states/cultures, along with fun activities that your children can do with each book.
I have a mix of personalities in my children. My son will read anything and absolutely loves to learn through reading. My oldest daughter will spend hours writing and pretending she is a teacher, before she will read a book. My youngest loves all books as long as their are pictures. What I love about the book we are representing today is it satisfies all 3 of my kids in different ways.
Our book is:
P is for Peace Garden: A North Dakota Alphabet (Discover America State by State) Kindle Edition (also available in Hard Cover)
Written by: Roxane B. Salonen
Illustrated by: Joanna Yardley
As you travel through the alphabet each letter features another great history lesson or tradition from our North Dakota heritage/culture and current life. ” ‘A’ is for agriculture, North Dakota’s top industry.” This book then provides amazing facts and vocabulary that are all covered on a total of 40 pages. “P is for Peace garden: A North Dakota Alphabet” also features people such as Theodore Roosevelt, Sakakawea, Lewis & Clark and Roger Maris along with information on the state capital, when the state flag was adopted, what the largest city is, our climate, plants and more.
If you are looking to do a research paper or just learn the alphabet in an educational way, this book is great for you. Pictures are included under each letter to give children a great visual on what they just read. At the end of the book are 26 questions to help the children review what they have read for better memory retention. Answers are also provided upside-down in the back of the book, so parents can provide help while working with their children and also provide relief for children with test anxiety. Questions ask things like: “What nickname did Lewis and Clark give Sakakawea?”
Fun Activities:
- Answer all questions in the back of the book – older kids
- Print coloring pictures of Bison here: Bisson (North american Buffilo)
- Print coloring pictures of North Dakota here: North Dakota State with capital
- Make a log cabin out of Popsicle sticks here: Popsicle Stick Log cabin
Alaska Blog Post by Little Wonders’ Days Blog
Arizona Blog Post by Simply Kinder
California Blog Post by Juggling with Kids 
Delaware Blog Post by Mama Miss
Illinois State Post by Growing Book by Book
Iowa Blog Post by Surviving a Teacher Salary Blog
North Dakota Post by ND Health Works
