In the first book of the Junior Geography Squad series, the squad works its way through the first of the fifty states. Questions given in the form of a hand-held electronic game lead the kids to the identification of the state. Illustrations by Aidana WillowRaven highlight Elysabeth Elderings clues.
Elysabeth lives in upper state South Carolina and is the author of the Junior Geography Detective Squad (JGDS), 50-state mystery trivia series. She enjoys reading, writing, cross stitching, and crocheting.
Ms. Eldering is the author of several short stories that have placed in various contests including "Train of Clues" (Armchair Interviews fan mystery contest, shared 2nd place; this is a mystery destination story and the predecessor to the JGDS series); "The Tulip Kiss" (Echelon Press's Fast and Frigid contest, 1st place); "The Proposal" (Armchair Interviews April Fools Day contest, 3rd place); "Bride-and-Seek" (South Carolina Writers' Workshop selection for its annual anthology, The Petigru Review); "Butterfly Halves" (Echelon Press's fast and fanciful contest, runner up selection), "Zombies Amuck" (Foothills Writers' Guild annual contest, 2nd place).
Currently, Elysabeth is working on a novel titled Imogene: Innocense Lost and has published a YA novel, Finally Home. She is in the process of publishing most of her short stories as ebooks and has published her YA paranormal mystery novel, Finally Home.
If she's not working, writing, reading or attending various book related events, Elysabeth can be found socializing on the net or attending her local chapter's Sisters in Crime meetings.
State of Wilderness is the first installment of the 50 States Mystery Trivia Series, Junior Geography Detective Squad. Ingeniously, weaved together, three young children; Matt, Guy, and Mary Beth, are drawn to a hand-held computer game; and the ying and yang of competition ensues as to who will uncover the identity of the state first.
“Want to make a bet?” Matt looked over at his friend. “A bet? Sure, let’s write down our answers when we think we know the state, and the one who knows it sooner get to pick what the loser has to do.”
The ultimate surprise results in the discovery that learning when presented in such a way can be fun and rewarding. The reader is not preached to or lectured. You are sure to find yourself playing right along with the characters. The state is revealed at the end, but not here. You will need to go on your own adventure to reveal the identity of the state.
As an added bonus, there is a learn more about the state section, which includes an image of the state flag and history, a list of the questions used throughout the story, cryptogram, answer key, and bibliography.
Elysabeth Eldering has placed in numerous writing contests and the SCWW anthology, The Petigru Review. Her new series, The Junior Geography Detective Squad takes you on an unforgettable journey of learning about the individual states within the United States.
To learn more about Elysabeth’s writing career visit her at:
This book is entertaining and fast-paced. As a children's author, Elysabeth Eldering has a great understanding of what kids will read and enjoy. I recommend everyone with kids learning about the United States geography gives it a try.
The only reason I don't rank it higher, is because I don't have kids and I'm not really interested in geography. :)
It wasn't well-written. While some children make like it, most will find it not worth the money to purchase it. I'd advise you to see if some library will get it if you want to read it. Otherwise, you'll be disappointed.