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National Geographic Kids Atlases
Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas
Road trips will be even more fun for the kids with colorful maps, 22 new games, fun facts, photos, and activities that fill the updated and expanded National Geographic Kids Ultimate US Road Trip Atlas.
Presented in true Nat Geo Kids style, this bold and lively road atlas is full of fun facts, great information, easy-to-read maps, lots of games, and vibrant pictures of everything from wacky road signs to national monuments.
Presented in true Nat Geo Kids style, this bold and lively road atlas is full of fun facts, great information, easy-to-read maps, lots of games, and vibrant pictures of everything from wacky road signs to national monuments.
144 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2012
About the author
Crispin Boyer
40 books64 followersCrispin Boyer lives in San Francisco and writes about history, wildlife, and technology. He and his wife, Ramah, are the lord and lady of a 1914 Victorian that is 700 times smaller than a typical castle but almost as drafty. Their microwave might not roast an ox like most medieval ovens, but at least their bathroom isn't a hole in the wall that empties into a stinky moat.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 18, 2020
Great resource book that will provide hours of entertainment, especially while traveling across America.
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April 26, 2015Boyer, C. (2012). National Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, and more for hours of backseat fun! Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Children’s.
Citation by: Katheryn Campbell
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number: 912
Content Scope: This Atlas offers so many fun and educational things for children. It zooms in on each of the 50 states, and offers fun facts and games for children to enjoy when on a road trip or vacation.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: National Geographic is a credible source, and is a leading publisher in informational children's books.
Arrangement/Presentation: Each page is full of vivid, colorful photographs and illustrations of unique landmarks for each state. It offers puzzles, facts and games. It is an enjoyable book for children of all ages, but would most appeal to students grades 3-5.
Relation to other works: While there are many other children's atlases out there, this one is targeted for an audience who wants to have fun as much as they want to learn. It is playful and engaging! Students will love getting their hands on this interactive atlas.
Accessibility/Diversity: This atlas is appealing to visual learners as it offers colorful photographs and illustrations. Students of all ability levels and cultural background will love riding through the states in this atlas.
Cost: $16.00
Professional Review: Peters, J. (2012). National geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, activities, and more for hours of backseat fun!. Booklist, 108(19/20), 68
Citation by: Katheryn Campbell
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number: 912
Content Scope: This Atlas offers so many fun and educational things for children. It zooms in on each of the 50 states, and offers fun facts and games for children to enjoy when on a road trip or vacation.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: National Geographic is a credible source, and is a leading publisher in informational children's books.
Arrangement/Presentation: Each page is full of vivid, colorful photographs and illustrations of unique landmarks for each state. It offers puzzles, facts and games. It is an enjoyable book for children of all ages, but would most appeal to students grades 3-5.
Relation to other works: While there are many other children's atlases out there, this one is targeted for an audience who wants to have fun as much as they want to learn. It is playful and engaging! Students will love getting their hands on this interactive atlas.
Accessibility/Diversity: This atlas is appealing to visual learners as it offers colorful photographs and illustrations. Students of all ability levels and cultural background will love riding through the states in this atlas.
Cost: $16.00
Professional Review: Peters, J. (2012). National geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, activities, and more for hours of backseat fun!. Booklist, 108(19/20), 68
August 21, 2017
I loved it, but I feel like there was room for a few more facts about each state.
February 25, 2020
This was a fun "book" (yes, I did read all 50 states). I liked all the little facts that were included, amd definitely the beautiful pictures. Basically this book just made me want to travel more.
Read
June 19, 2022I loved it
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 8, 2023
I Love Central Illinois & Kentuckiana
May 20, 2026
*4.25
March 28, 2015
Boyer, C. (2012). National Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.
Citation by: Sarah Hope Tyler
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number: 912.73 B7911n 2012
Content/Scope: This atlas provides information and trivia on all fifty states and the nation’s capital, which is explained as an independent federal district. The “How to Use This Atlas” section states that information and trivia have been collected for eight specific sections, “State Facts,” which includes the state bird, flower, animal, and tree, “State Nickname,” an introductory overview paragraph, “Traffic Laws/Silly Signs/Fantastic Facts,” “Boredom Busters,” interesting items to look for while traveling through the state, “Roadside Attractions,” a map of the state with its capital marked with a star, and “5 Cool Things,” places that must be visited while in the given state.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations, according to a paragraph on the publisher on the back page; the author provides attribution for all of the photographs used in the book on a full-page entry entitled “Photo Credits.” Fifteen individuals are listed on that page as having served in various capacities, such as “map researcher and production manager,” “legal and business affairs,” and “assistant editor;” users can trust the information to be accurate and authoritative, because of the publisher and staff. The book is also unbiased because each state has its own two-page entry and includes information and trivia in all of the five sections mentioned in the book’s “How to Use” section.
Arrangement/Presentation: This atlas moves from the big picture to snapshots, since it starts with a map showing the interstates across the country. It begins with Washington, D. C., as the nation’s capital, and proceeds through the fifty states in alphabetical order. The overall format helps students find specific information quickly because sections are typically in the same places regardless of entry.
Relation to Other Works: Since this collection does not have an atlas of the United States, this volume will be its first. The atlas loosely complements the 2000 Questions and Answers Encyclopedia: The USA by providing geographical information. The two-page entry on Kentucky presents information specifically geared towards children in an appealing format, adding to the 1994 Kentucky: The Bluegrass State.
Accessibility/Diversity: Recommended for students in third through fifth grade, this United States atlas is accessible to younger elementary students with adult support. It offers state trivia and fun facts, which can engage reluctant readers, gifted and talented students, and special education students. These students may also enjoy the twelve full-page activities, such as seek and find drawings, which are included to help pass time during a road trip with answer keys. This atlas helps students learn about the states of their country and would be useful to students conducting research who require “interesting” facts. A three-page index increases students' ability to find needed information independently and quickly.
Cost: $14.90
Professional Review: Peters, J. (2012). National Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, activities, and more for hours of backseat fun!. Booklist, 108(19/20), 68.
Citation by: Sarah Hope Tyler
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number: 912.73 B7911n 2012
Content/Scope: This atlas provides information and trivia on all fifty states and the nation’s capital, which is explained as an independent federal district. The “How to Use This Atlas” section states that information and trivia have been collected for eight specific sections, “State Facts,” which includes the state bird, flower, animal, and tree, “State Nickname,” an introductory overview paragraph, “Traffic Laws/Silly Signs/Fantastic Facts,” “Boredom Busters,” interesting items to look for while traveling through the state, “Roadside Attractions,” a map of the state with its capital marked with a star, and “5 Cool Things,” places that must be visited while in the given state.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations, according to a paragraph on the publisher on the back page; the author provides attribution for all of the photographs used in the book on a full-page entry entitled “Photo Credits.” Fifteen individuals are listed on that page as having served in various capacities, such as “map researcher and production manager,” “legal and business affairs,” and “assistant editor;” users can trust the information to be accurate and authoritative, because of the publisher and staff. The book is also unbiased because each state has its own two-page entry and includes information and trivia in all of the five sections mentioned in the book’s “How to Use” section.
Arrangement/Presentation: This atlas moves from the big picture to snapshots, since it starts with a map showing the interstates across the country. It begins with Washington, D. C., as the nation’s capital, and proceeds through the fifty states in alphabetical order. The overall format helps students find specific information quickly because sections are typically in the same places regardless of entry.
Relation to Other Works: Since this collection does not have an atlas of the United States, this volume will be its first. The atlas loosely complements the 2000 Questions and Answers Encyclopedia: The USA by providing geographical information. The two-page entry on Kentucky presents information specifically geared towards children in an appealing format, adding to the 1994 Kentucky: The Bluegrass State.
Accessibility/Diversity: Recommended for students in third through fifth grade, this United States atlas is accessible to younger elementary students with adult support. It offers state trivia and fun facts, which can engage reluctant readers, gifted and talented students, and special education students. These students may also enjoy the twelve full-page activities, such as seek and find drawings, which are included to help pass time during a road trip with answer keys. This atlas helps students learn about the states of their country and would be useful to students conducting research who require “interesting” facts. A three-page index increases students' ability to find needed information independently and quickly.
Cost: $14.90
Professional Review: Peters, J. (2012). National Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, activities, and more for hours of backseat fun!. Booklist, 108(19/20), 68.
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June 21, 2012Name: Karrie Kennett
Title and Citation:
Boyer, C. (2012). National Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, and more for hours of backseat fun! Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Children’s.
Type of Reference: Atlas
Brief Description: This resource is a fantastic way to pique the interest of any child for trips both real and imaginary. It allows children to visually use physical maps of the United States and Washington D.C. and demonstrates to students the fun they can have on the road.
Citation of a Review:
Peters, J. (2012). Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, and more for hours of backseat fun! [Review of the book Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, and more for hours of backseat fun! by C. Boyer]. Booklist Online. Available from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....- Trip-Atlas-Maps-Games-Activities-and-More-for-Hours-of-Backseat-Fun-Crispin- Boyer/pid=5381375
Cost: $136.62
Relevance and Relationship: This is a travel guide designed to entertain students as well as educate them through the use of physical maps. The Booklist Review deems it a “kid-friendly GPS in a book format”. With the many graphics present, it would be a great addition or ELL students.
Purpose: Students, as life long learners, need to find that learning is fun and information. This resource allows them to do so.
Validity: National Geographic has a long publication history and is a credible source. This resource was also recommended through Booklist online.
Format: The format for this text is print.
Arrangement and Presentation: This resource is arranged in sections according to the states with physical maps and points of interest and information for students. The back of the reference includes car travel games.
Diversity: This resource makes for a high-interest level and appropriate readability for grades three to five. In addition, we teach in an area where if students travel, it is mostly by car.
Title and Citation:
Boyer, C. (2012). National Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, and more for hours of backseat fun! Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Children’s.
Type of Reference: Atlas
Brief Description: This resource is a fantastic way to pique the interest of any child for trips both real and imaginary. It allows children to visually use physical maps of the United States and Washington D.C. and demonstrates to students the fun they can have on the road.
Citation of a Review:
Peters, J. (2012). Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, and more for hours of backseat fun! [Review of the book Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, and more for hours of backseat fun! by C. Boyer]. Booklist Online. Available from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....- Trip-Atlas-Maps-Games-Activities-and-More-for-Hours-of-Backseat-Fun-Crispin- Boyer/pid=5381375
Cost: $136.62
Relevance and Relationship: This is a travel guide designed to entertain students as well as educate them through the use of physical maps. The Booklist Review deems it a “kid-friendly GPS in a book format”. With the many graphics present, it would be a great addition or ELL students.
Purpose: Students, as life long learners, need to find that learning is fun and information. This resource allows them to do so.
Validity: National Geographic has a long publication history and is a credible source. This resource was also recommended through Booklist online.
Format: The format for this text is print.
Arrangement and Presentation: This resource is arranged in sections according to the states with physical maps and points of interest and information for students. The back of the reference includes car travel games.
Diversity: This resource makes for a high-interest level and appropriate readability for grades three to five. In addition, we teach in an area where if students travel, it is mostly by car.
June 22, 2012
Name: Brandi Plumlee, LME 508
National Geographic. (2012). National geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip Atlas: Maps, games, activities, and more for hours of backseat fun. Washington, D.C: National Geographic Society.
Cost: $9.29 (Barnes and Noble)
Dewey/Call Number: G1200 .B75 2012 (Library of Congress)
Reading Level: 9-12 years
Category: Elementary Level/Non-fiction Reference-Atlas
Review Citation: (Not available)
Description: A US road map for children ages 9-12. It will allow them to learn about the US in a fun and interactive way. The book contains fun activities for students to do as well. It is map for use on car rides but is a great reference to use to learn about the US.
Relevance and Relationship: Once again, I choose this book because the library I worked in only had adult versions. This version is simple and easy to understand for students. Part of social studies standards is to learn the different types of maps. A simple road map would help the students learn how to use navigation skills.
Purpose: The purpose of the book is to help the students learn about the US. The book teaches map skills, it also contains different facts and different attractions that you can see in different spots in the US.
Validity: The book was also published by the National Geographic Society. They have been publishing there magazine and other resources for many years. This book is up to date being published in 2012.
Format: Print Reference- Atlas
Arrangement and Presentation: This atlas has 128 pages. It is also in full color and has games and puzzles to go with the different road maps. There is an index in the back of the book to make the book easier to navigate.
Diversity: Even though the book is about different places in the US, students will still be able to see different cultures around our own nation. The book will appeal to visual learners for the pictures and graphics.
National Geographic. (2012). National geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip Atlas: Maps, games, activities, and more for hours of backseat fun. Washington, D.C: National Geographic Society.
Cost: $9.29 (Barnes and Noble)
Dewey/Call Number: G1200 .B75 2012 (Library of Congress)
Reading Level: 9-12 years
Category: Elementary Level/Non-fiction Reference-Atlas
Review Citation: (Not available)
Description: A US road map for children ages 9-12. It will allow them to learn about the US in a fun and interactive way. The book contains fun activities for students to do as well. It is map for use on car rides but is a great reference to use to learn about the US.
Relevance and Relationship: Once again, I choose this book because the library I worked in only had adult versions. This version is simple and easy to understand for students. Part of social studies standards is to learn the different types of maps. A simple road map would help the students learn how to use navigation skills.
Purpose: The purpose of the book is to help the students learn about the US. The book teaches map skills, it also contains different facts and different attractions that you can see in different spots in the US.
Validity: The book was also published by the National Geographic Society. They have been publishing there magazine and other resources for many years. This book is up to date being published in 2012.
Format: Print Reference- Atlas
Arrangement and Presentation: This atlas has 128 pages. It is also in full color and has games and puzzles to go with the different road maps. There is an index in the back of the book to make the book easier to navigate.
Diversity: Even though the book is about different places in the US, students will still be able to see different cultures around our own nation. The book will appeal to visual learners for the pictures and graphics.
Read
November 18, 2014Boyer, C. (2012). National Geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, and more for hours of backseat fun! Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Children’s.
Citation by: Amanda Wilcoxson
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number: 912.73
Content/Scope: This atlas is a focused look at each of the fifty states. Each entry features road and physical map of the state along with fun facts. The content is detailed, but still easily read by students in grades 3-5.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: National Geographic is a leading publisher in informational children's books.
Arrangement/Presentation: The maps are colorful and detailed. Each entry features photographs and illustrations featuring landmarks of the state or things they are known for. There are puzzles, facts, and games. The information is presented in an interesting way that is enjoyable for this age group.
Relation to other works: Although there are other children's atlases on the market, none are as fun-filled as this one. Students will enjoy navigating their way through the U.S. with this atlas.
Accessibility/Diversity: The photographs and illustrations make this appealing to visual learners. Students of all ability levels will find information and enjoyment.
Cost: $16.00
Professional Review: Peters, J. (2012). National geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, activities, and more for hours of backseat fun!. Booklist, 108(19/20), 68.
Citation by: Amanda Wilcoxson
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number: 912.73
Content/Scope: This atlas is a focused look at each of the fifty states. Each entry features road and physical map of the state along with fun facts. The content is detailed, but still easily read by students in grades 3-5.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: National Geographic is a leading publisher in informational children's books.
Arrangement/Presentation: The maps are colorful and detailed. Each entry features photographs and illustrations featuring landmarks of the state or things they are known for. There are puzzles, facts, and games. The information is presented in an interesting way that is enjoyable for this age group.
Relation to other works: Although there are other children's atlases on the market, none are as fun-filled as this one. Students will enjoy navigating their way through the U.S. with this atlas.
Accessibility/Diversity: The photographs and illustrations make this appealing to visual learners. Students of all ability levels will find information and enjoyment.
Cost: $16.00
Professional Review: Peters, J. (2012). National geographic kids ultimate U.S. road trip atlas: Maps, games, activities, and more for hours of backseat fun!. Booklist, 108(19/20), 68.
Want to Read
November 21, 2016Citation by: Adriane Watt
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number:
Content/Scope: A dictionary targeted for younger students in the Elementary setting. It has multiple maps fames and skills as well as easy to read maps of bigger cities so children can be familiar with where they are.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: National geographic is a well known publishing company producing many books that allow students to have an interactive experience while reading. The books are written for any student to enjoy.
Arrangement/Presentation: This atlas is an easy to read map book for students. This book has multiple big cities that are ideal for touring with information and maps to help guide them through the cities.
Relation to other works: There are many children's atlases, and National Geographic is a well known publication that produces multiple books in many different categories.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book is diverse in the fact that it has multiple cities and multiple sites to tour.
Cost: $4.22
Professional Review: Boyer, C. (2012). National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas: Maps, Games, Activities, and More for Hours of Backseat Fun. National Geographic Society. Washington D.C. 9781426309335.
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number:
Content/Scope: A dictionary targeted for younger students in the Elementary setting. It has multiple maps fames and skills as well as easy to read maps of bigger cities so children can be familiar with where they are.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: National geographic is a well known publishing company producing many books that allow students to have an interactive experience while reading. The books are written for any student to enjoy.
Arrangement/Presentation: This atlas is an easy to read map book for students. This book has multiple big cities that are ideal for touring with information and maps to help guide them through the cities.
Relation to other works: There are many children's atlases, and National Geographic is a well known publication that produces multiple books in many different categories.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book is diverse in the fact that it has multiple cities and multiple sites to tour.
Cost: $4.22
Professional Review: Boyer, C. (2012). National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas: Maps, Games, Activities, and More for Hours of Backseat Fun. National Geographic Society. Washington D.C. 9781426309335.
November 27, 2013
This Reference/Activity book explores our states of America. In the beginning it shows students how to use the Atlas, then starts with Alabama. As it travels through each state it gives 5 cool things to do, traffic laws you wouldn’t believe, states flowers/animals/birds, roadside attractions, what they are known for and even boredom busters! This informational book has activities for students to do at the end of the book with an answer key. Not only will students learn about each state from reading this book, but will be engaged and have so many ideas of new activities to do across our country!
I believe this informational book is a very good resource for students. There are several fun facts for each state; there are pictures to compare the “cool-things” to and it well designed. It has a glossary, index, reference section and even a “how to work this book” part. This book is written exceptionally well and should be used in classrooms to learn about states and give ideas of fun things to do in each state!
I believe this informational book is a very good resource for students. There are several fun facts for each state; there are pictures to compare the “cool-things” to and it well designed. It has a glossary, index, reference section and even a “how to work this book” part. This book is written exceptionally well and should be used in classrooms to learn about states and give ideas of fun things to do in each state!
February 4, 2016
Twin text 1
This book is a favorite of my kids when we go on road trips. It suggests different places for them to visit in each state; some of which may not be well known but are worth the time to visit. It also has activities and car games for them to do as well. The best thing is they give us the directions and learn how to read a map.
I paired this book with the fictional Dora the Explorer at the Carnival. On a much simpler version, Dora also uses a map. When we went to Florida the youngest wasn't quite able to read the detailed map from the Atlas. We added sticky notes on the map that Dora used so they could feel as if they were reading their own map.
That being said I would put the National Geographic at the age range of 6 and older and Dora for the younger audience of 5 or younger.
This book is a favorite of my kids when we go on road trips. It suggests different places for them to visit in each state; some of which may not be well known but are worth the time to visit. It also has activities and car games for them to do as well. The best thing is they give us the directions and learn how to read a map.
I paired this book with the fictional Dora the Explorer at the Carnival. On a much simpler version, Dora also uses a map. When we went to Florida the youngest wasn't quite able to read the detailed map from the Atlas. We added sticky notes on the map that Dora used so they could feel as if they were reading their own map.
That being said I would put the National Geographic at the age range of 6 and older and Dora for the younger audience of 5 or younger.
October 14, 2025
This book has everything. It says it on the cover! This book contains maps, games, activities, and many other fun things to do on long car rides or just any time you want to have fun. There are many maps of every US state with fun facts about the state. Many games are present, like word finds, spot it, true or false, and puzzles. Kids will spend hours learning facts about our country and having fun with games and activities.
Reason for recommendation: This book has many fun facts about our country and our states. This can nurture a child’s love of geography while they can have fun.
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Reason for recommendation: This book has many fun facts about our country and our states. This can nurture a child’s love of geography while they can have fun.
Welcome to my community—where kids know kids best. Stay tuned for regular book reviews, creative insights, and themed recommendations!
Join us here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 7, 2013
National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas by Crispin Boyer – This book took quite a long time for my son and I to read through. We read about a US state each day and then enjoyed the extra activities throughout. Interesting to read what is thought to be special about states I’ve lived in.
April 21, 2012
Awesome
Read
June 19, 2022I like States!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews