What do you think?
Rate this book
Scrambled States
The Scrambled States of America
The states become bored with their positions on the map and decide to change places for a while. Includes facts about the states.
40 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 1998
15 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Keller
43 books118 followersLaurie Keller grew up in Muskegon, Michigan. She always loved to draw, paint and write stories. She spent much of her time performing in a local dance tour company and dancing in and choreographing some civic theatre shows.
She graduated several years later with a BFA in Illustration. She also got a job as a greeting card illustrator at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the author and illustrator of many children's books.
She graduated several years later with a BFA in Illustration. She also got a job as a greeting card illustrator at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the author and illustrator of many children's books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
January 2, 2016
Clever and fun with great illustrations and lots of extra dialog in the margins, although poor Mississippi and Nevada and their unrequited love. :(
June 12, 2019
One of my FAVORITE picture books ever. I used to read this almost everyday as a kid! The story is short and sweet, the illustrations are well done and hilarious. I’m gonna keep my copy FOREVER, its so cute.
November 17, 2019
Geography has never come alive as brilliantly as it does here, in The Scrambled States of America, as a discontented Kansas precipitates a massive geographic upheaval with his desire to see something new. Tired of always being stuck in the middle of the nation, Kansas enlists his best friend Nebraska in his scheme to throw a party for the fifty states, a party that leads (yes!) to reorganization on a massive scale! As states move north or south, switching coasts and neighbors, their first reaction is enthusiastic: finally, something new! But then they all begin to long for the way things were...
An engaging exploration of the fifty states of the USA, this picture-book combines a madcap adventure-story - complete with many little amusing asides, as the states "speak" to one another, in the illustrations - with colorful, attention-grabbing acrylic and marker artwork. An appendix at the rear lists each of the states, with their nicknames, their capital cities, and their populations (now out of date, alas). One of those rare books that is as entertaining as it is educational, The Scrambled States of America proves the old adage that "There's no place like home!"
An engaging exploration of the fifty states of the USA, this picture-book combines a madcap adventure-story - complete with many little amusing asides, as the states "speak" to one another, in the illustrations - with colorful, attention-grabbing acrylic and marker artwork. An appendix at the rear lists each of the states, with their nicknames, their capital cities, and their populations (now out of date, alas). One of those rare books that is as entertaining as it is educational, The Scrambled States of America proves the old adage that "There's no place like home!"
December 3, 2008
This book is a delight. I think it’s adorable. It would not be good as a read aloud but is perfect for independent readers to learn U.S. states geography in a really enjoyable way. Each page is incredibly busy; there is so much to read and look at on every page. It wouldn’t flow smoothly to read it out loud but I can see literate elementary school age children pouring over it and enjoying all the detail.
Unfortunately, it was published long enough ago that the population figures are dated, but the other facts and figures should be accurate.
It’s a funny and entertaining story that teaches location of the states, population, square miles, and capitals. There’s a bunch of other facts about the various states included in the story. One of my favorite parts is the manner in which time zones are alluded to toward the very beginning of the book.
The author illustrator photo on the back cover is one of her as a child, which makes for more fun, as does the humorous bio.
It’s all very charming but the 1998 publication date renders it partially obsolete if used as a geography book. I’d be tempted to put the proper population numbers over the incorrect ones and pass it around to today’s kids.
Unfortunately, it was published long enough ago that the population figures are dated, but the other facts and figures should be accurate.
It’s a funny and entertaining story that teaches location of the states, population, square miles, and capitals. There’s a bunch of other facts about the various states included in the story. One of my favorite parts is the manner in which time zones are alluded to toward the very beginning of the book.
The author illustrator photo on the back cover is one of her as a child, which makes for more fun, as does the humorous bio.
It’s all very charming but the 1998 publication date renders it partially obsolete if used as a geography book. I’d be tempted to put the proper population numbers over the incorrect ones and pass it around to today’s kids.
September 26, 2010
I absolutely LOVED this book! It made me laugh out loud, non-stop! It's a great way to teach geography to students in lower grades. It includes location, place, time zones, each state's unique qualities, and lots of laughs! One way to use this in your classroom would be after reading the part where all the states get mixed up, you can have them put together a class puzzle of the different states and put them in the right places. Then read on to see how the states in the story found their right spots.
July 1, 2012
This book is defiantly going in my favorites pile! I love the humor in this book. What a great way to teach students about the wacky facts of the 50 states in our country. I think this book is more suitable for an older audience, some of the commentary would only apply to someone who has the intelligence to understand it. However, this book could be modified and read to an younger audience by omitting the side commentary throughout the book. :)
December 1, 2010
I LOVE this book! It is so cute. It is an awesome way to teach your class not only what the states are but also what they are known for. Each state says little commentary throughout the book that allude to what the people of the state are like. It's funny and has great drawings. Kids would love it!
October 11, 2017
Summary: This book is about the 50 states of America and how they all switch spots on the 'map'. Kansas was tired of seeing the same old things everyday so all the states swapped. Once the states realize that things are different, all the states want to switch back and they are all happy again.
Evaluation: I rated this book as a 4. I like how this book not only introduces the 50 states, but it also gives a little commentary about each state so that readers know what they are known for.
Teaching Idea: This book would be great to introduce the students to the 50 states of America, especially to the younger students. For the older students. this book could be read to them and they can begin memorizing where all the states belong.
Evaluation: I rated this book as a 4. I like how this book not only introduces the 50 states, but it also gives a little commentary about each state so that readers know what they are known for.
Teaching Idea: This book would be great to introduce the students to the 50 states of America, especially to the younger students. For the older students. this book could be read to them and they can begin memorizing where all the states belong.
April 28, 2019
The Scrambled States of America is a fun, quirky way of introducing geography to children. The states wake up and eventually come to the decision to switch locations with each other. After a while, they untimely decide that they do not like their new conditions and move back to their original homes. I give this book five stars because it can be used in social studies classes to learn the state sand can be made into fun interactive activities.
November 21, 2020
I like Laurie Keller's books. I've lived in Virginia, Washington, Utah, New York, Mississippi, Iowa, and California. I have visited all but three of the United States. In every state I've been in, there are things to love. This book captures that in a fun way. I learned a few things.
May 19, 2019
I love the personalities and conversations between each state. Can this be turned into a chapter book?
December 9, 2015
Summarize the book:
One day Kansas wakes up and decides that he has had enough of staying where he is. Kansas is bored and is looking for adventure. As more states hear this, they start to agree with Kansas and at a party that night for all the states they decide it would be fun to switch places. However, the states soon realize that there's no place like home after many mishaps.
Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre:
This book shows the geography of the United States in a fun and interesting way. The Scrambled States of America shows how each state fits with each other, where the states are located, and throughout the book offers little pieces of information about each state. It uses humor to inform its reader about the different states that make up the United States.
Identify specific concepts that could be integrated into the classroom:
The main concept that this book integrates into is in geography. This book would be a good introduction, or additional, tool when teaching about the different states.
Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated:
This book is listed for preschool and up, and could be used in different ways depending on grade and classroom. This book could also be used in geography as an example of an assignment where students choose different states, or even different countries, research them, and make them come to life like they did in the book.
One day Kansas wakes up and decides that he has had enough of staying where he is. Kansas is bored and is looking for adventure. As more states hear this, they start to agree with Kansas and at a party that night for all the states they decide it would be fun to switch places. However, the states soon realize that there's no place like home after many mishaps.
Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre:
This book shows the geography of the United States in a fun and interesting way. The Scrambled States of America shows how each state fits with each other, where the states are located, and throughout the book offers little pieces of information about each state. It uses humor to inform its reader about the different states that make up the United States.
Identify specific concepts that could be integrated into the classroom:
The main concept that this book integrates into is in geography. This book would be a good introduction, or additional, tool when teaching about the different states.
Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated:
This book is listed for preschool and up, and could be used in different ways depending on grade and classroom. This book could also be used in geography as an example of an assignment where students choose different states, or even different countries, research them, and make them come to life like they did in the book.
Read
December 1, 2016The Scrambled states of America by laurie keller
It isn't often you come across a children's book that's unique in it's story, fun in it's presentation, and a delight to read. Laurie Keller accomplishes this with "The Scrambled States of America". The unique idea of each state having it's own personality and voicing it's opinions on his place in the country, is both comical and creative. This book brings together colorful illustrations and a geography lesson, which will have children learning the names & shapes of the states after reading the book for just the first time!
Any grade level is fine for this book.
Any Subject area is fine with this book.
Students that may benefit is a kid that wants to learn about he states.
Small group work would be fine.
You can use the whole class as well.
I cant think of a similar book.
No multimedia that I am aware of.
It isn't often you come across a children's book that's unique in it's story, fun in it's presentation, and a delight to read. Laurie Keller accomplishes this with "The Scrambled States of America". The unique idea of each state having it's own personality and voicing it's opinions on his place in the country, is both comical and creative. This book brings together colorful illustrations and a geography lesson, which will have children learning the names & shapes of the states after reading the book for just the first time!
Any grade level is fine for this book.
Any Subject area is fine with this book.
Students that may benefit is a kid that wants to learn about he states.
Small group work would be fine.
You can use the whole class as well.
I cant think of a similar book.
No multimedia that I am aware of.
October 2, 2016
1. Kansas is absolutely tired of seeing the same thing everyday and wants something new. The states have a party and decide they want to all switch spots. Once they switch spots they realize how different things are and instantly want to switch back. Once the states are back to their original spots they are happy again.
2. k-5
3. Social Studies
4. Anyone who enjoys books that make them laugh will enjoy this.
5. For lower levels the kids can just read this to introduce them to states. For higher levels the students can read this and begin memorizing where all the states belong.
6. As a whole class this would be an intro to the 50 states.
7. There are so many great books written by Laurie Keller.
8. There is audio online.
2. k-5
3. Social Studies
4. Anyone who enjoys books that make them laugh will enjoy this.
5. For lower levels the kids can just read this to introduce them to states. For higher levels the students can read this and begin memorizing where all the states belong.
6. As a whole class this would be an intro to the 50 states.
7. There are so many great books written by Laurie Keller.
8. There is audio online.
November 19, 2016
* Book Summary
This books Is about all of the states. One morning when all of the states are enjoying their first cup of coffee, everyone is happy that morning except for one state, Kansas. Kansas is upset because she wants to see other states and explore more. so all of the states decide to "travel"
*Awards
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award for Grades 3-6 (2001)
* Grade Level/ Interest level
3-6
* Appropriate Classroom Use
learning about the USA or maps
*Student Who Might Benefit From Reading
All students
* Small Group Use
I would ask students to pick a state and explore it
* Whole Class Use
I would use this book as an introduction to unit on geography
*Related Book In Genre
We are Growing
*Multimedia Connections
N/A
This books Is about all of the states. One morning when all of the states are enjoying their first cup of coffee, everyone is happy that morning except for one state, Kansas. Kansas is upset because she wants to see other states and explore more. so all of the states decide to "travel"
*Awards
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award for Grades 3-6 (2001)
* Grade Level/ Interest level
3-6
* Appropriate Classroom Use
learning about the USA or maps
*Student Who Might Benefit From Reading
All students
* Small Group Use
I would ask students to pick a state and explore it
* Whole Class Use
I would use this book as an introduction to unit on geography
*Related Book In Genre
We are Growing
*Multimedia Connections
N/A
May 22, 2012
My 7-year-old and I had tons of fun reading this book, in which the Midwestern states get tired of their place in the world and dream up a big moving party. The result is very cute, and a lesson in being satisfied with where and what you are. Some of the best moments happen around the periphery as states have little subplots and commentaries running throughout. A great way to stretch a child's brain and help them remember what part of the country the different states inhabit.
July 3, 2014
I love love did I mention love this book. This was one of my favorites growing up. This is an awesome way to teach children the fifty states, their locations, and facts about them. I like when they organized the party to meet up that was cute!!!
March 21, 2017
This book is more than just an educational experience. It is a SPIRITUAL experience.
From the very first page, readers are swept into the marvelous world of our narrator, Sam. The actual beauty and realism of the illustrations will absolutely knock your breath away. Now, brace yourself for a tale so scintillating, that you'll never see a U.S. map the same way again.
Our hero (heroine? do anthropomorphic states have genders? another deep nuance of the book), Kansas, is presented with a dilemma. They can't meet new state-friends. It is super relatable. So a party is arranged and all the states are invited.
But, now we're getting to the meat of the story. After the party, they all decide to return to different places in the country. Each state is unused to their new climate and neighbors. I guarantee you will cry at the part when Arizona's hairstyle is ruined by the Atlantic Ocean, because it was so heart-wrenchingly tragic.
Oh, and also, Nevada and Mississippi get married or something. NevaSsippi is the cutest anime couple ever, truly a better love story than Twilight.
Anyhoo, all the states go back to their original spots and order is returned to the universe. The country is returned to its normal state. (Get it? STATE? haha kill me)
So, I plead you to read this masterpiece. I'm sure you will DEFINITELY learn a lot.
From the very first page, readers are swept into the marvelous world of our narrator, Sam. The actual beauty and realism of the illustrations will absolutely knock your breath away. Now, brace yourself for a tale so scintillating, that you'll never see a U.S. map the same way again.
Our hero (heroine? do anthropomorphic states have genders? another deep nuance of the book), Kansas, is presented with a dilemma. They can't meet new state-friends. It is super relatable. So a party is arranged and all the states are invited.
But, now we're getting to the meat of the story. After the party, they all decide to return to different places in the country. Each state is unused to their new climate and neighbors. I guarantee you will cry at the part when Arizona's hairstyle is ruined by the Atlantic Ocean, because it was so heart-wrenchingly tragic.
Oh, and also, Nevada and Mississippi get married or something. NevaSsippi is the cutest anime couple ever, truly a better love story than Twilight.
Anyhoo, all the states go back to their original spots and order is returned to the universe. The country is returned to its normal state. (Get it? STATE? haha kill me)
So, I plead you to read this masterpiece. I'm sure you will DEFINITELY learn a lot.
November 13, 2019
This book definitely provided many giggles for me- I can see this as a read aloud into explore with the 50 nifty states! After reading I would definitely set it out for students to look through afterwards (taking turns and on their own time) because there are countless little comments and images of the states around all of the pages! The writing has almost a "sophisticated simplicity" for what I would say grades 2-5. With just the "readable" text it holds an entire story that is very fitting for a read-aloud, but there are many little details that add to the story that could add more entertainment and value to the book. This is the only reason I knocked it down a star. Is because it could be overwhelming for any student (especially since it was overwhelming for me) to try and get to EVERYTHING on a page while reading. The story is clever and cute- delving into a story where the states all decided they would move/trade places because they wanted to meet new states and experience new things! After a while trading... they started experiencing the climate and different state's personalities and decided it was best they are best where they were initially. At the end of the book there holds little tidbits of the 50 states (name, title, capital, area, population) as well as a fun and quirky illustration showing some of the things that the states are known for!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2019
In Laurie Keller's book The Scrambled States of America, Kansas wakes up unhappy and tired of being in the middle of the U.S. To meet different states, Kansas and Nebraska decide to throw a party. At the party, all the states decide to switch places with one another, thinking they would be happier. However, they quickly become irritated and returned to their original location. This book addresses the theme of jealousy of others and being content with what you have. The states thought other states had it better off, but after switching places, they realized they liked what they had all along after all.
I always enjoyed reading this book in school. I read it in 5th grade while learning about all 50 states and their capitals. It was a fun way to remember where all the states were located. The author also provides a guide with all the states and their capitals in the back, which I would use to study. For this reason, I highly recommend this book when teaching children about the states of America. Reading this book is an excellent introduction to the topic to get children excited to learn.
I always enjoyed reading this book in school. I read it in 5th grade while learning about all 50 states and their capitals. It was a fun way to remember where all the states were located. The author also provides a guide with all the states and their capitals in the back, which I would use to study. For this reason, I highly recommend this book when teaching children about the states of America. Reading this book is an excellent introduction to the topic to get children excited to learn.
December 5, 2017
If you are looking for a funny book to introduce all the states, Laurie Keller's The Scrambled States of America (Square Fish, 2002) would be perfect for you.
All 50 states that make up the United States are upset they haven’t seen more of the world. Kansas decides to throw a party for all of the states to attend, where they all decide to switch places and try out a new part of their country, but the new places aren’t all they make out to be.
This colorful children's book displays each of the states with quirky characteristics that all children would love to listen to and read. This book presents all 50 states as well as the general area in which they inhabit making the story educational, while also having a laugh.
I loved this book because it was interesting to see how each state was presented and how each state had its own personality. It has tons of funny dialogue that anyone could enjoy.
All 50 states that make up the United States are upset they haven’t seen more of the world. Kansas decides to throw a party for all of the states to attend, where they all decide to switch places and try out a new part of their country, but the new places aren’t all they make out to be.
This colorful children's book displays each of the states with quirky characteristics that all children would love to listen to and read. This book presents all 50 states as well as the general area in which they inhabit making the story educational, while also having a laugh.
I loved this book because it was interesting to see how each state was presented and how each state had its own personality. It has tons of funny dialogue that anyone could enjoy.
December 13, 2017
What a hilarious book! I have been a fan of this book since day 1. Not only does this book have interesting facts that I read time after time and never get bored, but it also has great illustrations to go along with them. The only frustrating part of the book is the love connection between Nevada and Mississippi. As a reader, I was confused and there was never an explanation to this love. For a young child to be reading this, it would be difficult to understand. The author, Laurie Keller, did a great job with inserting facts about each state into the text. Along with the pictures were also little tid-bits of information regarding that state which kept the book interesting. The 2nd half of the book is when the information is profoundly fun. When the states decide to switch back they cannot do it fast enough. I would recommend this book for a classroom shelf as well as a read aloud book, great for a 2nd-5th grade classroom!
December 16, 2024
"The Scrambled States of America"... while the name might make you think of the current "state" of affairs when it comes to the crazy old USA, never fear since it's just the title of this spunky story. I got my copy from "The Scrambled States of America Game" from Gamewright, & it sure was a joy! The story is a simple premise that puts a spin on the States. In the real world, they just correspond to a bunch of state governments' self-declared land borders, but here, they take on personality. When the States are scrambled to meet up with other states from across the country, they realize the circumstances of that part of the continent - be it weather, earthquakes, or just being the neighbors of the states they'd normally be nowhere near - & it leads them to realize they are where they are for a good reason. Not to mention lonely old Kansas! Give it a read, so that Kansas & the other states don't feel so lonely.
February 12, 2025
Title: Scrambled States of America (E KEL)
Author: Keller, Laurie
Time Period of Story:
Main Idea: Each state is like a character, and Kansas is bored, so he invites all of the other states to a party. Idaho and Virginia think it would be fun to switch places, and all of the other states decide to join the fun. The scrambled states look silly, and their problems are humorous. Each state decides to go back home, happy that they made new friends along the way.
Vocabulary/Special Terms:
Playing card type pictures of each state with motto, capital, square miles, and population
Why would a teacher read this book to a class? Social Studies, Special Education, ELL-geography-awareness of geography, industries, interests of population, similarities and differences. A lighthearted and fun book.
Author: Keller, Laurie
Time Period of Story:
Main Idea: Each state is like a character, and Kansas is bored, so he invites all of the other states to a party. Idaho and Virginia think it would be fun to switch places, and all of the other states decide to join the fun. The scrambled states look silly, and their problems are humorous. Each state decides to go back home, happy that they made new friends along the way.
Vocabulary/Special Terms:
Playing card type pictures of each state with motto, capital, square miles, and population
Why would a teacher read this book to a class? Social Studies, Special Education, ELL-geography-awareness of geography, industries, interests of population, similarities and differences. A lighthearted and fun book.
April 27, 2018
All of the United States wake up one morning and decide they are bored where they are at and want to move around. Kansas and Oklahoma plan a states party for all of the states to meet each other and make new friends. At the party, Virginia and Idaho make a plan to swap spots so they can see another part of the country. Before the party is over, all the states decide to switch places. In the beginning, every state is happy in its new location. But soon things really start to go wrong for all of them. This story is so funny and engaging while also addressing true facts and conditions of states across America. I recommend this book to kids of all ages because it is a good book and informational at the same time.
September 29, 2020
I remember reading The Scrambled States of America when I was young. Reading it again reminds me of how fun an experiment it was to imagine what would happen if all the states switched places. This book definitely comes with a lot of food for thought.
I didn't really enjoy the illustrations, although I'm struggling to put a finger on why. Something about the colors rubs me the wrong way. The images are admittedly very fun, and I love seeing states like Indiana skateboard across the country. I think this book would be a lot of help when teaching about different states and where they are supposed to be.
I didn't really enjoy the illustrations, although I'm struggling to put a finger on why. Something about the colors rubs me the wrong way. The images are admittedly very fun, and I love seeing states like Indiana skateboard across the country. I think this book would be a lot of help when teaching about different states and where they are supposed to be.
January 27, 2020
Title: The Scrambled States of America
Author: Laurie Keller
How would you describe the plot? In this book, the States are no longer happy where they are. They have a party and decide that they will switch locations. They end up hating where they go and realize that where they were was perfect for them.
How would you describe the characters? The 50 States
What is the main conflict? The States are no longer happy where they are.
What is the main theme? The main theme is teaching children about perspective and how just because someone’s life seems perfect, it does not mean it is perfect for you. This book is a silly and fun way to teach children about geography and the states.
How would you describe the author’s style? Fun yet serious
What point of view does the author use? Laurie Keller uses all three points of view throughout her story. But she mainly focuses on the first and second person.
Share your thoughts on the design and layout of the book. The book is a little all over the place. The designs are fun, but the words and pictures are mixed together, not an easy book to read only one time.
What lessons could you teach with this text? Please provide at least two of the Arkansas State Standards you would use in a lesson.
G.8.K1
G.9.K.3
G.9.1.3
G.9.2.3
What is your overall assessment of the book? I would give this book a 9 out of 10. It would have a 10 out of 10, but it was a little hard to read.
Author: Laurie Keller
How would you describe the plot? In this book, the States are no longer happy where they are. They have a party and decide that they will switch locations. They end up hating where they go and realize that where they were was perfect for them.
How would you describe the characters? The 50 States
What is the main conflict? The States are no longer happy where they are.
What is the main theme? The main theme is teaching children about perspective and how just because someone’s life seems perfect, it does not mean it is perfect for you. This book is a silly and fun way to teach children about geography and the states.
How would you describe the author’s style? Fun yet serious
What point of view does the author use? Laurie Keller uses all three points of view throughout her story. But she mainly focuses on the first and second person.
Share your thoughts on the design and layout of the book. The book is a little all over the place. The designs are fun, but the words and pictures are mixed together, not an easy book to read only one time.
What lessons could you teach with this text? Please provide at least two of the Arkansas State Standards you would use in a lesson.
G.8.K1
G.9.K.3
G.9.1.3
G.9.2.3
What is your overall assessment of the book? I would give this book a 9 out of 10. It would have a 10 out of 10, but it was a little hard to read.
April 22, 2021
This book is just the book if you wanna learn about school but in a fun way. How the author talks about each state is very smart. She creates each one as their own person and their own imagination. She not only find a way to make humor out of this story but make it a learning journey for any young child reading this. This book actually does wonder when teaching young children about geography. Each color and is very big and each image is very different from what you would normally see. What is great is that the author experiences her week in a very different light than others.
September 18, 2017
This book might just be a picture book, but I remember, pretty much EVERY night when I was 3, I forced my parents to read me this book. That's how much I liked it. This book is now at my grandmas house, and just a couple of weeks ago I found it in a bedroom and read it, then I felt like 3 years old again, it was good but weird at the same time. LEGITIMATELY one of my favorite books of ALL TIME, i'd recommend this to all of you people.
January 30, 2018
What happens when each of the 50 US states gets tired of being where it is? They get up and move around of course! But after switching places, the states start to realize that things may not be as amazing as they first thought! This would be a great book to read to third or fourth graders for fun as well as to teach a little bit about the 50 states. There's even a nifty few pages in the back that name every state and its capital. Very funny story as well!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews