Book Review: 125 Wacky Roadside Attractions

125 WACKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS by National Geographic Kids shares strange and bizarre landmarks from around the world.

Part of the 125 AMAZING STORIES collection, this book features dozens of peculiar places. After a short introduction, children can explore a world map showing the location of each destination. Next, the book jumps into displaying a photograph and information about each place including what it is, where it is, and special features. While some sections of the book explore categories such as loony lodging or kooky collections, most of the landmarks seem to be presented at random. While this approach lends itself to browsing, it may be disorienting for children interested in a particular type of location such as museums, gardens, or works of art. An index helps those seeking attractions in specific locations such as Oklahoma.

From weird sculptures to amazing collections, this colorful, informational book for middle grades will be a hit with youth who enjoy browsing. Weave the book into a display featuring travel books and fictional road trip titles.

Published by National Geographic Kids on May 10, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.