ONLY IN AMERICA

An abundance of unusual facts highlighting what makes each state weird and wonderful.

With all 50 of the states and the District of Columbia each getting a two-page spread, this book has room for some unusual and strange facts. Listed for each state are both its official and unofficial nicknames, often with a brief explanation behind their origins. Each page bristles with clumps of fun facts, including bizarre festivals, weird laws, world records, and more. Readers can learn about bathtub races in Iowa or the International Banana Museum in California. State favorites, like snacks, pizza toppings, desserts, etc., are listed as well. There is a fast facts section for each state: state capital, humorous place names, state slang, “fantastic foods” (not always phrased as locals would), and interesting inventions. Readers also learn what is pictured on the state quarter and a couple of books for ages 7 through 12 set in the state. Facts about Indigenous, African American, and immigrant connections are included for a few states. The inclusion of some of the names gathered under the rubric “Funny Place Names” could be considered culturally insensitive, as with Aiea, Hawaii, and Eek, Arkansas, which stem from Indigenous cultures. The highlight of the book is the vintage Americana-style graphics. The vibrant, bold colors are captivating, and many of the graphics add fun context to the text.

A quirky fact book sure to spark interest and further discovery.