The latest in the series that includes best-selling That's Not in My
American History Book and That's Not in My Science Book, this book
brings geography to life exploring the "who" behind the discovery of
various lands and the "what" behind how our world changes. From the
earliest compass to today's handheld GPS systems, author Kate Kelly
shows how people throughout time have navigated the world. She also
rectifies the past by explaining why some people have gotten short
shrift in geography books. (If Leif Eriksson's mom were alive, she would
pre-order a copy of this book!) Kelly also explores "human geography,"
including such diverse subjects as how geography affects the spread of
human disease and how the global marketplace is causing our world to
shrink. While discovery of new lands may have been the most vital part
of the world five hundred years ago, today preservation is key to
maintaining the land we have. The last section of the book examines what
we do to our world and what will happen if we fail at conservation. And
don't forget about water-our most important natural resource and seventy
percent of our world's surface! A chapter in this section is devoted to
this vital substance.