Elizabeth Kaplan

Help readers richly explore the geography, history, business and industry, cities, and people of Illinois. While best known for the hustle and bustle of Chicago, the nation's third most populous city, the Prairie State also features rolling farm fields filled with corn, soybeans, and wheat. The state has a rich history and captivating present, which this book captures using photographs, fun facts, and engaging text.

The thirty-second state to join the Union is a leader in many ways, including volunteerism, voter turnout, health care, and education. This colorful book traces Minnesota's history from the Paleo-Indians to the arrival of the French and later waves of Scandinavian immigrants. This book also highlights contemporary Minnesotans, including musicians, authors, and influential politicians, and digs into the exciting industries like agriculture, mining, retail, banking, and biomedical technology that drive the economy of the state.