Countries of the World
A Pathfinder for Grades 5 - 8
Good books to start with.
There are several excellent reference books about countries. Use the index of the book to find the words in the boxes below or ask your librarian to help you use the book. Most reference books cannot be checked out.
- J 031 World Book Encyclopedia, Chicago: World Book, 1999-2003. World Book Encyclopedia is arranged alphabetically. . Also, check the index, for other possible related topics.
- R J 910 Lands and Peoples. Danbury, CN: Grolier Educational, 2003 - A special subject encyclopedia about countries. This set is arranged by continent and location. Check the index for exact page number.
- R J 910 People and Places. Chicago, IL: World Book, Inc., 2001 - A special subject encyclopedia focusing on countries. This set is arranged alphabetically.
- US Department of State, Background Notes, Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. - The US State Department publishes these short four page documents about many of the countries of the world. Each of our libraries subscribe to these and they can be photocopied OR you can access them on line.
- Culture Grams. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University. - These 4 page inserts gives brief information about the customs & courtesies, people, life style, the nation.
How can I learn more about my country?
To learn more about your country, you will need to use the following important words:
You can use the keywords above to learn more about your country. Go to http://www.library.torrnet.com/ and click on NEW! Online Catalog of Books, Videos, CDs, DVDs & More
In the light blue search box, decide what you will search for:
Subject
Word or phrase
Author
Title
Series
Periodical title (Magazines and newspapers are periodicals)
Next, if you add the keywords juvenile literature to one of the keywords in the boxes above, you will find non-fiction items that the library has. If you add the keywords juvenile fiction to one of the keywords in the boxes above, you will find fiction items that the library has.
Call numbers to locate other books on countries:
You will be able to find books about your country under 2 subjects in the library: history and travel. Below are the call numbers by Continents. Find the continent your country is located in and match the call numbers.
| CONTINENT |
TRAVEL |
HISTORY |
| Africa |
916 |
960 |
| Asia |
915 |
950 |
| Central America |
917 |
972 |
| Europe |
914 |
940 |
| North America |
917 |
973 |
| South America |
918 |
980 |
| Pacific Islands |
919 |
990 |
Where else can I learn more about counties?
Go to http://www.library.torrnet.com/ and click on Magazines, Newspapers and other databases to get to the following databases where you can find information from magazines and newspapers:
- DIScovering Collection,
This database designed with the student in mind is available to Torrance Public Library holders. It includes biographical information, historical content and images. Access is available from home and work for this database. For remote access click the link above. The username is torr56119 and the password is your library card number.
- Facts on File
Briefly covers events, issues, statistics and people of the world for the last 60 years. Access is available from home and work for this database. You will need your library card number for access.
Websites:
- CIA World Factbook,
The CIA gathers information on countries throughout the world. This website gives basic information and maps.
People & Places:
- Embassies and Consulates - Many counties have established an Embassy or Consulate in Los Angeles, San Francisco or Washington, DC for their citizens and business contacts. For the student they are a great resource for posters, brochures (with great pictures) and data. You can now contact them by letter, phone or e-mail. Make sure you allow enough time.
- United Nations - Counties belonging to the United Nations also maintain an office (Mission) in New York City. The are also a good source for information. Go to their website for contact information.
Torrance Public Library--Youth Services
(310) 618-5964
http://www.library.torrnet.com
