25+ Geography Resources
I grew up with a VERY solid USA geography foundation. I know all the states and can identify them on the map without batting an eye. Capitals? Got those down pat too!
(My world geography? More shaky).
This year, we’re focusing more on geography with our kids and I’ve been collecting recommendations for geography resources.
Some of these are dedicated geography books and atlases. Some of them are book and series that are easy to tie into geography because they involve a lot of travel, visiting various world locations and maps!
I’ve also included apps or sites or games you can use to learn and practice geography skills!
I hope you’ll find them helpful!
DeDICATED GEOGRAPHY BOOKS
The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller
Picture Book
In this fun and wacky picture book, all the states decide to switch places so they can see a new part of the country. But when things start going wrong, will the states be able to get themselves back to the right spots?
BOOKS & SERIES THAT RELATE TO GEOGRAPHY
Explorer Academy series by Trudi Trueit
7 book series // Middle Grade
Cruz begins training at the Explorer Academy, an elite school for explorers. But for Cruz’s future could be in jeopardy after he discovers his family had a mysterious past with the organization. And the biggest question? Who is out to get him… and why? Embedded throughout the novels are puzzles and codes for the reader to solve. Since this series is an imprint from National Geographic, there is also section at the end of each book that profiles scientists from all over the world and does a compare and contrast with the science fiction in the book and the real science. It’s like a Harry Potter storyline with a lot of STEM elements.
Treasure Hunters by James Patterson
9 book series // Middle Grade
Follow the Kidd siblings as they embark on adventures under the sea, in the Outback, and even across the United States as they solve mysteries and discover treasure. This hilarious and highly illustrated series is sure to please any adventure lover.
Magic on the Map series by 4 book series // Early Chapter Book
Twins, Maggie and Spencer, come home to find a magic camper van that can take them to every state in the United States. They learn about culture and history, and return safely home without their parents knowing. (4 books in the series)
The Genius Files by Dan Gutman
5 book series // Middle Grade
In this fun novel, Coke and Pepsi have to evade their crazed health teacher and two guys in bowler hats by accomplishing some pretty crazy feats. Jumping off cliffs, escaping their burning school and jumping off sand dunes are just a few of the challenges they face in this thrilling tale.
The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
39 book series // Early Chapter Book
I’ve never had a child particularly interested in the Magic Tree House books until Tally who has really taken a shine to them and listens to them nearly every night as she goes to bed.
Where Is? series by Who HQ
40 book series // Middle Grade
From the wildly popular Who HQ (you might know their Who Was? or What Was? series), comes a series that takes you to some of the most exciting places in the world! From the Great Wall of China, to the Taj Mahal, and even Antarctica, this series has it all.
Junior Genius Guides: Maps and Geography by Ken Jennings
Middle Grade
Remember Ken Jennings- the guy that won four million dollars on Jeopardy? He’s the author of this non-fiction book series, and this one is all about maps and geography. It’s full of fun trivia, quizzes, and great illustrations.
I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis
24 book series // Middle Grade
If you have a non-fiction lover, these short middle grade books about big historical events are really fun and high action. Plus, as the title says, it’s all about survival! They’re a perfect fit for reluctant readers, especially those with low patience for made up stories.
American Girl series by Valerie Tripp, illustrated by Dan Andreasen
72+ books in series // Middle Grade
The American Girl series is a long-standing favorite for historical fiction lovers and short book lovers alike. I’m pretty sure I had them all memorized when I was 7-10!
Dear America series by Kathryn Lasky
55 book series // Middle Grade
I grew up on a steady stream of these diary-style historical fiction novels, and they provide such a great backbone for study different parts of the world. The Royal Diaries series (20 book series) is also fantastic!
Games, Apps, & Workbooks
Stack the States App
App – $2.99
As you answer questions about state capitals, flags, nicknames, etc. correctly, US states will stack up until you reach the checkered line. You will then earn a random state for every completed level, until you collect all 50 states. They also have a Stack the Countries app too.
Evan-Moor Daily Geography Practice by
Workbook // Grades K-6
In this daily geography workbook that comes in independent grade levels from K-6, map skills are the core focus.
Draw the World series by
Workbook // 13 book series
In this series of workbooks, children learn to draw the outlines of continents, countries and shapes.
Melissa and Doug USA Puzzle
Puzzle
We have quite the collection of jigsaw puzzles and my girls love doing them just as much as I do. And there is no better way to learn the 50 states, than actually building a US map.
Seterra
App – Free w/ in-app purchases
This is a map quiz game to challenge your knowledge of countries, states, oceans, rivers, mountains, flags, and more!
Guess in 10: Countries of the World
Card Game
We played 20 questions SO much when I was growing up and it just never loses its appeal. This card game is very similar to the beloved 20 questions, but instead you get to ask 10 questions to correctly guess the country on the card – only yes or no questions!
GeoGuessr
App – Free w/ in-app purchases
In this app game, get ready to be a detective as you identify locations based on various clues. As you complete tasks, you will earn coins to buy landmarks to build your own world.
GEOGRAPHY SITES
Google Virtual Field Trips
Sometimes the best way to learn about a place is to actually go there. But if that is not possible, Google provides some pretty amazing virtual field trips specifically geared for geography including trips to the Great Barrier Reef, the 7 Wonders of the World, the North Pole, and more!
Google Earth
Google Earth is one of the most detailed and in-depth globes of our time. It would be fun to just explore on your own, or they have some pretty incredible Voyager guided tours.
Carmen Sandiego
Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego!? This iconic globetrotting heroine is back and better than ever. Netflix is streaming a new and improved series that takes place all around the world. And, the Carmen Sandiego website is filled with at-home resources and activities to challenge your child’s geography skills.
And if you’d like a printable copy of this list of geography resources for kids that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!
