Americana, Volume 12: The Weird and Wonderful 50 States

From the Publisher: Only in America!

The United States is a land of remarkable diversity, where the unexpected and the extraordinary coexist alongside the familiar. From bustling cities to serene natural wonders, this country is a unique tapestry of geography, people, and culture.

Inside this book, we invite you to embark on a wacky road trip across the 50 states, uncovering the weird and wonderful that makes each one truly unique. Prepare to be amazed by supersized objects, off-beat collections, head-scratching history, world records, and incredible natural marvels. We celebrate the ingenuity and bizarre engineering feats that have given each state its own distinct personality and quirks.

Alongside the WEIRD, we also honor the WONDERFUL – the brave individuals and groups whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation, inspiring us to say "wow!"

Join us as we explore the unexpected, the funny, the awe-inspiring, and the amazing. The Weird and Wonderful United States awaits!

In FAST FACTS, you'll find a treasure trove of state-specific details, from capital cities and funny place names to unique slang, state quarters, fantastic foods, cool inventions, and must-read books.

Let's start our journey in the southwestern state of Arizona. Slip on your sunglasses and hop in the pool, because it's hot, hot, hot in the Grand Canyon State! With its triple-digit temperatures, scarce rainfall, and endless sunshine, Arizona is a land of remarkable deserts, red sandstone cliffs, and towering cacti.

Famous for the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral, the Old West town of Tombstone boasts a graveyard called "Boot Hill," where outlaws "died with their boots on" are laid to rest. But that's not all – Arizona also has a forest made of stone! The Petrified Forest National Park is home to fossilized logs dating back 225 million years.

The state's unique charm is further celebrated at the Ostrich Festival in Chandler, where the legacy of early 20th-century ostrich ranching is honored. And if you thought that was quirky, wait until you hear that Arizona is home to more species of rattlesnakes than any other state – a rhumba, if you will!

ARIZONA FUN FACTS: - Capital: Phoenix - State Slang: A "chubasco" is a violent summer rain with lightning and thunder. - State Quarter: Features the Grand Canyon and a Saguaro cactus. - Fantastic Foods: The Sonoran Dog, a bacon-wrapped hot dog covered in beans, chopped tomatoes, mayo, onions, and jalapeño sauce, is a popular street food. - Cool Inventions: The Jet Ski was invented in the 1960s by Clayton Jacobson II, who wanted a "motorcycle for the water." - Books: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata.

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