Reference Books

1. Dictionary

Definition -a reference source in print or electronic form giving information about the meanings, forms, pronunciations, uses, and origins of words listed in alphabetical order

Dictionaries - General

• Merriam - Webster’s Intermediate Dictionary• Scholastic’s Children’s Dictionary

Speciality Dictionaries

• American’s Heritage Children’s Science Dictionary

• Dictionary of Folklore • Visual Dictionary of Baseball • Geographical Dictionary• Tabor’s Medical Dictionary

2. Thesaurus

Definition - a book of words or of information about a particular field or set of concepts ; especially : a book of words and their synonyms

3. Encyclopedias

Definition - a work that contains information on all subjects or one that covers a certain subject thoroughly usually with articles arranged alphabetically

General Encyclopedia

• World Book Encyclopedia

• Britannica’s Encyclopedia

Speciality Encyclopedias

• UXL Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes • Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia• Scholastic Encyclopedia of the Presidents and Their Times • Amazing Animals of the World.• Scholastic Encyclopedia of Space • Fantasy Encyclopedia• Scholastic’s Visual Sports Encyclopedia

4. Atlas

Definition – a bound collection of maps often including illustrations, informative tables, or textual matter

Atlas -World

• National Geographic World Atlas • Time for Kids: World Atlas

Atlas – United States

• National Geographic United States atlas for young explorers

• Scholastic Atlas Of The United States

Atlas - Space

• Reader's Digest Children's Atlas of the Universe• Children’s Night Sky Atlas

5. Almanac

Definition –1 : a publication containing astronomical and

meteorological data for a given year and often including a miscellany of other information

2 : a usually annual publication containing statistical, tabular, and general information

Almanac - General

• Old Farmer’s Almanac• Poor Richard’s Almanac • Time for Kids: Almanac 2009 • The World Almanac for Kids 2008

Speciality Almanacs

• Sports Illustrated Kids Year In Sports 2008• Popular Science: Almanac for Kids