Illustrations and text present the history, geography, people, politics and government, economy, and social life and customs of North Dakota, which contains some of the Earth's most fertile farmland.

Discover America explores each state, district, and territory in the United States of America. From Alabama to Wyoming, this series features vivid images, informative charts, and detailed maps to guide readers through their nation. Each book explores geography, history, culture, and economics to illustrate the diversity of this unique country.

The Discover America State by State Alphabet series continues as readers are given a tour of North Dakota, home to such wonders as bison, eagles, and the Red River. Full color.

The three movements of North Dakota: The Peace Garden State capture the spirit of this northern state. In "The Meandering Missouri," an atmospheric piece in Dorian mode and 3/4 meter, the Missouri River is depicted by a gentle accompaniment and lingering melody, making the piece reminiscent of a "Gymnopédie." A contrasting middle section with unexpected harmonies and parallel-moving triads brings the movement to a majestic climax before the opening melody returns and the movement ends quietly. By contrast, "Black Gold Rag" is an upbeat ragtime number, which captures the excitement of the modern crude oil "gold rush" in the state. Lively syncopation and playful gestures in the melody evoke the booming population of the thriving region. To conclude the suite, "A Garden of Peace" paints a picture of the International Peace Garden on the border of the United States and Canada. Long, meditative melodies and descending arpeggios that weave between the hands contribute to this movement's serenity. Changing meters and changing key signatures provide students with musical challenges, while the pianistic patterns lay comfortably in the hands.

Douglas M. Gibler argues that threats to homeland territories force domestic political centralization within the state. Using an innovative theory of state development, he explains patterns of international conflict and democracy in the world over time.

Margaret Roach worked at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia for 15 years, serving as Editorial Director for the last 6. She first made her name in gardening, writing a classic gardening book among other things. She now has a hugely popular gardening blog, "A Way to Garden." But despite the financial and professional rewards of her job, Margaret felt unfulfilled. So she moved to her weekend house upstate in an effort to lead a more authentic life by connecting with her garden and with nature. The memoir she wrote about this journey is funny, quirky, humble--and uplifting--an Eat, Pray, Love without the travel-and allows readers to live out the fantasy of quitting the rat race and getting away from it all.

This book explains how to draw some of North Dakota's sights and symbols, including the state seal, and the official flower.