Our States Have Crazy Shapes is a book that describes in layman’s terms the behind-the-scenes decisions that caused our leaders to carve odd shapes on our map. Who decided that Michigan should have the Upper Peninsula when that landmass is actually attached to Wisconsin? What’s up with that bootheel, Missouri? Why did the shapes of our states get noticeably square as we moved west? Why are some of our states so big and others so small? "Our States Have Crazy Shapes" answers these questions and more. Bonus chapters describe border battles that continue to this day, as well as how Mother Nature has played a part in creating our map outlines. Lynn Garthwaite is the author of the Dirkle Smat Adventure Series - mysteries for young learners just starting to read chapter books. Her passion for children's literacy also compelled Lynn to start a non-profit called Books on Wings(R) which devotes itself to closing the achievement gap, one child at a time. She lives in Minnesota where she is proud of that spunky little topknot on its northern border. (And yes, there is an explanation for that).