Did you know that Connecticut once went to war with Pennsylvania over land? Did you know we almost had a state called Jefferson out west? Stein does a great job of presenting all the quirks of history and politics that defined the borders of each of the states and the District of Columbia.

The book is presented in a series of 52 chapters with one for each state and the district as well as an introductory chapter that highlights some major events and agreements that defined the borders of a large number of states. Each chapter is accompanied with a series of maps that nicely illustrate the changes that occurred as each of the states settled their borders.

Often, there are interesting explanations for why certain shapes were formed. Even states like Hawai'i, where one would expect the explanation would be the simple geography of being surrounded by the ocean, often have little details that are really interesting. For example, I didn't realize how many islands, islets, and small landmasses are in the area that may or may not be a part of the state.

Through the course of the book, the reader gets insight into the basic history of America's expansion as well has how the empires of France, Spain, England and the Netherlands (as well as the native populations) interacted as the young country was forming.

A lot of what comes out in the books are little quirks that should be included in history classes because they really would make history so much more fun!

As I was getting the graphic for this entry, I was thrilled to find out that there is a "sequel" coming out in June, and it will be entitled How the States Got Their Shapes, Too: The People Behind the Borderlines. I am definitely going to have to add that one to my reading list. If it is as fun as this one, then I will finish it in a day, too!