This book first appeared in 2003 as a real paper and ink publication. I got a signed copy in 2004, which, because it was small and easy to stuff between seats or in the glovebox, I kept in the car for quite some time. Based on the copyright dates, it was revised several times, but I never got a newer one, and my copy became increasingly out of date. Prior to February of this year, it looks like the most recent revision was 2016, so even the newer editions might not have been all that trustworthy. The print editions sold for next to nothing (I paid $5 for mine), and when Priddy updated things in February, she went beyond next and made it available for just plain nothing via Google Docs.
It’s definitely reasonable to ask why someone who is about as far from kidness as it’s possible to get, ever kept this close at hand. I mentioned the size of the hard copy. The size of the entries is another positive, as is their organization. States and the towns within them are listed east to west. The list of attractions associated with each town does not appear to be in any particular sequence. Below each attraction’s identifier is a single paragraph containing a brief description, address, telephone number, and website. The descriptions typically include cost, hours, and any other special considerations. They are not written by AI or someone following a formula who has never been there. Priddy often shares personal insights.
The book is a point of interest guide; not a route guide. It contains no maps or turn-by-turn directions to keep you on the route. However, Priddy offers some suggestions for navigation aids, along with some general road trip advice in a “Planning Your Trip” section at the back of the book. It’s for kids, although kids are not the target readers. Those are adults traveling Historic Route 66 with kids, looking for activities, restaurants, and motels that those kids might enjoy. On the other hand, it’s easy to imagine a pre-teen in the back seat, with a printed copy in hand, telling Mom and Dad exactly what the next stop will be.
Access Route 66 for Kids 2026 through the author’s blog post.