Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration for Kids

December 1, 2013

Gr 6-10-Students who tackle this long-winded text will discover new tidbits of information about the real Christopher Columbus and will be fascinated by how much their textbooks don't tell them. For example, a portrait of the explorer was never commissioned in his lifetime. Readers also get a look at the politics involved in Columbus's discoveries and his relationships with and treatment of Native peoples he encountered on his voyages. The book is full of captioned illustrations and sidebars, and activities, such as how to simulate a hurricane, which are interesting extensions that could work in other content-area classes. This is a good title for libraries that need to update their Columbus biographies.-Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Brooklyn, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2013
Grades 5-8 Christopher Columbus' biography is not a simple story to tell. It is wrought with legend, lore, myth, and historiographical inconsistencies. Yet this book manages to offer a straightforward glimpse into the life and times of Columbus with a narrative that does not shy away from more unsettling aspects of his life, including his treatment of the Arawak people and his unflinching belief that he had reached the Indies, in spite of all evidence to the contrary. Drawing heavily on primary source material, such as Columbus' own papers and Bartolom' de las Casas' accounts of encounters with Native Americans, the text examines Columbus' career, personal life, and professional goals. Reis puts the explorer in context with a thorough look at motivations for exploration and scientific beliefs of the time. Throughout the book, 21 activities are offered as reinforcement, including projects to re-create a solar eclipse with a flashlight, and to make a quadrant and compass. Many of these activities are STEM friendly, making this a useful interdisciplinary resource.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)