Ferdinand Magellan (The First Names Series)

August 14, 2020

Gr 3-7-This latest entry in the "First Names" series covers Ferdinand Magellan's life (1480-1521), from his boyhood in Portugal to his death in the Philippines. Gourlay provides plenty of engaging action scenes and historical facts but also discusses the impact his conquests had on the Native and Indigenous populations of the lands he visited. Knight's illustrations are often accompanied by dialogue or captions, which allow readers to visualize certain parts of the story. Maps, time lines, and a glossary help to make the sometimes complex route of Magellan's voyages more understandable. The main points of sections are often summarized in a separate font, which note-taking students are sure to appreciate. VERDICT A modern, engaging biography that is a strong buy for classes or libraries needing to support research projects or students interested in world history.-Katie McBride Moench, New Glarus Middle and H.S. Lib., WI

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