Celebrate Columbus Day
Once learned, the ditty about Columbus: "In Fourteen Hundred Ninety-Two Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue." cannot be eradicated from one's brain; however, one can examine this historic feat with new perspectives. Additional insight has been provided by the changes in historical attitudes that have developed during the intervening years -- reevaluating the impact of his exploration and the opening of "The New World" to "outsiders.". The following web site provides a doorway to many other links to research on Columbus and his explorations: Columbus Day.
For a fascinating introduction to the history of Columbus Day visit the Library of Congress page "Today in History" You learn about the ways that Christopher Columbus has been honored, view reproductions of documents and find plenty of links to related information such as the Columbus Monument and a quilt commemorating the Quincentennial of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World. There is a kid's site with many links to learn even more about the holiday, navigation, the controversy surrounding this famed explorer and how the holiday was established.
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
Reviews
Anacaona, Golden Flower
Edwidge Danticat
Anacaona knows that one day she will be a ruler, either of her own tribe or of a neighboring tribe. Her uncle is chief of their tribe in Haiti during the 1490s. Anacaona learns much about leadership from him, especially when a hurricane hits their village. However, after Anacaona marries neighboring chieftain Caonabo, she faces an even greater challenge than hurricanes: Christopher Columbus. Anacaona and her people do not understand these new, pale-faced men's obsession with gold. Even the fiercest tribe in Haiti fears them. Anacaona and her husband try to figure out a way to either defeat or repel this new threat to their people. This book from "The Royal Diaries" series provides an excellent look at the life of Native Americans before the arrival of Europeans. Although Anacaona would not have kept a diary, the author does mention this fact in the "Author's Note." A brief section of historical notes, pictures, and basic facts about Haiti during the late 15th century add an extra dimension to this historical work of fiction. 2005, Children's Press, $10.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-49906-2
Christopher Columbus
Susan Bivin Aller
This is a great book to use for a unit on Christopher Columbus. Susan Bivin Aller does an excellent job of recalling the events and facts about this famous man's life from birth, to stardom, to his death. Tom Parlin and Laura Westlund also do an excellent job on the illustrations of this book. The details in the drawings are very meticulous. This informational text covers the early life of Christopher Columbus, his plea to find riches and land, his four voyages, and his last days. The book is easy to follow, yet very factual. There is even a time line of Columbus's life, a glossary, and more resources, such as Web sites and other books to investigate this Spanish explorer's career. This book could definitely be used in a classroom to teach fifth-grade students and older about Christopher Columbus. (History Maker Bios) Nonfiction (970.01), Highly Recommended. Grades 5 and up. 2002, Lerner, 47p., $23.93. Ages 10 up. Russell Souders (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 15, No. 3)).
ISBN: 0-8225-0398-0
Christopher Columbus
Christy Devillier
Columbus is explored in another "First Biography Buddy Book" series title. All of the books in this series follow the same, well-organized format. Each book opens with "Why Is He (She/They) Famous?" followed by one or more short chapters on the subject's youth. "First Steps" describes how the subject launched his career. The information on Columbus is presented in large, easy-to-read type. Emphasis is on his achievements as an explorer of many lands rather than his "discovery" of America. His voyages were risky experiences, compounded by the uncertainty of the presence of sea monsters and a bored, flea-ridden crew. The graphics expand upon the text, but the illustrations are a hodge-podge of archival drawings, maps and jarring coloring-book art. Back matter includes a chart of Columbus' voyages, websites, glossary, index and important dates. 2001, ABDO, Ages 5 to 8, $21.95. Reviewer: Candice Ransom (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5776-5594-X
Christopher Columbus
Kathleen Kudlinski
There are lots of books about Christopher Columbus, the well-known explorer who dreamed of reaching Asia, but Kudlinski's book is different because it gives a fictional account of the young "Cristoforo Colombo." The author states in the beginning of her book that little is known of Columbus's childhood, but records show he was born in Genoa in 1451 to parents who were wool weavers. Cristoforo (his name in Italian) and his brother Bartolo didn't want to become weavers, so they decided to leave the family business and explore the seas. Kudlinski writes about Cristoforo's young years as they may have happened. There are thirteen chapters, each of them dealing with different periods in his life. The first chapter opens with the Columbus brothers at the harbor watching the boats. Cristoforo is already in love with the sea and dreams of becoming a sailor. They meet a cabin boy and listen to his tales of traveling the ocean. The second chapter opens with his mother waking him for Church. It is Saint Cristoforo's Day! In chapter three, Cristoforo and Bartolo are sent to a guild school to learn about the bookkeeping and financial side of the weaving business, but Cristoforo doesn't want to be a weaver. He wants to go to sea. The first four chapters of this book are more fictional than the rest because more is known about Columbus's life beginning at the age of twenty. Although Kudlinski has used facts throughout the book, she has filled in those places where little is know about Columbus's early life with fiction. Children will enjoy this readable story about an interesting historical figure. 2005, Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster, $4.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-87648-3
Christopher Columbus
Melissa Nathan
Christopher Columbus has been credited with discovering America even though he never actually set foot on North America's mainland. Additionally, many records, including those from Columbus's own journal, portray him as a ruthless and cunning man who, without remorse, downplayed others for his own gain. Does this make Christopher Columbus less of a great explorer? While managing motley crews he traveled four expeditions and the results of his journeys contributed to many amazing advances. This book objectively exposes both sides of the brave explorer so that the reader can make their own informed conclusions. Packed full with colorful pictures and sidebars, this book will aid and inform the student seeking objective information on early exploration of America. There is a glossary and index as well as a list of book and Internet sources for further reading. This book is part of the "Great Explorers" series. 2004, World Almanac Library, Ages 10 up, $29.26. Reviewer: Denise Daley (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-83685-013-0
ISBN: 0-83685-173-0
Christopher Columbus
Peter and Connie Roop
Peter and Connie Roop do a nice job in this biography of Christoper Columbus. Their main focus is on the sea voyages Columbus made to the new world in search of the rich Indies. Although Columbus never reached the Indies, he was the first European to reach South America, Central America and the Caribbean Islands. The Roops base most of their book on the journals Columbus kept during his four voyages. This information gives their story authenticity and a clear voice. The reader experiences the difficult sea crossings, the loss of the Santa Maria ship, illness, and many other hardships Columbus and his crew suffered during the many years of their sea travels. The authors manage to convey that although Columbus did not reach the Indies and died thinking he had, this did not diminish his accomplishments. He was a brave explorer who crossed the Atlantic Ocean in quest of new lands that would eventually unite the old and new worlds. Part of the "In Your Own Words" series. 2000, Scholastic, Ages 10 up, $12.95 and $4.50. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-15807-9
Christopher Columbus
Lola M. Schaefer
This simple and easy-to-read biography will broaden any young reader's knowledge about Christopher Columbus and his famous voyage. Designed for the beginner reader, this book relays facts in large font, abundant illustrations and a progressive timeline. It is part of the "First Biographies" series and has a table of contents, glossary, bibliography, index and related web sites section. It is an excellent resource for introducing nonfiction to a young class and could be ordered in multiple copies for small reading groups. The simple sentence structure and vocabulary are easily followed and would be an ideal springboard to word charts and introductory lessons in punctuation. 2002, Capstone Press, Ages 4 to 7, $14.60. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-1173-7
Christopher Columbus
Mary Dodson Wade
These short "Rookie Biographies" are perfect for emergent readers. They feature people in the news as well as famous men and women of the past. Christopher Columbus was originally from Italy, but when he "discovered" America he was sailing for Spain. The ocean fascinated him and he learned to sail and navigate. He was intrigued by what Marco Polo had written about the Indies. He wanted to reach these rich spice lands by sailing west rather than making an arduous trek overland to the east. They sailed for many, many days and his crew grew afraid, but Columbus assured them that they would reach land. Finally they sighted an island populated by the Taino people who he called Indians because he thought that he had reached India. This version of the story is truly barebones and tells nothing of the horrors that came along with Columbus' arrival in the Americas. Some mention should be made that all did not end well for the Natives and that Columbus was hardly a hero. Since there were no photographs at that time, the book is illustrated with reproductions of engravings, and paintings and some original artwork. There is a pictorial words to know section at the end of the text, an index and a brief blurb about the author. 2003, Children's Press, Ages 5 to 7. $19.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-516-22851-X
ISBN: 0-516-27769-3
Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration in World History
Al Sundel
Al Sundel has moved us from our comfort zone with the harsh truth about the treatment of Indians during the Age of Exploration. Depicted in this book are the different cultural backgrounds of the early European explorers and their brutal treatment of the Native Americans. Sundel has collected a wide variety of maps and black and white illustrations. With five pages of resources this is more of a history reference book. From the onset Sundel informs us that much of Columbus' original writings are lost and no living portrait of Columbus exists, that all portraits are imagined. "All early accounts about Columbus, including Las Casas's, contradict one another in important details." This study of Columbus introduces us to his early experiences as a cabin boy in Genoa and progresses through his many voyages and their impact on world history, exposing his failures as well as his discoveries. 2002, Enslow Publications, Ages 9 to 12, $20.95. Reviewer: Ann Sanger (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7660-1820-2
Christopher Columbus: and the Discovery of the Americas
Tim McNeese
This is a wonderful book on Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the new world. It is balanced, as it presents the facts and allows readers to draw their own conclusions about Columbus--the essence of good pedagogy. Instead of offering an indictment of Columbus, the author presents the actions of the Spaniards and compares them with the behavior of the peoples they conquered. Illustrations and maps are adequate and the insets contain anecdotes and facts that should hold the attention of young readers. This author also understands his audience well. This book is ideally suited for junior high. The font size is larger than normal, the writing style is simple, and short tests are distributed throughout the book to ensure students master the subject matter. For high school, this volume would also be well-suited for reluctant readers, as well as those students with vision problems or learning disabilities. The more academically precocious students probably will opt for a different work. Highly recommended for junior high school and some high school students. (Explorers of New Lands). Nonfiction (970.01), Highly Recommended. Grades Junior high-High school. 2005, Chelsea House, 166p., $30.00. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Mat McConnell (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 18, No. 4)).
ISBN: 0-7910-8613-5
Christopher Columbus and the Discovery of the New World
Carole S. Gallagher
This is a recent addition to the "Explorers of New Worlds" series. This book chronicles the life and achievements of Christopher Columbus, and includes photography, artwork and map sketching to accompany the text. In it, we find information about Columbus' childhood and insight into what motivated him to take on the challenge of exploring uncharted waters again and again. The larger context of the politics in Spain in the late 15th century is likewise addressed. For example, the book describes likely interactions between Columbus and King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who had the resources needed for these journeys. Because the author chooses to recount the events through a portrayal of the explorer as a man with strengths and limitations, the reader experiences Christopher Columbus as a real person. This encourages interest in events and time periods that fourth graders might otherwise view as a boring history lesson. It is a valuable addition to any elementary school library. 2000, Chelsea House Publishers, Ages 8 to 11, $16.95. Reviewer: Kathleen Orosz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7910-5509-4
Christopher Columbus: Explorer
Judy Alter
Since 1992, the 300th anniversary of the discovery of America, there has been a tendency to revise the traditional image of Columbus as intrepid explorer and discoverer of America. This volume in the "Spirit of America: Our People" series attempts, rather successfully, to present a more balanced picture. The author points out that by 1492 few people thought the world was flat and that Columbus never set foot on the continent of North America. His several voyages are described, his determination and skill as a navigator praised, but the author does not neglect to explain that the treatment of native inhabitants by the Spaniards was extremely cruel, providing a poor model for future explorers. Teachers might want to share Michael Dorris's Morning Girl to give children some idea of the peaceful Taino society before Europeans came. The lust for gold, the introduction of tobacco to Europe, and a hero's welcome after the explorer's first voyage make lively reading, while the frustrations and failures of the later voyages are also made clear. Special pages on the Columbus legend showing the Columbian Exposition of 1892 and on the harrowing life of a 15th-century sailor are especially well done. Since the illustrations must necessarily be derived mostly from paintings and drawings, many events seem to take on a posed, Victorian-Romantic look. The author leaves young historians with the thought that while Columbus was not as noble as legend would have it, his voyages to the Americas did change the world. A timeline, glossary, and bibliography are provided. 2002, The Child's World, Ages 8 to 11, $27.07. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5676-6161-0
Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World
Robin S. Doak
The voyages of Christopher Columbus to America occurred during the Renaissance period when Europeans experienced a rebirth of interest and achievement in the arts, science, and global exploration. This title from the eye-catching "Signature Lives" biography series presents history's most famous explorer and his efforts to find a westward route to the Indies. It also features a unique parallel timeline of the subject's life and world events. Ten brief easy-to-read chapters accurately portray his mysterious boyhood, the campaign to find a sponsor for the four journeys undertaken, and the explorer's image as a hero to some, villain to others. Reader's interest is captured from start to finish. In chapter four, "Setting Sail," precise details depict the daily menu, navigation tools, personnel attitudes, and weather events. The book's pages are accented with elegant purple, ancient natural parchment, and white colors, enriched with antique framed and scripted sidebars and highlighted with captioned full-color period photos, paintings, and maps. Other features include a glance at the subject's life, additional resources including books, web sites (limited to FactHound), and historic places to visit, glossary, source notes, select biography, index, and image credits. Adventure seekers and biography lovers will appreciate this title. 2005, Compass Point Books, $30.60. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Barbara Troisi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0811-8
Christopher Columbus: Famous Explorer
Arlene Bourgeois Molzahn
The Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria are known to elementary students all over America, as is the name Christopher Columbus. In this new biography, part of the "Explorers!" series, the story of Columbus is retold. It begins with a horrible sea battle where Columbus, after being shot, leaps from his sinking ship and swims the six miles to shore. It continues to tell how he became interested in exploring, how he petitioned different monarchs for money and eventually tells about his journeys to the New World. It also includes some personal information about the explorer, such as the fact that he left his son at a monastery while he was at sea. A timeline, a glossary and a resource section are included at the end of the book. The book also has a variety of maps and pictures, including etchings, photographs and paintings. The captions are a little confusing in some of the illustrations, though. Overall, the book is an adequate biography. It is straightforward and interesting and will supplement what kids are learning in school. 2003, Enslow Publishers, Ages 7 to 12, $18.95. Reviewer: Heather Robertson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7660-2066-5
Christopher Columbus: Opening the Americas to European Exploration
Michael Burgan
Broken into four main chapters and augmented by text boxes covering particular aspects of Columbus's life, the book provides insight into the famous explorer who first tried to find a western route from Spain to China, Japan and India in 1492. Though he failed to reach Asia on any of his four voyages to the Caribbean, he did help Spain acquire wealth and territory and set the stage for European settlement of North and South America. Columbus's voyages also brought disease, slavery and death to the natives and, later, to Africans who were brought to the Americas as slaves. One hundred years after Columbus first set sail, Spain had amassed the "largest overseas empire in the world." Part of the series about the Hispanic people called "A Proud Heritage: The Hispanic Library," this book features a timeline of key events, a glossary, an index, and sources for further reading, including sites on the internet. A map depicting Columbus' four voyages also is provided, as well as color and black-and-white illustrations. 2004, The Child's World, Ages 8 to 12, $28.50.
Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5929-6142-8
Christopher Columbus: Sailing to a New World
Adrianne Morganelli
This title covers from 1451 to 1506, the time of Christopher Columbus' sea voyages, his encounters with native life, and failed colonies. Some of the right-hand pages in this paperback feature purple vertical strips which record historical event timelines that would be helpful for student research and reports. This text provides many facts although sometimes they are arranged in a disconnected manner. Much of the text is printed on pale background art (maps & illustrations) which makes reading the text distracting. Fact boxes and other sidebars often clutter the pages, but, nevertheless, give valuable information. One helpful map illustrates all four of Columbus' voyages together. You even get a recipe for ship biscuits called hardtack. The book also includes a limited glossary. This book has a wealth of information for middle school/junior high students and teachers as a reference on Christopher Columbus for reports, presentations, or just historical facts. This title is part of the "Footsteps of Explorers" series.
2003, Crabtree Publishers, Ages 11 up, $16.95 and $8.95. Reviewer: Charlotte M. Krall
ISBN: 978-0-7787-2409-4
ISBN: 0-7787-2409-3
ISBN: 978-0-7787-2445-2
ISBN: 0-7787-2445-X
Columbus Day
Rennay Craats
In 24 pages with plenty of illustrations, readers learn a little about the man Christopher Columbus who discovered the Americas for the king and queen of Spain. Columbus studied and worked hard to earn the right to make this trip and as the facts on the next to last page note, he was governer of a colony in the New World. The real focus of the book is the variety of celebrations across the United States and the Italian flavor given to the holiday. Even though Columbus sailed under the Spanish flag, he was an Italian by birth. Italians have contributed funds to build a statue located in Walla Walla wahington. Big celebrations are held in San Francisco, Chicago and New York. The most interesting one may be the annual regatta in Miami's Biscayne Bay. The book includes a couple of raft ideas without adequate step-by-step instructions or illustrations and a recipe that is extremely simplistic. The web sites referenced are kid friendly and informative. The books referenced. 2004, Weigl Publishers, Ages 5 to 8, $22.80. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59036-106-7
ISBN: 1-59036-164-4
Columbus Day
Christina Mia Gardeski
Who was Christopher Columbus and why do we celebrate Columbus Day? He was an explorer and one who believed the world was round. He believed it would be faster and more profitable to sail west to the Indies in search of gold and spices. Sponsored by the King and Queen of Spain, Columbus set sail with three ships. He did indeed find land but not what he expected. Columbus is credited with discovering the Americas--what he did was make the land and its people known to the general European society. The focus is on exploring and discovery and the related celebration of this holiday. No mention is made of the sad consequences of European contact with the native peoples--named Indians by Columbus. A picture glossary, index and brief biographical information about the author concludes the text. Part of the "Rookie Read-About Holidays" series. 2001, Children's Press/Scholastic, Ages 5 to 7, $19.00 and $4.95. Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-516-22371-2
Columbus Day: Celebrating a Famous Explorer
Elaine Landau
This is a fairly good history book about Columbus for early elementary children. Despite his many mistakes, the gentleman has ended up being credited with discovering America, and therefore his exploits are worthy of our consideration. The text is not especially clear, and some of the ideas might be confusing, but they are interesting. For instance, Columbus thought the world was smaller than it was, which made him sure that Asia was much closer to Europe than it really was. The geography might be hard for a second-grader to visualize, but the humanity of the explorer comes through. Visually engaging, with lots of reproductions of paintings and engravings, the book is pleasing to look at. There are boxes here and there, with tidbits and related details. The "Words to Know" section in the back is a little weak--these seem hard to create, in general--but there is a holiday crafts project, an index and a good references section, with Internet addresses as well. This book is part of the "Finding Out About Holidays" series. 2001, Enslow, Ages 7 to 9, $18.95. Nancy Partridge (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002 ; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
ISBN: 0-7660-1573-4
Columbus Reaches the Americas
John Malam
Illustrated by paintings, drawings, and historical and contemporary maps, this volume consists of short chapters outlining the life of Christopher Columbus. Although it supposedly focuses on October 12, 1492, the date of Columbus's landing in the Americas, the book is actually a more general biography of Columbus, from his birth and early voyages to his death in 1506. Columbus's voyages are placed in the context of other explorers' work. Unfortunately, even in the short chapter on "Legacy of Columbus," the book falls short of discussing ongoing controversies about Columbus and other voyagers to the New World, particularly with regard to native peoples and slavery. A timeline outlines key dates in Columbus's life, and a selective glossary and index are also included. This is a volume in the "Dates with History" series. 2004, Smart Apple Media, Ages 9 to 12, $28.50. Reviewers: Norah Piehl (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5834-0411-2
Discovering Christopher Columbus: How History is Invented
Kathy Pelta
Here is a very good biography that is more than a biography. In every chapter, the author shows how historians work to find the truth about Columbus, his activities, and the people in his life. When events are reinterpreted, Kathy Pelta clearly explains how acceptance of the former version came to be and what current findings now reveal. Myths are debunked in a simple manner. For example, "the historian Bartolome de Las Casas who wrote that the queen was willing to pawn her jewels. [But] Isabella never had to, because the royal treasurer said he would lend his own money instead." And "Twentieth-century historians knew that many other educated people besides Columbus realized the world was round, and that he did not make his voyage to prove the fact." Besides chronicling Columbus's life and voyages, the book includes what early historians and his son Ferdinand wrote about him, as well as how Columbus became an important symbol in the Americas, with places, ships, anthems, schools, a fraternal organization, and a country bearing his name. Chapter nine explains how students can find sources of information about Columbus and evaluate them. The book is heavily illustrated with photographs, maps, and reproductions of early paintings and engravings. A very readable section on sources of Information and a detailed index complete the book. Activities students can engage in include plotting the voyages, crafting playlets, making dioramas, and listing and discussing the pros and cons of Columbus as captain, navigator, colonist, and governor. "How History Is Invented" is the subtitle and also an interest-catching theme of this book. Highly Recommended, Grades 5-12. 1991, Lerner, 112pp., $14.95. Ages 10 to 18. Reviewer: Dr. George Hennings (Science Books and Films (Vol. 27, No. 7))
Best Books:
Annual Best Children's Science Book List, 1991; Science Books & Films; United States
Children's Choices, 1992; International Reading Association; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1991; United States
ISBN: 0-8225-4899-2
The European Rediscovery of America: How European Explorers like Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Amerigo Vespucci, Pedro âAlvarez Cabral, and the Corte-Real Brothers Sailed to the Continents they would call the New World
Kelly Wittmann
European explorers such as Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Amerigo Vespucci, Pedro Alvarez Cabral, and the Corte-Real brothers sailed to the continents they would call the New World. This volume of the "Exploration and Discovery" series begins with the cry, "Land!" What a fitting start for such a discovery. The first half of the book is devoted to Christopher Columbus. The author covers his discovery as well as European intentions for his voyage. One chapter provides a profile of this historic character. In the second half of the book, we meet some of Columbus' rivals, others who set foot on American soil in the early yeas of exploration. The book is 64-pages, is set in large type, is double-spaced for ease of reading and is available in library-bound version. With a chronology, glossary, further-reading list, Internet-resource list, and index, it will serve as a good source for school research projects. Graphics are varied; the book contains old maps, a few photographs and sketches, and many oil paintings that parallel the history and the times. 2003, Mason Crest Publishers, Ages 9 to 12, $19.95. Reviewer: Susan Schott Karr (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5908-4052-6
Isabel: Jewel of Castilla
Carolyn Meyer
Another addition to the "Royal Diaries" series, this fictionalized biography takes on the youth of Queen Isabel of Castille. In the tradition defined by Karen Cushman's late-medieval heroines, we are offered chatty diary excerpts which though impossible to the period are effective in defining the young princess and her milieu. A large cast of characters and issues are introduced to the reader: the infamous Torquemada of the Spanish Inquisition; Isabel's feuding royal brothers, Enrique IV and Alfonso; and, of course, her many suitors, including Fernando of Aragon, her ultimate husband. The story and its extensive historical notes ultimately fill a gap for young readers. They are likely to come away with a better understanding of the famous Isabel and Ferdinand who not only sent Columbus on his voyages of discovery, but also expelled both the Jews and the Moors from Spain. 2000, Scholastic, Ages 8 to 14, $10.95. Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-439-07805-9
Junie B., First Grader: Shipwrecked
Barbara Park
Illustrated by Denise Brunkus
Wowie, wow, wow! Those who love Junie B. will not be disappointed in this hilarious sojourn into the world of the school play. Junie B.'s first grade class watches fearfully as Roger throws up all over the floor. Afraid of Roger's germs, Junie B. and her classmates cover their heads with paper bags, hold their noses and wrap their hands in plastic baggies to avoid catching the stomach virus because they are doing a play for Parents' Night. Even though a few students fall prey to the virus and are absent, the class manages to learn about Christopher Columbus and to make costumes for the play. But on the night of the big performance, disaster strikes not once, when Junie B. as the Pinta, and May as the Santa Maria race each other and crash, but twice, when Roger, recovering from a cold, falls on Sheldon and sneezes right up his nose! Jose, as Christopher Columbus, saves the day by swimming to the new world. 2004, A Stepping Stone Book/Random House, $11.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Moira Rose Donohue (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82804-4
ISBN: 0-375-92804-9
ISBN: 0-375-82805-2
The Last Voyage of Columbus: Being the Epic Tale of the Great Captain's Fourth Expedition, Including Accounts of Swordfight, Mutiny, Shipwreck, Gold, War, Hurricane, and Discovery
Martin Dugard
Read by Simon Jones
This swash-buckling biography opens in 1500 with Christopher Columbus in chains. He had completed three voyages: the first was for discovery; the second was for colonization; and the third was for expansion. Still, he had not found the passage to India; jealousy, political intrigue, and personal attacks plagued the Italian explorer. When his ships landed at Hispaniola on his third voyage, an over-zealous emissary from Spain threw him in prison for mismanagement of the colony and Columbus was returned to Spain in chains. His incarceration was a mistake and the sovereigns provided him with ships for a fourth voyage. Dugard's text and Jones's narration combine to provide a spellbinding excursion into the early history of "The New World." Jones reads in an almost conspiratorial tone, as if to let the listener in on the secret of Columbus's fourth voyage. Slight changes in his voice suggest different emotions and the seriousness of any situation is never lost. Sound effects enhance the final voyage. Mainly for fans of the action/adventure genre. Category: Nonfiction Audiobooks. KLIATT Codes: SA--Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2005, Time Warner Audiobooks, Abridged. 5 cds. No time listed.; Cardboard; content, author, reader notes., $29.98. Ages 15 to adult. Reviewer: Prof. John E. Boyd (KLIATT Review, July 2006 (Vol. 40, No. 4)).
1-5948-3067-3
Updated 9/28/06
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