Christopher Columbus: Sailing To A New World (In the Footsteps of Explorers)

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, and Ages 11 up.