About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea that experts can be wrong or when they need to see how stubborn persistence can lead to world-changing results. Jean Fritz brings her signature wit to the legendary 1492 voyage, humanizing Christopher Columbus as a man who was deeply flawed, highly determined, and occasionally quite confused about where he actually was. It is an excellent choice for moving beyond textbook facts to explore the grit required to chase a dream against all odds. Ideal for elementary students, this narrative helps children understand that history is made by real people who make mistakes, feel fear, and face immense pressure. It opens the door for nuanced conversations about exploration, the importance of questioning the status quo, and the complex legacy of those who 'discovered' new worlds.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is written from a secular, historical perspective. While it acknowledges the presence of Indigenous peoples, it focuses more on the European experience of discovery. The treatment of native populations is handled with the simplicity typical of mid-level chapter books, but it may require parental context regarding the long-term impact of colonization.
