Pedro's Journal captures the tension of life at sea through the private reflections of a boy witnessing history firsthand. The story succeeds by grounding massive historical events in sensory details and the personal growth of a young cabin boy. Books in this family share an intimate diary format, a vivid historical setting, and a protagonist questioning the world around them.
Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the simplified hero narratives of history or shows a budding interest in the ethics of how we treat others. This diary style novel follows Pedro, a young cabin boy on Columbus's first voyage, as he transitions from wide eyed excitement to deep moral conflict. It is a perfect choice for parents who want to introduce the concept of historical nuance and the weight of personal conscience. While the story is an adventure on the high seas, its true heart lies in Pedro's growing empathy for the indigenous people the explorers encounter. It handles the darker realities of the 1492 voyage with a grounded, realistic tone that is appropriate for middle grade readers. Use this book to bridge the gap between legend and humanity, helping your child see that doing what is right often requires standing apart from the crowd.
