Families who loved The Tainos: The People Who Welcomed Columbus by Francine Jacobs often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts asking deeper questions about history, justice, and the voices often left out of standard textbooks. It is a vital resource for parents wanting to move beyond the surface-level discovery myths of 1492 to provide a more nuanced, empathetic view of the indigenous people who first inhabited the Caribbean. The narrative explores the sophisticated Taino culture, their spiritual connection to nature, and the tragic consequences of European contact. While it handles difficult history, it centers on the dignity and resilience of the Taino people. This chapter book is best suited for middle-schoolers who are ready to engage with themes of cultural loss and social justice. It serves as a bridge for conversations about how we remember the past and why every culture's story matters today.
