A Journey with Christopher Columbus

Gr 4–7—Each volume opens with an introductory chapter citing a primary document, such as a letter to King Charles V about Hernán Cortés's expedition to Mexico, and offering a short definition of primary sourcing and discussion of its significance. The design throughout the series is colorful and images are frequent, including contemporaneous engravings, paintings, and maps. Reflection questions appear at the foot of many pages, asking readers, for example, what Christopher Columbus might have said to kings to try to convince them to fund his voyages. The writing is simple and direct, though rich with detail. Potentially problematic topics, such as the treatment of Indigenous people by invaders, are handled sensitively and honestly. Numerous complementary sidebars treat subjects such as Sieur de La Salle learning local languages from First Nations people.