When Christopher Columbus landed on the island of San Salvador in 1492, what he discovered were the Taino Indians. Told from a young Taino boys poi...
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reviews
Nov 02, 2008
Maureen
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This is the story of Columbus's first landfall in the new world, San Salvador, 1492. It is told with eloquence and prophetic wisdom from a Taino boy's point of view. The child thinks the ships are great birds and the the strange pale faced visitors have come from the sky. In innocence they are welcomed, but the boy's fears of the strangers foreshadow the future colonization and enslavement of the natives by the European invaders.
Since most stories of Columbus's voyages are told from More...
Since most stories of Columbus's voyages are told from More...
Nov 17, 2011
Shelbi
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This book is about the San Salvadorian's view of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America. In the POV of a young boy, you see what the they may have seen and read what they may have thought. At the end there is an Author's Note that lays down many facts about the discovery of America.
This book would be a great resource to use during your discussion of the discovery of America. It shows you that Christopher Columbus did not discover North America, like some students my believe. T More...
This book would be a great resource to use during your discussion of the discovery of America. It shows you that Christopher Columbus did not discover North America, like some students my believe. T More...
Oct 03, 2011
Gabriela
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I see how some people are bothered by the excruciating truth this story wishes to Impart to young readers. The story of Columbus is not a happy one for everyone. Not everything needs to be written and illustrated with rose colored glasses. Children, I am sure were terrified by the white men in weird clothes and crazy talk. I don't think you had to be there to know that, and I think the author explains that she is merely writing a fictionalized account of what happened and took into consideration
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Aug 18, 2011
Lktrigueros
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I really wanted to like this book. If you look in the children's section for Columbus books, it's all a glorious rewriting of history, but this book tells it from a native Taino's perspective.
What I don't like about it is the narrative simply presents a negative impression of European conquistadors without presenting actual negative actions taken, which can only be found in the author's note at the end. (Some actions taken within the narrative, like planting the flag or bringing th More...
What I don't like about it is the narrative simply presents a negative impression of European conquistadors without presenting actual negative actions taken, which can only be found in the author's note at the end. (Some actions taken within the narrative, like planting the flag or bringing th More...
Mar 16, 2011
Jennifer
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Encounter is the story of Christopher Columbus from the point of view of a native Taino boy. The boy dreams of strangers coming to their island and posing a threat to his people. He tries to warn his people, but no one listens because he is a child. The story shows how the Taino eventually lost their culture and language because of this encounter. This book presents an alternate perspective from the traditional versions found in most history books.
Themes: Taino culture, Columbus, g More...
Themes: Taino culture, Columbus, g More...
Feb 20, 2010
Ch_jank-caporale
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When Christopher Columbus first landed in the Americas, he was met by a gentle people identified as the Taino of San Salvador. Within a few years, the tribe virtually vanished through violence when they sought to resist the European invasion, and through the diseases brought by the new-comers.
Encounter interprets first contact through the eyes of a young Taino boy, and we vicaiously experience his uneasiness and distrust of the foreigners. Near the end, he is taken prisoner,intended to be More...
Encounter interprets first contact through the eyes of a young Taino boy, and we vicaiously experience his uneasiness and distrust of the foreigners. Near the end, he is taken prisoner,intended to be More...
Nov 12, 2011
Ashley
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This book is a wonderful tool to utilize while introducing students to explorers and Christopher Columbus. Yolen's Encounter is told from a Taino boy's point of view; fiction based upon research. It gives its reader a different perspective from one they are most likely used to hearing about Columbus and his 1492 explorations. It brings up a powerful message, and shows the profound effect his exploration had on Native Americans. You feel empathy for this young boy and his tribe.
There ar More...
There ar More...
Mar 15, 2010
Ch_beverlyatwood
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As Christopher Columbus landed on San Salvador a young Taino boy accounts the strangers arrival. He describes how the strangers were so different from anyone on the island. Their clothing, skin color, and language were so different. But they almost behaved like human beings since they laughed and gave strings of beads and hats that made the boy not so afraid. The boy was among five natives taken prisioner from their land. The boy escaped and lived to warn others to be afraid of the strangers
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Aug 14, 2010
Laura
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A brilliantly done picture book that imagines the first encounter between Columbus and the native people of San Salvador. The story is told from the perspective of a young Taino boy who has doubts about the arrival of the white men. Shannon's illustrations are the perfect complement to the text, skillfully telling the other side of the story just as much as Yolen's words do. In particular, there is a truly horrifying two-page spread that features the white men leering at the natives' gold. That
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Oct 10, 2011
Amanda
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The story of Columbus from the perspective of a young Taino Indian. It's great because it presents the other side -- strangers out for your gold who take your land etc. I like how certain objects are described the way someone who had NO idea what they are would describe them....a mirror is a pool that gives a man back his face, for example. What I don't like is that it is both too heavy and depressing -- angry -- regarding the European takeover of the Americans for children but also too simplist
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Apr 24, 2011
Leah
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This story of the encounter between Taino Indians and Spanish explorers is told from the point of view of a Taino boy with uneasy premonitions about what the strangers bring. The boy's warning are not heeded, and although he escapes being taken by the Spaniards, the epilogue informs us that no Taino remain today. It's a melancholy book, and David Shannon's illustrations, although colorful, are vaguely menacing. It's a valuable counterpoint to the usually triumphant narratives of the 'discovery'
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Nov 14, 2011
Kerri
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- This is a wonderful book to read with children when discussing the encounter of the European explorers and the Tanio Indians. The story is of Columbus’s first landing on the island of San Salvador in 1492. The story is told from a young Tanio boy’s point of view. The young boy is very scared and fearful of the strangers, which foreshadows the harsh times that were to come for the Tanio Indians. The story gives reason for Columbus to be seen as a change agent for the world, and not a hero.
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Sep 18, 2011
Yalonda
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It is always interesting to read children's books on Christopher Columbus. Yolen's book is commendable because it is told from the perspective of the native people that Christopher Columbus came into contact with. This would be a great book to read aloud or include in a study on explorers, colonization, or Native Americans. This perspective does not glorify Christopher Columbus but presents the realities of how the Native Americans were treated and the cultural exchange between the two groups.
Apr 25, 2011
WHY: Columbus's arrival through the eyes of a Taino Indan boy who has a foreboding dream about the newcomers. His warnings aren't heeded by the tribe's elders. A thought-provoking book on imperialism & colonialism. Related reading: Time article "Before Columbus," 10/19/98, pp 76-77, detailing recent archeological discoveries about the Taino tribe. Interesting companion book: "Me, All Alone, at the End of the World." -from Jim Trelease's "Read Aloud Handbook"
Mar 28, 2009
Jennifer
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Great book for parents/teachers seeking stories to counteract the dominant Columbus as hero narrative or even just looking to show an alternate perspective. Particularly poignant is the boy's questioning whether the visitors are human because they are covered in colorful cloth that makes them look to him like parrots. Must mention that the pictures are just as, if not more memorable, than the story itself.
Nov 26, 2011
Alise
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A story told from the perspective of a young Native American boy about the enterance of Christopher Columbus to the Americas. Sometimes Thanksgiving is portrayed as beautiful event and the other side of the story can be neglected. The students should know the other side of the story.
Great to have a deeper discussion about the celebration. Maybe develop their own conclusions. What was right/ wrong?
Great to have a deeper discussion about the celebration. Maybe develop their own conclusions. What was right/ wrong?
Jan 25, 2010
Ch_kendrachristo
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The Taino are a beautiful, gentle people and this picture book truly captures this beauty through the language and illustrations used. The story is told through the eyes of a Taino boy who cautions his chief and his people not to welcome Christopher Columbus and his men. Read to find out what happens to the Taino people when they disregard the words of the young boy. This tale will capture your heart.
Dec 04, 2010
Lana
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In my opinion, this book is necessary for every student learning American history. Although this book is fiction, it realistically contrasts perspectives and gives voice to those silenced by colonization. I give thanks to Jane Yolen for helping students discover America through the eyes of the Tainos. This book compliments other books about Christopher Columbus.
Jan 05, 2011
Heather
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We read this book for school. The story Columbus' exploration of the new world is told from the perspective of a native child on one of the islands. It provides fodder for great conversations about point of view and explotation, among other subjects. If you want to offer something other than the typical Columbus propaganda, this is a good choice.
Jun 08, 2011
Benjamin
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Jane Yolen tell us the story of the first encounter between Christopher Columbus and the New World,from the point of view of a Taino boy from San Salvador,his first landfall on his conquest of America. As always with Jolen,she hits another home run,...interesting,entertaining,and fact-filled,beautifully illustrated by the amazing David Shannon.
Aug 31, 2010
Deanna
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This is a good 4th grade book for explaining how the Native Americans interpreted and wondered about the European explorers, specifically Christoper Columbus. For example, a sword is described as a "sharp silver stick." Also, this story is told from the point of view of a 9-10 year old boy which makes it relatable to 4th grade students.
Nov 25, 2011
Lindsey
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This book is the tale of Christopher Columbus coming to the new land from the perspective of the Native Americans.
I think it's really refreshing to have this story told from another perspective. I would use this book along with a discussion web to decide whether Christopher Columbus coming to the new land was a good thing or a bad thing for the Native Americans.
I think it's really refreshing to have this story told from another perspective. I would use this book along with a discussion web to decide whether Christopher Columbus coming to the new land was a good thing or a bad thing for the Native Americans.
Apr 28, 2011
Grace
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Encounter is a great book for showing multiple perspectives. In this book the story of Christopher Columbus is seen through the eyes of a local native boy. This story shows how this initial encounter with Christopher Columbus ended up being the downfall of a beautiful culture and language.
Dec 04, 2011
Monica
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Summary:
An old Salvadoran man recounts the story of his first encounter with the white men who landed on the island in 1492 as a warning to people everywhere of the threat of invasion and conquest that destroyed his people and culture
Curricular Connections:
I would use this book to teach a lesson on point of view. Students will discover the difference that point of view makes on a book’s overall message, and how they need to be aware of the messages when they are reading a
An old Salvadoran man recounts the story of his first encounter with the white men who landed on the island in 1492 as a warning to people everywhere of the threat of invasion and conquest that destroyed his people and culture
Curricular Connections:
I would use this book to teach a lesson on point of view. Students will discover the difference that point of view makes on a book’s overall message, and how they need to be aware of the messages when they are reading a
Aug 27, 2011
Haven't read this fully yet, but it looks great, and I am going to use it as a social studies read aloud to introduce my unit on Native Americans and European Explorers. It's great because it gives the Native American perspective and it is not phony happy, but realistic.
Sep 22, 2011
Polly
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Beautiful, educational, frightening book about a Taino boy who's present when Columbus arrives in the Americas, and the all-too-truthful feelings and dreams he has about what these mysterious beings will do to his home and his people.
Jan 26, 2011
Yael
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Personally, I always enjoy a good perspective shift, but I think this would be a hard book to use in an elementary school classroom. I could imagine seventh graders being able to understand and connect to the storyline.
Mar 24, 2011
Rachel
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This book could integrate social studies and literacy well. It ties into units studying Native American culture and history. It is a good book to use because it shows the truth behind European colonization.
Jan 15, 2011
Cheryl/Aradanryl
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I wanted to like this book because my daughter was excited about finding it. However, I felt manipulated instead of informed and I wasn't sure what was true.
The best part of the book for me was the factual info in the back.
The best part of the book for me was the factual info in the back.
Mar 20, 2009
Lisa
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I really enjoyed seeing the perspective of the natives in the Columbus story. We tend to forget that Columbus was not the hero we all would like him to be. He was a businessman plain and simple.
