Let's Read About-- Christopher Columbus

by Kimberly Weinberger

A simple biography of the Italian explorer who became the first European to discover the West Indies islands in three historic voyages sponsored by Spain's monarchy.

Genres: Biography, Childrens, American History, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Rachel Keller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christopher is both an important figure and a controversial one. It's encouraging to read biographies like this one, which do not paint him as a hero, but also not as a bad guy either. In the book, the author writes about how Christopher Columbus made a mistake and that we celebrate him even though he made that mistake. I like framing him (and much of history) in that way. One part that really stood out to me was when the author writes about how Columbus did not ask the natives if he could claim the land for Spain. It doesn't got much more into it, which is disappointing, but at least a conversation could happen from that page. I would include this book in my classroom library, but I don't know if it is the one I would use as a read aloud - I just wonder if there is a slightly better book that paints a more even picture of Columbus and his mission.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's Read About-- Christopher Columbus (Scholastic First Biographies)
by Kimberly Weinberger
This is an American history resource for early reader and features biographical history. The book is simple text allowing early readers and second language learners to read about the voyages Columbus made.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very basic nice '1st' Biography to read or help read to a young child. It introduces them to Christopher Columbus as a boy and how he enjoyed being on ships and what he eventurally wanted to do as a grown man. Introducing the King and Queen and the three ships they funded to the reader. With a little bit of Geography as well.

[Jasmine Roberson]

History book about the life of christopher columbus.

[Kayla Hawkins]

(My Choice)
Summary: This book is about the life of Christopher Columbus. It starts when he was born and goes until when he discovered America and met the Native Americans.

Evaluation: I thought there were some good facts in this book, but I was a little disappointed that the book portrayed him as a complete hero. He did do some awful things to the Native Americans and that was not mentioned at all.

Teaching Idea: If I used this book, it could be to introduce Christopher Columbus before we got even deeper into his life story. This book also could be used so students could compare how different authors/books/people portray Christopher Columbus.