Picture books can be a wonderful way to help your students learn about history. However, it can be difficult to find worthwhile books that are also accurate and enriching. To help you save time I’ve compiled this list of 4 Age of Exploration (Age of Discovery) children’s books that you can use in your classroom today!
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Encounter by Jane Yolen
Book Description:
Book Description:This Age of Exploration picture book tells the story of a young Taíno boy who experiences the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Through the boy’s eyes we see the apprehension and curiosity felt by the Taínos, as well as the fear they had of these newcomers.
The boy does not trust these men. He tries to warn them, but the others ignore him. In the end, we see how the Taínos lost their language, lands, and so much else to these explorers.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
Although many history books are told from the perspective of European explorers, this book tells the important and often overlooked perspective of an Indigenous group. I encourage teachers to talk to their students about what they learned from reading Encounter. How does it compare to what they already know about Columbus? What new things did they learn?
The People Shall Continue by Simon J Ortiz
Book Description:
This simple but powerful book tells the story of America’s Indigenous Groups. It was written by Simon J. Ortiz, a widely read and celebrated Puebloan poet.The People Shall Continue highlights their survival and difficulties from European contact to modern-day.
This book emphasizes the inner strength of Native Americans and their desire to stay true to their culture and beliefs despite oppression.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
This book really focuses on how the Native Americans viewed explorers and settlers, as well as how they handled the challenges that came with these newcomers. Because this book covers a large period of time, teachers may choose to just read the portion of the book that focuses on European Exploration.
Now Let Me Fly by Dolores Johnson
Book Description:
This fictional story tells the story of a young African girl named Minna. Minna is kidnapped, taken from her family, and sold into slavery. The story begins in Africa and covers Minna’s difficult journey across the Atlantic and her life as an enslaved person.
This powerful story shows the harsh reality of being sold into slavery. It explores themes of freedom, loss, and love.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
This book would be a good opportunity to help students see enslaved people as individuals. Questions you could ask your students include:
- How did Minna feel when she was forced to leave her home and family?
- What liberties did Minna lose? What does it mean to be enslaved?
- Where does Minna find joy? What makes Minna sad?
Exploration and Conquest: The Americas After Columbus: 1500-1620 by Betsey Maestro
Book Description:
This informative and beautifully illustrated book gives a broad overview of important European Explorers such as Magellan, Cortes, Pizarro, and more. Although there are many books about European explorers, not very many books also include the perspectives of the Indigenous Groups. This book includes both the reasons for exploration as well as some of the consequences of the explorers’ actions on Native Americans.
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
This informative book creates an opportunity to remind students that many groups of people lived in the Americas long before European contact. Keep in mind that this book broadly covers a number of topics that could be delved into more deeply. Teachers should consider which parts they feel students need more information on.
More Resources for Teaching about the Age of Exploration
I hope that these picture books about the Age of Exploration will save you time and engage your students!
If you need more help teaching about the Age of Exploration, check out my 2 week Age of Exploration unit. I especially love the “Risks of Exploration Simulation” where your students experience storms, pirates, and mutiny. It’s a HUGE HIT!
Related posts:
- Age of Exploration Videos for kids
- Colombian Exchange Food Activity (Free lesson)
- Age of Exploration Primary Sources
