Synopsis
Traces the life and accomplishments of Spanish explorer and conquistador, Francisco Vâasquez de Coronado, who led a major expedition from Mexico through what is now the ...
Jacki Vawter, Ph.D. - Children's Literature
On the first page of this biography of a 16th century Spanish explorer of the New World, three dates, four place names and two persons are identified. This dense introduction is followed by too many characters and locations which seriously detracts from the success of this book. Many inconsistencies and complexities characterize the book. For example, there's Coronado's 1540-1542 expedition from the Mexico area into the southwest. His route is marked but not that of the small group he sent out who came upon the Grand Canyon, making them the first Europeans to see the spectacular landmark. The Grand Canyon's social history often mentions this fact. Another example on page 15 is that Coronado takes 1500 horses to conquer and claim new territories for Spain. It is not until page 27 that an explanation is given that horses were brought from Spain to the New World, a significant fact of Coronado's experiences. Part of the "Explorers" series, this book is illustrated with stock images, includes an occasional "Would You?" question, captions for all illustrations, a glossary, pronunciation key and an index. A curious timeline, color-coded by century, is found at the bottom of each page stretching from 1450 to 1997. It highlights landmark events of the 12 explorers in the series. Do not look for the timeline to refer exclusively to the subject of the biography. 2004, ABDO Publishing Company, Ages 9 to 12.
Editorials
Children's Literature
On the first page of this biography of a 16th century Spanish explorer of the New World, three dates, four place names and two persons are identified. This dense introduction is followed by too many characters and locations which seriously detracts from the success of this book. Many inconsistencies and complexities characterize the book. For example, there's Coronado's 1540-1542 expedition from the Mexico area into the southwest. His route is marked but not that of the small group he sent out who came upon the Grand Canyon, making them the first Europeans to see the spectacular landmark. The Grand Canyon's social history often mentions this fact. Another example on page 15 is that Coronado takes 1500 horses to conquer and claim new territories for Spain. It is not until page 27 that an explanation is given that horses were brought from Spain to the New World, a significant fact of Coronado's experiences. Part of the "Explorers" series, this book is illustrated with stock images, includes an occasional "Would You?" question, captions for all illustrations, a glossary, pronunciation key and an index. A curious timeline, color-coded by century, is found at the bottom of each page stretching from 1450 to 1997. It highlights landmark events of the 12 explorers in the series. Do not look for the timeline to refer exclusively to the subject of the biography. 2004, ABDO Publishing Company, Ages 9 to 12.—Jacki Vawter, Ph.D.