Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning

From Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake to lesser-known scientific explorers and even an unknown mariner, a batch of new nonfiction works share previously overlooked stories set during the age of discovery. These titles expand our thinking about the people and missions that jumpstarted maritime travel and commerce.

In Search of a Kingdom: Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, and the Perilous Birth of the British Empire

Laurence Bergreen, Mar 2021, Custom House, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: World history, Maritime history, British empire, Age of Discovery

IN SEARCH OF A KINGDOM is an engaging nonfiction narrative exploring Francis Drake, his major voyages of exploration, and his relationship with Elizabeth I.

Take-aways: Educators will find the relationships among the key players along with the specifics of Drake’s expeditions to be helpful in understanding the bigger picture of piracy, enslaved people, diplomacy, and the quest for fame and riches during this period.

Conquering the Pacific: An Unknown Mariner and the Final Great Voyage of the Age of Discovery

Andrés Reséndez, Sep 2021, Mariner Books, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: World history, Spanish history, Maritime history, Age of Discovery

CONQUERING THE PACIFIC shares an amazing account of a mid-16th century Spanish expedition that crossed the Pacific Ocean and returned. Launched from a secret port in Mexico, the crew included a Black mariner who captained the small, lead ship.

Take-aways: Of particular interest are the many examples of navigational techniques necessary to successfully cross this challenging ocean.  In addition, the book details encounters with the Pacific Islanders and an assortment of near-disasters.

Latitude: The True Story of the World’s First Scientific Expedition

Nicholas Crane, Oct 2021, Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Themes: World history, Maritime history, Expeditions, Age of Discovery

LATITUDE is a fast-paced nonfiction narrative tracing the adventures of a dozen eighteenth-century European scientists who made important discoveries about global navigation and other amazing achievements.

Take-aways: STEM educators will find this true story of scientific discovery to be an engaging way to teach youth about perseverance and the quest for knowledge.

Straits: Beyond the Myth of Magellan

Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, Mar 2022, University of California Press

Themes: World history, Maritime history, Expeditions, Age of Discovery

STRAITS revisits the life of Ferdinand Magellan separating the fact from fiction through surviving primary sources while providing useful insights and context.

Take-aways: Historically, textbooks have glossed over the life of Magellan and portrayed him as the hero of the age of discovery. This work is effective in providing a more realistic and comprehensive examination of this historical figure.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush (1848-1855) began when gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill. The news of gold brought more than 300,000 people seeking their fortune. While some “forty-niners” found gold, others were more successful in selling supplies and goods to miners.

Read the recently published children's book, then learn more at the website:

GOLD RUSH GIRL by Avi tells the story of a young girl’s adventures on the high seas and the gold fields of 1848 California. Set during the Gold Rush, this middle grade novel successfully weaves in elements of historical events in San Francisco during this period.

THE GOLD RUSH ERA, 1848-1865 from Calisphere: University of California contains six digital exhibitions related to the time period. Topics include murder and mayhem, disasters, everyday life and people, environmental impact, the growth of cities, and diversity in the changing state.

To visit the digital collection, go to https://bit.ly/2R0UeiF.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Moviemaking

Also known as filmmaking, moviemaking is the process of making a film for theatrical release. The production process includes development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution.

Read the recently published book series, then learn more at the website:

THE MOVIEMAKING MAGIC OF STAR WARS is a nonfiction series focusing on the process of moviemaking. Each book uses interviews, photographs, original artwork, and behind-the-scenes stories to engage readers. In addition, accordion folds and interactive folds add an addition layer of fun. CREATURES + ALIENS and SHIPS & BATTLES are the first two books in this highly illustrated series.

The STAR WARS DATABANK is part of the official movie series website. Users can browse for information by character, creature, droid, location, organization, species, vehicle, weapon, technology, and more.

To learn more, go to https://www.starwars.com/databank

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Book Review: The Whydah

THE WHYDAH: A PIRATE SHIP FEARED, WRECKED, and FOUND by Martin W. Sandler pieces together the true story of a pirate ship discovered by marine archaeologists in the 1980s.

During the age of piracy, now famous pirates like Blackbeard and Black Sam Bellamy sailed the Atlantic in search of treasure. In 1717, a pirate ship called the Whydah wrecked off Cape Cod only to be found in 1984 by marine archaeologists. Sandler tells the exciting story of what researchers have learned from this amazing pirate ship. Readers learn about how this slave ship was transformed into a ship used by pirates almost 300 years ago. The author incorporates legends and survivor stories to add to the mystery surrounding the ship. Primary source materials are woven into the story along with short descriptions that provide historical insights.

Librarians will find the combination of pirates, shipwrecks, and history to be appealing to both middle grade and older students. Connect this book with other activities occurring during the age of piracy. This book would be useful for reluctant readers seeking an engaging research topic.

Published by Candlewick on March 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Salt to the Sea

SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys tells the story of refugees on a dangerous journey at the end of World War II in Europe.

Joana, Emilia, and Florian along with thousands of others make their way along dirt roads and the back country in hopes of finding a place on a ship to freedom. Told through alternative voices, readers learn the backstory of each character and how they came together in these desperate times. In addition to the three refugees, readers also gain insights into the life of a German soldier named Alfred. Along the way, the author skillfully integrates important war topics including the loss of great artwork, rape by soldiers, and prejudice.

This well-researched young adult work of historical fiction weaves in true events including the tragic sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff carrying ten thousand wounded soldiers and refugees. The back matter includes author notes connecting the real events to the narrative along with sources, maps, and other information.

Librarians will find this book to be an excellent addition to their World War II historical fiction collections. The alternating viewpoints and variety of well-developed characters will be of particular interest to teen readers. The constant threats and ever-changing landscapes help the plot move quickly.

To learn more about the author, go to http://rutasepetys.com/.

Published by Philomel, an imprint of Penguin on February 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Icebreaker

ICEBREAKER by Lian Tanner is an intriguing middle-grade science fiction thriller that takes place aboard a huge ship traveling the icy southern polar regions.

After 300 years at sea and an epic Civil War, the crew of the Oyster is divided into three tribes. As an outcast, twelve-year-old Petrel lives a lonely life with only a couple talking rats as companions. The ship was originally launched to save the final remnants of knowledge and technology from the evil Anti-Machinists. However, memory of the original mission has been lost for generations until a lone boy is spotted by Petrel on an iceberg. What follows is a fast-paced story of survival and renewal.

Tanner’s skills at world building and character development will bring the story alive for middle grade readers. Her balance of interesting dialog with vivid descriptions will help readers visualize this unusual shipboard setting.

Librarians will find that this exciting adventure will appeal to youth who enjoy dystopian settings with elements of steampunk. ICEBREAKER is the first book in The Hidden Trilogy.

To learn more about this Australian children’s author, go to http://liantanner.com.au/.

Published by Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan on August 18, 2015.