Written by Laurence Bergreen
Wow! I had no idea the magnitude of Magellan’s exploration until I read this book. Bergreen does an amazing job packing tons of information into 170 pages. Though loaded with facts and details, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Magellan was hungry for adventure early on. He served as a soldier in his youth and proved himself tenacious and brave. This bravery would be essential to Magellan’s world voyage. Through a little trickery, Magellan convinced King Charles of Spain to finance his trip. The King desired a presence in the Spice Islands and Magellan promised he would find a faster route than ever before. Maps and information about the earth were hard to come by and often inaccurate. This lack of knowledge turned a year voyage into a three year, near-death experience. Facing mutiny, hunger, disease, war, and death, this dream turned nightmare would haunt many, but more than anything, would shape world travel and exploration for hundreds of years. The only downside to the book is that it is difficult to keep track of who is who in the narration. Other than that, I highly recommend this fantastic book.
Review by Teresa Edmunds, Westbrook Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 8-12
Magellan: Over the Edge of the World
Written by Laurence Bergreen
Roaring Brook Press
224 pages
Release Date: May 23, 2017
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
