Mayor, Mireya. Pink Boots and a Machete.

Mayor, Mireya.  Pink Boots and a Machete.  National Geographic,  2011.  301p. $26.00  ISBN 978-1-4262-0721-1      hs/adult      E-BN       

     The author has written this autobiography, which chronicles her life from early childhood to NFL cheerleader to National Geographic employee who travels the globe scouring for new species of fauna and flora, following her instincts as a modern-day explorer.    From start to finish this book keeps the reader enthralled with the daring feats and science done by explorer/scientist Mireya Mayor. Writing in everyday language with much humor and introspection, this woman describes her exploratory experiences from the depths of the oceans to the tops of mountains, cataloging and developing plans to protect these animals and their environment. Mireya should serve as a role model to young women to follow their personal dreams and passions in life.                  

Subject: Explorers -- United States -- Biography

Lynn Fisher

 

Bertozzi, Nick Lewis and Clark.

Bertozzi, Nick Lewis and Clark.
First Second (macmillan) 2011 136p 16.99
978-0-59643-450-9 Graphic novel E-BN
A graphic novel about the Lewis and Clark expedition especially for reluctant readers who will enjoy while learning about history.
The graphic novel Lewis and Clark introduces the historical characters of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. These two men paired up to go on an exploratory discovery trip across the wilderness of America in 1804. Their goal was to find a route that would take them clear across the wilderness to the Pacific Coast.
Through the cartoons the reader will be able to share in the experience the team of Lewis & Clark participated in to trek across unknown country. They encountered Native Americans, some willing to be friends others who were hostile. They saw herds of Buffalos. They travels through rivers, creeks, mountains, desserts and plains. They lost a few men along the way and took in travelers going their way. They met a Shoshone Indian girl by the name of Sacagawea. This young woman would be instrumental in helping Lewis and Clark achieve the goal of reaching the Pacific coast.
Merriweather Lewis was not a patient man and more often than not he was impatient and stern, however he kept his goal as his focus to keep himself and his team always on task. Clark was calmer and able to keep his head in difficult situations.
The novel is quite detailed and although it is only in black and white you can almost imagine the majestic views of the wonders they saw as they discovered each part of the trail. You also get a glimpse the trials and tribulations of men trying to get along as they walk towards the unknown. They faced personality clashes, fights, arguments, sickness, fear, anxiety, agitation, panic, impatience and sometimes disloyalty. The novel spares non of this so that the reader actually feels what might have been the feelings of uncertainty as they explored a territory unknown to any white man from the east coast. Diaz, Magna

Vasco da Gama.

Napoli, Tony. Vasco da Gama.
Enslow 2010 112p 31.93
Great Explorers of the World (Enslow)
978-1-59845-127-6 ms/hs VG-BN
Examines the life of explorer Vasco da Gama, including his childhood in Portugal, his three expeditions to India, opening up the spice trade, expanding Portugal’s empire and his legacy in world history. This biography of da Gama presents more detail and depth than students can expect to find in a general encyclopedia article, thus making it a good resource for research and for biography assignments. A description of Portugal’s maritime history lays the groundwork for a more thorough narrative of da Gama’s explorations. The focus is on da Gama’s three expeditions to India and how those expeditions were responsible for extending Portugal’s dominance around the world, both militarily and economically. Using a primary source, The Roteiro as well as other secondary sources, readers have a good understanding of the preparations, itinerary and events of da Gama’s historic first voyage that connected the West and the East by sea. Each of the voyages had its share of triumphs and mistakes, which makes for interesting reading. In addition to describing da Gama’s feats of bravery and courage, the author also discusses how da Gama’s successful voyages brought change to Portugal and how subsequent voyages by Pedro Avares Cabral and Joao da Nova set the stage for da Gama’s second expedition to India. Although during the intervening years between the second and third voyages Portugal strengthened its position and gained greater control of trade centers in the Far East, there were problems in the part of India that Portugal controlled, and so da Gama set sail for his third and last voyage to the Far East. Upon arrival he made many changes requested by the Portuguese king but after three months he became ill and died. Da Gama’s victories are tempered by his treatment of the native peoples of the lands he visited, which was not uncommon for explorers of his time. The nine chapters are each introduced by a full color illustration and numerous other full page and half page captioned illustrations and maps are included in each chapter. The timeline gives a brief description of the events associated with a date and voyage. Zajko,Rosanne

Feinstein, Stephen. Columbus : Opening up the New World.

Feinstein, Stephen. Columbus : Opening up the New World
Enslow 2009 112p 31.93 978-1-59845-101-6 jr/sr
Great Explorers of the World (Enslow)

Lots of primary source material allows us to hear Columbus’ true voice and provides an accessible historical look at the explorer his accomplishments, his harsh treatment of native populations and an explanation for how his career ended in disgrace. Here is Columbus as a real man. The author uses multiple historical documents that allow Columbus to speak for himself. These include his logs and letters and documents written by his contemporaries. Seen objectively, Columbus is not the admirable explorer that legend has given us but instead is someone far less admirable. It is shocking to learn exactly how his policies were resulted in the annihilation of millions of Arawak Indians. Moreover, his brutal treatment of the native population was also criticized by his contemporaries and that criticism of his actions is not revisionist history.
The detailed timeline at the beginning of the book is useful for locating sections within chapters because each chapter is subdivided by date. The index at the back allows access to more specific details. Most of the chapters within the book concerns his life at sea and his explorations but there are some additional personal details about his family and marriage to Felipa Moniz Perestrello .
A striking feature of the book’s design is its generous use of color in text and illustrations. Several of the chapters begin with the same illustration of the Santa Maria on different color background. The repeated use of this picture and several other brightly colored images make this appear more juvenile that its actual content. Additional images are taken from art prints,document facsimiles and maps.
The last chapter contains many excellent examples of how Columbus’ voyages led to an exchange of peoples, products and ideas among three parts of the world -- the Americas, Europe and Africa.(87) The author connects with voyages of geographical exploration with the intellectual exploration of the Reformation. He concludes with an overview of the slave trade.
Spadaro, Trish

A Musical Journey in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark by Anne and Ridley Enslow

Enslow, Anne and Ridley. A Musical Journey in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark.
Enslow, 2008, 128p, $31.93, 978-0-7660-3288-0.

In the introduction to this unique musical journey, Professor Gary Mouton states that while Lewis & Clark and their entourage have been studied and applauded for their accomplishments, “the story of the party’s music has remained largely an unexplored landscape.” By using music of the era, including Mandan music, as well as earlier music that the Corps would have been familiar with, students can appreciate the role of music as part of the expedition. The Corps members themselves, in their journals, noted that music was a form of entertainment. Many students are familiar with primary source documents but perhaps do not realize that music itself is a primary source. In addition to the cd containing thirty selections, the authors have provided a teacher’s guide that provides activities and connections to music, American history and English curriculums. The cd is also accompanied by a detailed booklet with color photographs, maps, chapter notes and side bars, that relates the musical selection to a specific event or timeline of the expedition, and provides excellent background information for the teacher to present and use the selections in class. Lyrics to some of the songs are included. The musicians have recreated the period music with intensity and meticulous attention to detail. Listening to the music that was part of the lives of the intrepid expedition may help students musically experience the joys and tragedies of the expedition.
Discusses the role of music in the 1804-06 expedition led by Lewis & Clark, and provides examples of music, including lyrics, common at the time. RZ