Who Was First? Discovering the Americas
CCBC Review:
With an even hand, Russell Freedman presents several theories about who were the first people to “discover” the Americas, while acknowledging that many were already living here when Columbus and other explorers arrived. A chapter about the journeys of Christopher Columbus is followed by accounts of Chinese travelers of the 1400s, the voyages of Leif Erikkson and the Vikings around the year 1000, and Native Americans’ long presence in the Americas. A final chapter looks at archeological evidence of prehistoric humans in the New Mexico area about 13,500 years ago, and firepits found near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, dating back 18,000 years, which takes the mystery back even further in time. “Recently uncovered sites . . . in South Carolina and . . . Brazil hint that migrants may have been coming to the Americas for as long as 50,000 years—far earlier than any previously known human presence.” While making it clear that scientists do not agree on any single answer to the question of who was first, Russell Freedman opens the window to a wide range of thought-provoking theories. ©2007 Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 11-15
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
Exploration
First/Native Nations
History (Nonfiction)
Science and Scientists
Diversity subjects:
Indigenous
Multicultural General
Publisher:
Clarion
Publish Year: 2007
Pages: 88
ISBN: 9780618663910
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 970 Freedman