History Smashers (#8): Christopher Columbus and the Taino People, by Kate Messner, José Barreiro, Falynn Koch (Illustrator)

 Publication August 8, 2023

Quick quiz: Who was Juan Rodriquez Bermejo? Answer near the end of review.

Although I've had this series' Mayflower book in my digital stash for awhile, I have to admit to having never read it. I'll be remedying that failure soon. In other words, this one hooked me. As a former history major and teacher, while I did actually know many of the not-so-well-known details, I was delighted to discover that I not only had something to learn from this book but that it was such a delightful experience. 

The book's format, with a combo of easy to read and grasp text mixed with often humorous drawings/comics, photos, maps, scrolls, and dialogue that flowed like you were having a discussion with the authors, it was a fascinating look at the myth of Columbus the great explorer, why that myth isn't true, and the actual facts. As it turns out, not only wasn't Columbus very likable, he also wasn't much of a manager and never came to accept that he hadn't, in fact, found a new route to Asia/India. In fact, he died still claiming he'd found Asia/India. Unfortunately, many others died because of him. The addition of the information on the Taino people then and now was an added plus. In fact, co-author Jose Barreiro is a Taino elder.

Bottom line, this one has turned out to be an excellent read. It’s aimed at children but, quite frankly, should work for about any age from upper elementary on up, adults included. I looked up some of the previous books in the series and they seem to follow the same basic pattern: introduce the myth, show why it can’t be completely true, then present the facts. I won’t detail here further other than to say I love the mix of breezy, conversational text and usually humorous comic book worthy illustrations. 

Finally, Juan Rodriquez Bermejo was the first man to actually sight land, a white beach, on the initial voyage of the Pinta, Nina, and Santa Maria. Let's just say, he wasn't very happy with Christopher Columbus, whose real name you'll learn in the book.

This one would be an excellent addition to school, library, or personal bookshelves. Thank you #NetGalley and #RandomHouseChildren's - #RandomHouseBooksForYoungReaders and the authors for opening my eyes to "the rest of the real story". I'll be reading that Mayflower edition asap.