1460 – 1600
The Age of Exploration was a time when European powers embarked on extensive voyages across the globe. Driven by the quest for new trade routes, wealth, and territory, explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan opened up new lands and seas. This period led to the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, profoundly shaping global history.
Picture books
The Discovery of the Americas
Outstanding introduction for young readers to the discovery of the Americas, from the Bering crossing to the age of exploration
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Encounter
Powerful story of a young Taino boy’s meeting with Columbus
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Adventures of the Treasure Fleet China Discovers the World
Amazing story of Chinese voyages of exploration and trade just before the era of European exploration
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Beyond the Sea of Ice: The Voyages of Henry Hudson
Exciting story of Hudson’s voyages, with real diary entries and a fold-out map
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Magellan’s World
Exciting story of the first voyage around the world
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Chapter books
Quest
Adventure novel from the perspective of Henry Hudson’s young son and his friends
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Morning Girl
Award-winning novel of a Taíno girl and her brother just before Columbus’ arrival
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To the Edge of the World
Exciting novel about a boy aboard Magellan’s ship
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Pedro’s Journal: A Voyage with Christopher Columbus
Fictional journal of a boy on a voyage with Columbus
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Anacaona: Golden Flower, Haiti, 1490
Fictional Royal Diary about a Hawaiian queen grappling with Spanish contact
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Non-fiction books
What Was the Age of Exploration?
Detailed, comprehensive intro to the Age of Exploration
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The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World
Excellent explanation of the Age of Exploration, using primary sources
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An Age of Voyages, 1350-1600
Thorough overview for middle and upper-grade readers
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Into the Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Their Way by Land, Sea, and Air
Exciting cross-sections of vessels along with stories of their historic journeys
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Around the World in a Hundred Years: From Henry the Navigator to Magellan
Playful overview of famous voyages
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Explorers Who Got Lost
Exciting retelling of famous voyages and what went wrong
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You Wouldn’t Want to Sail With Christopher Columbus!
Humorous guide to Columbus’ voyages
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Kids Book of Canadian Exploration
Excellent introduction to Canadian exploration for young readers
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Where Do You Think You’re Going, Christopher Columbus?
Exciting retelling of Columbus’ life and voyages
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First Nations and Early Explorers (Canada Through Time)
Introduction to the interactions between natives and early explorers in Canada
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Biographies
Who Was Ferdinand Magellan?
Great introduction to Ferdinand Magellan and his impact
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Who Was Christopher Columbus?
Great introduction to Christopher Columbus and his impact
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Henry Hudson: Seeking The Northwest Passage
Introduction to Henry Hudson
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Jacques Cartier: Navigator Who Claimed Canada for France
Introduction to Jacques Cartier
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Who in the World Was The Forgotten Explorer?: The Story of Amerigo Vespucci
Introduction to Amerigo Vespucci
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Activities
Explorers of the New World: Discover the Golden Age of Exploration With 22 Projects (Build It Yourself)
Projects inspired by the Age of Exploration
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