1519 – 1600
During the Age of Exploration, Spanish conquistadores like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro explored the Americas. They encountered powerful indigenous civilizations, including the Aztecs and Incas. These encounters led to significant cultural changes and often tragic consequences for the native populations.
Picture books
Montezuma and the Fall of the Aztecs
Simple introduction to the fatal contact between the Spaniards and the Aztecs
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Exploration and Conquest: The Americas After Columbus: 1500-1620
Excellent introduction to the Conquistadors and their context, for young readers
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The Lady of Cofitachequi: A South Carolina Native American Folktale
Folktale about native South Carolinian’s first encounter with de Soto’s party
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Chapter books
Non-fiction books
The Conquistadores: Building a Spanish Empire in the Americas
Simple introduction to the conquistadores
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A Journey with Hernán Cortés
Accessible introduction to Cortes and his explorations, with primary source extracts
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Inca & Spaniard
Description of how the Incan world changed with the arrival of the Spanish, for older readers
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Biographies
Who Was Ponce de León?
Excellent introduction to Ponce de Leon and his impact
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Francisco Pizarro: Destroyer of the Inca Empire
Introduction to Pizarro and his dark deeds
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Sir Walter Ralegh and the Quest for El Dorado
Introduction to Pizarro and his dark deeds
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Hernando Cortés: Spanish Invader of Mexico
Accessible introduction to Cortes and life as a conquistador
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