(4) YA In contrast to the more violent approach of his contemporaries, Spaniard Cabeza de Vaca, exploring parts of North and South America during the 1500s, attempted to peacefully interact and trade with the Native Americans he met. Paired with black-and-white maps, photos, and historical reproductions, the text is dense, but report writers will appreciate the details. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Lourie presents a summary of the nearly eight years Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca spent in Texas and Mexico after storms, violence, and hunger beset his crew near. The author interweaves his research and travels with history drawn from de Vaca's written accounts. Readers are also introduced to scholars who assisted with the author's research. Photographs, maps, drawings, and sidebars extend the text. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Tom McNeely. Smooth, focused prose narrates the story of Cabeza de Vaca, second in command of a Spanish expedition to seek gold in the New World in 1527. From near Tampa Bay, Cabeza de Vaca began an eight-year journey to Mexico City, during which he interacted peacefully with native tribes. A foldout map is included, as well as sidebars with passages from Cabeza de Vaca's own writings. Paintings in brown hues illustrate the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian