(4) YA In this panoramic narrative, two of John Cabot's sons travel to the New World, while middle son Sebastian remains behind in Bristol. Youngest son Sancio records his experiences as Cabot's crew is shipwrecked, clashes with natives, and ultimately becomes victim to another European fleet. Though involving, the lengthy novel is slowed by the inclusion of excessive background information.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Explorers! series. These simple, basic biographies explain the origins, drives, and discoveries of the three featured explorers, as well as their violent (or in the case of Cabot, mysterious) ends. Although the books don't contain a lot of information, they will prove useful to report writers, especially those who struggle with reading. Photos, maps, and (sometimes blurry) reproductions appear throughout. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Explorers! titles: John Cabot, La Salle, and Vasco Núñez.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Groundbreakers series. These formulaic biographies offer a basic overview of each subject's life and accomplishments. Illustrations, captioned color photos, and text boxes clutter the pages but help to break up the readable texts. These books will be adequate for report writers, however, those looking for more substance will need to search elsewhere. A time line is included in each book. There are five other books in this series. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Explorers and Exploration series. Illustrated by Patrick O'Brien. These simplified accounts of European explorers are told from a European perspective, though the native peoples they encountered and sometimes conquered are accurately depicted. The texts are generally choppy, but report writers will find them informative. Each book has a clear map, reprints of old color pictures, some new illustrations, a list of key events in the explorer's century, and a time line of important events in his life. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian