(4) 4-6 Connect: Discovering the New World series. In a forced fictional tie-in to a nonfiction series, this novel imagines the experience of thirteen-year-old Samuel de la Loire, an aristocratic French boy. Sam stows away on one of explorer Jacques Cartier's ships as it travels to the New World. Cocky at first, Sam soon learns the harsh realities of life as a sailor, explorer, and settler. "Making Connections" questions are appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) 4-6 Explorers of New Worlds series. The various conquests of the Vikings and the explorations of four Europeans who voyaged to the Americas are recorded in well-designed volumes illustrated with historical reproductions and photos. While the accessible books make good basic introductions, they're probably not the best choice for research reports, as excerpts and quotations are undocumented. Time lines are included. There are five other books in this series. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta