To the Edge of the World
Gr. 5-8. In this fast-paced sea-faring adventure, a fictional orphan, Mateo, joins Magellan as a cabin boy on the voyage that pioneered the Straits of Magellan and completed the first trip around the world. The plot follows the dramatic historic journey, complete with discoveries, mutinies, diseases, near-starvation, and encounters with indigenous peoples. During the course of three years, Mateo grows up with the close guidance of Magellan. Such a warm friendship between captain and cabin boy may not seem realistic, but it provides a vantage point for Mateo to witness historic events and hear Magellan's own musings. Mateo's friendship with a slightly older, rebellious sailor emphasizes the intimacy of life on board ship, and the reckless friend provides a contrast to Mateo's growing thoughtfulness. Karen Hesse'sStowaway(2000), which also creates a cabin boy to observe a momentous voyage, offers the sort of thorough back matter that would have enhanced this, but there's solid page-turning excitement for fans of sea stories and also some fascinating history here.Kathleen OdeanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved