0
    • Elementary Secondary Higher Ed Common Reads
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image
    Listen to a clip from the audiobook
    audio pause button
    0:00
    0:00

    History Smashers: Christopher Columbus and the Taino People

    Part of History Smashers

    Author Kate Messner, Jose Barreiro
    Illustrated by Falynn Koch
    Listen to a clip from the audiobook
    audio pause button
    0:00
    0:00
    Ebook
    RH Childrens Books | Random House Books for Young Readers
    On sale Aug 08, 2023 | 224 Pages | 9780593564288
    Grades 3-7
    Reading Level: Lexile 1070L | Fountas & Pinnell X
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    See Additional Formats
    Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about Christopher Columbus, and learn all about the Taino people. Perfect for fans of the I Survived books and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales.

    In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed across the ocean and discovered America. Right? WRONG! Columbus never actually set foot in what is now the United States. His voyages took him to islands in the Caribbean and along the coast of South America. 

    The truth is, when Columbus first arrived, Indigenous peoples, including the Taino, had been living there for thousands of years, raising their families, running their societies, and trading with their neighbors. He didn’t “discover” the lands at all! And his name? Not even really Christopher Columbus! Cowritten by bestselling author Kate Messner and our country’s premier Taino scholar, this fascinating addition to the series is the one that teachers have been asking for and that kids need to read.

    Discover the nonfiction series that demolishes everything you thought you knew about history. Don’t miss History Smashers: The Mayflower, Women's Right to Vote, and Pearl Harbor.
    Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy books for curious readers. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Coral Reef and Axolotl-Ella, graphic novels like Camp Monster, the popular Ranger in Time and Wildlife Rescue chapter books, and novels like The Trouble with Heroes and All the Answers. Kate lives on Lake Champlain with her family and has climbed all forty-six of the Adirondack High Peaks. View titles by Kate Messner
    Jose Barreiro View titles by Jose Barreiro
    Falynn Koch View titles by Falynn Koch
    "With witty text and entertaining sidebars that add context, this highly illustrated myth-buster will entice reluctant readers and history buffs alike." -School Libray Journal

    About

    Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about Christopher Columbus, and learn all about the Taino people. Perfect for fans of the I Survived books and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales.

    In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed across the ocean and discovered America. Right? WRONG! Columbus never actually set foot in what is now the United States. His voyages took him to islands in the Caribbean and along the coast of South America. 

    The truth is, when Columbus first arrived, Indigenous peoples, including the Taino, had been living there for thousands of years, raising their families, running their societies, and trading with their neighbors. He didn’t “discover” the lands at all! And his name? Not even really Christopher Columbus! Cowritten by bestselling author Kate Messner and our country’s premier Taino scholar, this fascinating addition to the series is the one that teachers have been asking for and that kids need to read.

    Discover the nonfiction series that demolishes everything you thought you knew about history. Don’t miss History Smashers: The Mayflower, Women's Right to Vote, and Pearl Harbor.

    Author

    Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy books for curious readers. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Coral Reef and Axolotl-Ella, graphic novels like Camp Monster, the popular Ranger in Time and Wildlife Rescue chapter books, and novels like The Trouble with Heroes and All the Answers. Kate lives on Lake Champlain with her family and has climbed all forty-six of the Adirondack High Peaks. View titles by Kate Messner
    Jose Barreiro View titles by Jose Barreiro
    Falynn Koch View titles by Falynn Koch

    Praise

    "With witty text and entertaining sidebars that add context, this highly illustrated myth-buster will entice reluctant readers and history buffs alike." -School Libray Journal

    Additional formats

    Other books in this series

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    Books for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Book Covers: 9780241743508 A KIDS BOOK ABOUT PRIDE (DK) 9780593525371 ONE DAY IN JUNE (PYR) 9780593651681 SOL GOES FOR GOAL (RHCB) 9781662620027 ROBIN’S WORLDS (Astra)
    English Language Arts Social Studies & History

    Books for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

    In June we celebrate Pride Month, which honors the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan and highlights the accomplishments of those in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual + (LGBTQIA+) community. Browse our titles that celebrate LGBTQIA+ history, creators, and stories. LGBTQIA+ Elementary Titles

    Read more

    Books for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

    English Language Arts Social Studies & History
    General Education & Professional Learning English Language Arts Social Studies & History

    New Thematic Educator Guide: Teaching Nonfiction

    In 2023, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) published its “Position Statement on the Role of Nonfiction Literature (K–12)“. In it, the organization explains that while nonfiction is a gateway to literacy and a favorite genre for children, it has been traditionally underrepresented in classrooms. Highlighting the genre’s role in addressing scientific knowledge,

    Read more

    New Thematic Educator Guide: Teaching Nonfiction

    General Education & Professional Learning English Language Arts Social Studies & History

    Penguin Random House Elementary Education

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)